Survivor guilt? Worry about tempting fate?

Hi Mike. That’s a really lovely post and it will give encouragement to those just starting out on treatment and indeed recovery so don’t feel guilty about sharing your story. 
I like to share this essay by psychologist Peter Harvey for those in recovery to read. You might find it resonates with your survivor guilt. 
Best of luck for your future recovery and long life … and thank you 

www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/.../After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Hi Mike great post it’s what others who are to follow will appreciate. The Peter Harvey article helped me all the way along recivery and I still read it now occasionally.
m hugs Hazel xx. 

Hi Mike, thanks for much for posting this. I have been worrying that my reasonably good recovery to date is maybe a bad sign. Don't get me wrong, it has been brutal but I am 9 weeks post treatment (right tonsil, SCC) and it's going relatively well. Managed to eat throughout treatment (did go down to Ensure drinks, soups and shakes during the worst times) so didn't use the PEG (which is being removed tomorrow). I am not back to normal eating wise but did manage a rib eye steak last week! Have lots of other issues (dry mouth, mucus etc) but have restarted my gym membership and was wondering about getting back to running. You've inspired me to maybe think about redoing a beginners course in the New Year.  Saw my ENT consultant on Friday who did the scope and put me forward for MRI scan so guessing he felt I was sufficiently healed to do so. I had the MRI today (hospital called me yesterday with a cancellation appointment)... so now have the agonising wait for results. I suddenly feel quite nervous... Have asked my Macmillan Nurse for an update on when I might get the results.  Feels weird to think that someone somewhere knows whether I still have cancer or not... eek! 

Hi Mike

What a great post. It is so good to hear from people like yourself who have had such a fantastic outcome. Don't feel guilty, you have been through the treatment and won the T shirt. It is so good to hear that you are back on track and enjoying your life to the full again. You deserve it as does everyone who goes through this tough treatment.

Wishing you ongoing good health and a fantastic life.

Lyn

Hi Mike 

1. i really like your post . It makes me feel better and hopefully I can get back to normal in the near future . I am 5 weeks post radio therapy and had 2 ops after was diagnosed in April with  tongue cancer . Starting to eat but have a very dry mouth and my taste is not good . So I am just taking day by day and hopefully it will come back slowly. 

Ccolbeck said:

have a very dry mouth and my taste is not good .

Both will improve, honest. 
Chewing sugar free gum and Auricular acupuncture were my salvation. 

Thank you I will give it a go x

Thanks for this post, I'm off tomorrow for my first consult post initial diagnosis, head full of questions, mind full of doubts and issues. The tunnel looks long from here, but I'm sure there is a light at the end and reading this just confirms.

BL755 said:

head full of questions,

Write them down. Do two copies and give one to your consultant. Tick them off as you go through. Make sure you understand. Don’t worry you’re not wasting anybody’s time. Take an another person to be an extra pair of ears and a head to remember what you miss. Make sure you have your CNS contact details. 
Good luck and let us know how it goes. 

Mike I really identify with this!  I'm nearly one year out of treatment and back to my old self apart from dry mouth, the pesky swallowing exercises and Duraphat toothpaste.  I have to touch wood when I tell people that I'm fine. I'm so pleased you're OK. Your post will give strength to people going through diagnosis and treatment. Stay well! 

Love,  Catriona