Anxiety but in remission

Hi

i finished treatment April 2nd 2025. PET Scan and MRI clear in September.  First follow up appointment will be November.  
Anxiety is there everyday.  Struggle to focus and my only saving grace is sleep.  But I’d sleep the day away  if I could. 

however, daily walks, talking and trying to help others has really kept me going.  As well as a few books!  

I also chat to others who go through the same thing so you’re not alone.

Thank-you so much , 

Robinredbreast said:

are any of you having this issue or am I going mad.

No but you are likely suffering from PTSD. A lot of us do and it's hardly surprising considering what our bodies and our minds go through. As you're finding out the body heals quickly but the mind not so. Counselling would back up your meds, it really would so see if you can channel some of that energy into finding something out there. You may have to pay for it unfortunately but get yourself on your GPs list for whatever is available on the NHS, despite an interminable waiting list.There are free support groups.

There may be a Swallows local to you https://theswallows.org.uk/ and it's worth checking out Maggie's https://www.maggies.org/  The Mouth Cancer Foundation https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/support/ scroll down the page and you will find a link to their private  F B page. They run a weekly Zoom meeting which is truly worth joining.

Finally have a read of a psychologist's view of cancer recovery. There are some real gems there After Treatment Finishes....Then What?

There you have a few avenues to pursue and remember, these felling do subside, things do get better with time. Some of us need a little extra help and it is there.

Thank you I dont feel so alone will speak to doctor today 

Hang on. It’s a fight but you’ll get there. 

It's normal to be anxious after what has happened to us, the treatment gives our bodies a real hammering and this takes a long time to get over physically and mentally. This anxiety will get less as time goes by, and you learn what your new normal is. The checkups are very reassuring, always discuss your worries when you see your consultant. Try not to rush things, it all takes time, but you will get there. Like Dani says the Swallows is a great charity with lots of help, and 24 hours helpline.

24/7 Support Line: 07504 725 059

Ray.

Hi Robinredbreast. It is normal to feel some level of concern and anxiety after what you have been through. Everyone copes differently and the worry about cancer returning is always with us but it does recede into the background over time. My last op was in 2022 and over time the concern has definitely become less although if I have a niggle it does raise it's head again. I have been re-assured several times by my surgeon when I have contacted him about a concern. 

For me my strategies for moving forward have included developing mindfulness where I become completely involved in an activity that I enjoy so I can't think about anything else. I am retired so decided to become involved in purposeful activities that I enjoy. I thought carefully about it and decided that I would no longer just 'be busy' but find activities that made me feel good about myself. Consequently I started volunteering at my local library. I find it very soothing shelving books and become completely immersed in the job. I also joined a Scrabble group. Can't think about anything else when trying to come up with the best word to get the highest score.  Lap swimming is great too although there is more time to think when swimming those laps but exercise is good for your mental health. I find having a plan helps me feel in control of my life when there are so many others things such as cancer that are out of my control.

Take stock, try and calm your mind and stop rushing around and start thinking about what will make you feel good about yourself. What are your interests and work on them. There are some good relaxation tapes out there that can help too and definitely some professional help can make all the difference. 

Best wishes

Lyn

Beesuit

can I ask how long it took for your taste to come back after RT finished and how much did it come back ie 80% or more.

just finishing 6 weeks RT on saliva gland tomorrow and taste gone completely.

Thanks

Andy

Hi Andrew. Six months but now it’s 90%

Thank you, that’s quite re-assuring.  Food and entertaining form a large part of my life so I was hoping for positive feedback.