Fear after treatment

  • 9 replies
  • 87 subscribers
  • 263 views

Hi

I’m on my second week post treatment (so week 8) and I feel really down. I’m worried the treatment hasn’t worked as my mouth feels the same as it did when I started treatment. My SCC in the roof of my mouth is still there as when I swallow - I can feel it. 

I don’t have emotional support at home as my husband and I have separated - last week he was away and I had my sisters stay with me and I felt a lot calmer. Now he’s back and being his usual self I feel lonely and upset.

3-4 months feels a long wait with nothing to do and nowhere to go! I can’t drive and feel alone / abandoned l. 

  • My SCC in the roof of my mouth is still there as when I swallow - I can feel it. 

    It takes a while for these things to shrink. Then there’s the pain and damage the RT has caused. It takes weeks if not months to feel better. 
    Is there a Maggie’s near your hospital. You could take a taxi and spend time there. They do lots of really useful stuff you could get involved with. The first two or three weeks after treatment end are the worst. You just have to plod on. Watch box sets, sit in the garden wrapped up against the cold. The morning chorus is ramping up and new life is in the air. 
    It will get better. 
    There’s no reason to believe that the treatment has failed. What it has done is knocked you for six. Your body will heal. Your mind will take longer. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • Hi Lorr 0, well done finishing your treatment. it's only natural to worry that the treatment hasn't worked, or it's going to come back, I think almost everyone thinks that at some time. Be reassured the treatment does give vary high cure rates (90%) I remember feeling that the safety net had been pulled from under me, after going to the hospital every day to nothing, it makes you feel alone, however your team are always there for you if you need them, you can phone them if you're worried about anything. We are all here for you too, you can always ask any questions.

    Ray.

  • I am sorry to hear about your relationship. 

    I totally agree with Dani's suggestion of going to a Maggies.  They were a life saver for my wife and I - so kind, understanding and caring.  They don't have to be based at the hospital where you had your treatment any one will look after you.  Alternatively, are there some local cancer support groups where you can drop in for a coffee and chat?

    I slept for most of the first month post treatment and was fortunate to had some voluntary "work" to keep my mind ticking over once I felt strong enough to get out the house. They supported me more than the other way around!

    The waiting is absolute hell.  I think we all agree with that, but as others have said the changes of success are very high.  Hold onto that fact and that you should regain a good quality of life once recovered.

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • I checked your profile and see you are in Bristol.  Alas no Maggies (that surprised me) but there is a charity called Penny Brohn - Penny Brohn UK – Cancer wellbeing for everyone - based in Bristol near Portbury.  Maybe that is an option??

    Peter
    See my profile for more details of my convoluted journey
  • The Swallows head and neck cancer charity. Are really helpful, you can call them anytime to talk to someone

    24/7 Support Line: 07504 725 059

  • Hi sending hugs .sorry to hear about your  relationship breaking up, but try to keep busy trashy box sets were my saviour it’s not unusual to feel abandoned ,as for what seems like months we’ve been seen by drs nurses then wham were thrown out into the wilderness. Treatment continues to work for weeks after we’ve finished so try not to worry about things you've no control over. We’re all here to listen and help,if we can. 

    Wrap,up and a little walk in the fresh air will help if only 100 yards a day it will help lift your spirit. 

    hugs Hazel,x

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • Thanks everyone. I’ve lined up a walk every day this week with different friends. So I aim to have a little time outside and nap while my daughter is at school. I think I felt last week I was able to allow myself to feel ill and then I had to deal with this ‘interloper’ in my home again (my ex works from home). I’ve decided to retreat to my room with the iPad for box sets in the short term. 

  • I had to deal with this ‘interloper’ in my home again (my ex works from home). I’ve decided to retreat to my room with the iPad for box sets in the short term. 

    Oh   that’s absolutely awful! You’ve been so ill and you have a way to go it must be so hard. Can I Grrrrrrrrrrrrr for you? 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • You can - he’s not awful (takes me to treatments and makes tea etc) but I’d rather be with someone who loves me and had that support  x