New to group - trying to deal with psychological stress following treatment

MBW 3 days ago

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Hello,

I am new to the community. About two years ago I was diagnosed with melanoma that had spread to my sentinel lymph node but which was then considered fully treated. I realise now that I have highly stressed in the years since and have become a much more nervous and anxious person. Part of this is a low-grade sense of constant fear that either the cancer will return, or that the cancer wasn't fully stopped at the lymph node and will spread somewhere else... and this is all made worse by a couple of factors: 1) being largely secretive about it because I don't want my kids (both under 10) to find out as I am worried about stressing them out and 2) a sense of "imposter syndrome" when it comes to cancer because melanoma isn't as life-threatening as many others and I am so lucky to have had this caught relatively early. Anyway, it has resulted in all kinds of things where I have noticed that I have begun getting very nervous if I'm around heights, or there's turbulence on an airplane, or that I get quite panicky in confrontational situations-- things which had never before happened. I also feel like these things have been getting worse and that I'm fundamentally not dealing with this experience well.

Has anyone had a similar experience? And can offer advice?

Jabs 3 days ago

hi BMW.
I am at the beginning of my journey so I haven’t experienced what you are experiencing I’m wondering whether you have spoken to anybody about this, like your GP, as it sounds to me like you may have some PTSD. It’s very difficult, difficult because having a cancer diagnosis regardless of whether it is melanoma or a cancer elsewhere it takes its toll, not just physically, but mentally Many of us try to hide it because they try to protect close family members, but often you need to talk. It’s a relief to know that you aren’t the only one with a particular diagnosis and it is also a relief to know that many people come out the other side, But nobody comes out unscathed

It is a lot to take in Treatment can go on for many months I seem to have blocked out the ‘ What might happen’ And I’m trying to take one step at a time, But I have no doubt in my mind that at some point in time there will be some repercussions, which is more than likely going to be my mental health.
Please speak to somebody about it. It can’t do any harm But I’m sure it will do a lot of good, You need to lighten your load You have been through enough and enough is enough You need to look after your mental health as well as your physical health,

be assured you will always find a listening ear on hear. A problem shared is a problem halved. My history is nursing but I am not a doctor and prefer to be a ‘non professional’ on here as my experience of cancer treatment is virtually none. I hope you get some help and I also hope you feel better now you have shared your worries.

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