Life after treatment

Hi Sam. Good news that you’re clear. Some of us can put this awful stuff out of the way and get on. Others, like me do worry so I understand hiw you feel. BUT it does get better. Have a read if this article by psychologist Peter Harvey. It sums up just how we feel 

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

it’s easy to think that everything is cancer but a heck of a lot of worry disappears if you can trust your team to look after you. I’ve made two unscheduled visits to my oncologist and he has assured me that I’ve done the right thing in alerting him. He’d rather be looking at something that’s not cancer and putting my mind at rest. So if you have a niggle get in touch with your CNS and cut the worry. 
Don’t ever return to Google. That way madness lies. 
Remember. Our cancers respond very well to treatment and recurrence is small. 
I used to live just outside Kendal. The lakes are a beautiful place. You’re lucky to live in such gorgeous surroundings. 
Best wishes 

PS. Where are you? I’d love to pop up to say hello next time Stan and I are up there seeing the relatives. PM me if you’d rather not say in open forum. 

Hi Sam great news onwards and upwards Why not stick around in here we all help each other. I’m little Miss   Ray  of sunshine I’m lucky I honestly don’t ever think if it coming back but do understand your fear our mottos one life live it . The last 2 years for you will have been extremely hard with covid never mind  cancer.
hugs Hazel here’s to a great summer season for you.
xx. 

Hi Sam

I'm so pleased to read your mri scans and follow up appts are clear.

I can only really echo what Dani and Hazel have said.  Personally, I don't worry about recurrence.  I might have done pre-cancer but my diagnosis and treatment have altered my outlook somewhat so I don't tend to dwell on things I can't do anything about.  I'm vigilant and know that I can contact my team if I'm at all concerned about anything.  Plus the prognosis for our cancer is very good.

I do remember you posting a while back when you said you felt alone despite the support of your family and wonder whether you might benefit from some counselling?  Or finding a support group where people can relate to your anxieties? And of course you'll find plenty of support and understanding on this forum.

Sounds really beautiful where you are - a destination for  us maybe for a couple of nights?

All the best.

Linda x

.

Hi Sam

I understand your anxiety about a possible cancer recurrence as I am sure that most of us that have been affected by cancer do. We are all different and all respond differently to a life changing experience.

It can make you re-evaluate your life and no longer take it for granted.

As time goes on the anxiety does lessen but I must admit it is always in the back of my mind but much further back than it was. I decided that instead of continually worrying and wasting time to instead enjoy each and every day and be thankful for it. I make plans for the future and what I want to do as I don’t want to miss out on anything. I can now list so many things both big and small that I have done since my first diagnosis in 2013.

If you can, find something you really enjoy doing concentrate on that as it is hard to worry when you are doing something that really occupies you. The mind finds it hard to concentrate on two things at once.

If the anxiety becomes too much please seek help from a counsellor or even a short course of anti-depressants from your doctor. It isn’t a sign of weakness to seek help.

Wishing you all the best,  you are not alone in this journey.

Lyn