struggling

Hi emmak , sorry you are feeling anxious and alone. I can tell you that many of us feel anxious - and in my case, my anxiety seemed to hit a peak at around a year post diagnosis. I think this is actually quite common. I wonder if, up till then, we’ve been to some extent running on adrenaline from the shock of a cancer diagnosis, and as that slowly wears off, the anxiety comes knocking. Or maybe the initial relief that the cancer is treatable (obviously only if that is the case), gets taken over by the fear of it coming back/ spreading. And then there’s the side effects of any adjuvant treatments, in my case hormone therapy (Anastrozole). Either way, in the long run I have found contact with others with cancer essential. I contacted my nearest Maggie’s centre, an hours drive away. When I eventually plucked up the courage to go, I just burst into tears the minute I was greeted there. I sat and talked with the lovely nurse, and looked at the possible sessions that I was eligible for. I did weekly sessions of ear acupuncture to help with the hot flushes from the Anastrozole, for a six week block. The sessions were like an oasis in my week, they helped as much with my anxiety as with the hot flushes. And I met a lovely little group of other hormonally deranged women! I’m still in touch with two of them, nearly 6 years later. I was also able to join a local group called WeCan, which is a weekly exercise class near me for anyone who has had cancer. The coffee session afterwards is as important as the exercise. 
I’d also recommend reading an article by Dr Peter Harvey called something like After the treatment finishes, what next? I can’t post a link but it will come up if you search. 
There’s also a telephone helpline here. 
And Future Dreams in Kings Cross, London, has lots of in person and online sessions. It’s a lovely place for support. 
Sending love and a big virtual hug your way, please know that your reaction is normal and you’re not alone while you’re in touch with us all here. HFxx

Hi, sorry you're feeling like this, but I think many of us feel scared after cancer treatment.   You might want to call the lovely people here at Macmillan who can offer a listening ear, some advice snd even recommend counselling. You can reach them on 0800 808 0000 every day from 8am to 8pm. Best wishes 

That link that HappyFeet1 talked about? I’ll find it for you 

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

hugs xxx

Morning,

I am so sorry to hear you feel alone and anxious, I am 8 months post diagnosis and feel exactly the same so please know you are not alone. I have already taken the advice of HappyFeet and have booked on sessions provided by my local Macmillian unit but I am seriously considering contacting my nearest Maggie's centre having heard such good things about them. Even booking on the sessions eased my anxiety slightly and made me feel less alone.

I know you messaged the forum for support and I haven't really offered any but seeing your post on here made me realise I am not alone and what I am feeling is really common.

I hope that makes sense, sorry i feel my post is written clumsily (being anxious about writing I am doubting myself :)) but please know if nothing else you are not on your own on this journey.

Thank you so much for posting this. I had my surgery in Dec last year.  I am really struggling with depression. This information is extremely helpful