Hubby just finished treatment for tonsil cancer and I think I have PTSD- struggling to cope.

TBH, it is possible.. many of us have mood swings, and moments of anxiety after treatment.. treatment can be brutal and traumatic, and can be just as hard on those that have to watch us go through it.. Maybe you should see your doctor and tell him of your situation.. there is help out there if you need it.. 

John (63) 

Can’t give you my cancer designation right now, as it seems fashionable? 6 days into the recovery period after r/c therapy. 2 weeks of a difficult recovery apparently ,and they generally know what they are talking about, but we all differ in how it affects us. No more bombardment with X rays or cytotoxic drugs.  Us patients don’t always get how it effects loved ones. My partner burst into tears with me at the GP and it dawned on me. Mention to your GP and say exactly what you have said here, tell her that it feels like you might have PTSD, and why you feel that way. She should recognise this  and get you a way to hold things together by therapy and anything to allow you to cope.

Keep strong and bless you all: Adult, littl’ns and young canines included , you are going to make it!

Hi there NicNac, so sorry you find yourself here with us but welcome  

My husband also had a pretty traumatic experience whilst going through treatment and was hospitalised 3 weeks in due to an extreme high temperature where he was diagnosed with diverticulitis. He spent the last 3 weeks of treatment in hospital and I bought him home the day his treatment finished. 

im not going to lie hon, recovery was harder than the treatment. It’s been a slog all the way through and at 12 weeks when everybody seemed to suggest that things should be so much better, he was probably at his worst.

i didn’t have children to look after but 3 giant fluffy dogs, one who had had cruciate knee ligament surgery 2 weeks before hubbys treatment started. A 75kg dog who could only just about hobble on 3 legs, another who had to have his bits removed in the middle of treatment for medical reasons and the third who constantly had ear infections. I felt like I was going out of my mind.

Oh and the anxiety and fear are just dreadful aren’t they. I was monitoring his temp 3 times a day, the doctor came out twice during recovery and dished out more antibiotics… we all agreed he’d be better off home than being readmitted to hospital.

i hadn’t found this site at the time … boy I wish I had !! The advice, empathy and just the ability to be able to chat to people who have all been through the dreadful cancer battle is just such a relief. There are sufferers on here as well as carers and they all have something to contribute.

Friends and family, if you have them, are great but they don’t really understand, they can’t. It’s a truly awful journey but one you will get through … it seems to take forever but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

My hubbys journey is on my profile page, take a look if you want to.

There is always somebody here who will help you if they can. Stay with us and don’t ever feel you can’t ask a question or just vent when you need to. It’s a truly awful experience for both sufferer and carer. 

Take care hon and seek outside help if you need it. If you have trouble sleeping, there is the Awake club that many very kind folk contribute to, it can be a real help at times when sleep eludes you.

Big hugs Debbie xxx

PTSD is pretty common, the treatment is difficult to deal with for both patients and loved ones/carers, I was looking pretty grim at times during chemoradiotherapy, had to be admitted to hospital for some time, I told my wife that it was for the best, asked her to make sure that she took time to do her normal things socially, going to activities, mixing and speaking with her family, friends and other acquaintances.

You need an outlet to let off steam....this forum is very helpful in that respect.

Hello NicNac 

Sorry to hear you are feeling this way! I was very much the same and it does get easier.

My partner was diagnosed with T3N0M0 Larynx SCC back in November last year and it was horrendous! He finished 6 weeks of radiotherapy with 2 doses of cisplatin and I really did look after him. It was hard at times! He finished his treatment mid December and was NED in February and ever since then I was a nervous wreck! Crying all the time, constantly anxious! I finally reached out to the doctor and if I’m honest did get some antidepressants (which I am still taking) but I do feel much better in myself now. 

I still get very anxious every time he is due a check up (he has one next Tuesday and I can feel myself getting more anxious by the day) This will be he’s 10 month check up! I also get nervous when he coughs. Strains his voice etc.

I know my story doesn’t help you but you are not alone. This group is very supportive so please stay with us. 

Lianne 

Thank you x

Hi Debbie, so sorry I didn’t reply. Hubby is doing well with his recovery, I’ve gone back to work but I’m feeling completely broken and don’t know how to take back some control . Have a telephone appointment with doc next week. Hope you and your hubby are doing ok xxx

Thank you, so sorry my only just replying. Sending hugs xx