When treatment ends

So sorry to hear all you’ve been through. Is there a cancer charity in your area?  Some offer counselling as well as workshops.  Our local unit has a moving on course run by the MacMillan bc nurses but you can also go to the Breast Cancer Now website and see if there is a “Moving Forward” course near you.  I found online workshops with Look Good, Feel Better have helped me think through hair/body changes and to think more positively about how I might look (and the fact that I might even want to go out!) at some point… if you had private treatment through an insurer it might be worth asking if they offer any kind of telephone counselling.  I don’t think people mean to be insensitive but they don’t understand or I think sometimes they are scared and just have to talk over it. 

I’m so sorry you’ve been through so much and feel so bereft. There’s an excellent article by Dr Peter Harvey which I’ve (hopefully) got a link to https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

I think you’d benefit from reading it, so much rings true. 

Hugs xxx

You are not alone!! You tell them what you’ve been through, they sympathise then forget which I guess is quite normal. People don’t like to dwell on your ailment but when family don’t ask how you are or can’t see when you’re feeling ‘'off’ that’s when I get really upset (privately)…you’ve got US!Xx

Hello,

You are not alone, I feel exactly the same.

diagnosed in Feb and have spent most of the year going through chemo/surgery/radiotherapy which finished mid November.

Now people just say oh well done, you smashed it and it’s all over now. I know they are just trying to be nice but for me I don’t feel like it’s all over.

I’m left emotionally scarred, tired and cry nearly every day. I am starting letrozole & Zoladex in Jan for 5-10 years and dreading side effects. I guess people who haven’t been through what we have just don’t realize the impact it has on our bodies & minds.

I have just downloaded the Calm app to use for some relaxation & mindfulness techniques. Not something I usually go for, but will try anything to put me in a better state of mind.

I am likening this to grief and hoping that while having had cancer will always be a part of my life. The sad feelings will gradually fade away and each month/year will get easier.

I guess people just want to put a positive slant on all of it which is lovely ….. but they have no idea 

best wishes xx 

Know exactly how you feel. Friends jokingly say “Great! You coming out now?” I know they mean well but just because your oncologist says “live your life” does switch those moments round to “IM CURED!” There’s a big adjusting period so take each day at a time. I’ve noticed my body after finishing my treatment in early November is better than it was but not there yet. I wish you well xx