Just been diagnosed :( so many questions x

Thank you Sarah, I hope I can start to relax a bit more and that i can learn from your words of wisdom. I didn't realise how much of a control freak I actually am until this happened.

Now that I'm nearly half way through my treatment plan I thought I would be more chilled but I keep getting the dreads and I definitely don't want to be like this. I'm such a positive person normaly but do get the odd time when the what ifs seem to consume me. Thanks again Sarah xx

Robin 

Cancer puts us way out of control which is hugely scary. I think that one of the worst things to think is “what if” UNLESS you are putting a positive spin on it and saying “what if I do really well with this.What if I am a success story?”

I am a huge believer in positivity and a good mental attitude affecting physical health. We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we react and deal with it. For example, when I was first diagnosed the first thing I said to myself every day when I woke up was “ I will be well”. That was my mantra and I repeated it all the time to myself. 

When I had the pulmonary embolism and the doctor was astonished I’d survived, I was really calm and just kept the thought in my head “this isn’t it for me”. “It’s not my time”. 

I am not always positive all the time-not by a long way. I have fears and doubts the same as everyone else who has ever had a cancer diagnosis. I have been curled up in a ball with pain, crying and wishing my mum was still here (I’m 60!). 

But I have a partner who is very positive and mentally very strong and some of that must have rubbed off on me! Looking back, I can hardly  believe I went through that surgery but I did because I wanted to live. And having got through all that, I want to make the most of my second chance at life. So I travel, I spend the money, I enjoy everything I can because I know how quickly it can be snatched away. 

Accept the wobbles and the depressing thoughts are a part of life now, but don’t stay with them too long. Focus on the good as much as you can.

Sarah xx

Oh Sarah thank you so much, you have put that so beautifully, just what needed to hear today, you are so right. 

Thank you again, your support has been invaluable.

Best wishes to you

Robin x

I saw my oncologist a couple of weeks ago-my blood tests results were good and my CA125 was 8.9 and my CT scan showed no evidence of cancer.  She discussed brachytherapy with me due to the high grade of my cancer but I felt that having six 100% doses of paclitaxel/carboplatin had reduced my chances of reoccurrence so I did not want any further treatment at this time.  The oncologist had recommended I had the chemotherapy but was quite happy with my decision not to have brachytherapy. I will have a blood test including CA125 and a CT scan with contrast every 3 months for the first three years then every 6 months for two years.  I have been feeling really anxious about aches and pains but reading Dr Peter Harvey’s speech(from the Life after Cancer forum ) has been really helpful.  Many of the things he says are true and relevant whether you have just been diagnosed, are cured or have a chance of reoccurrence.  I didn’t have an MRI scan or x ray and have not had an internal examination since January-post op check up with surgeon, once again showing the differences in views across the country. I am just trying to concentrate on enjoying life, eating healthily(most of the time) and getting my fitness back. 

Take care all xx

Hello Walkinglady

It sounds like you have a good follow up plan in place with plenty of scans and blood tests. I would like to read Dr Peter Harvey's speach, where can I find it please?

Thanks for the update, so pleased for you that everything is on the up and you are moving on with your fitness and healthy eating.

Robin xx

Hi Robin. There may be an easier way of searching for the article but if you put Dr Peter Harvey in the search at the very top of this page and choose ‘anywhere’ or the Life After Cancer forum it should come up.  If you have any problems someone may have the knowledge of how to attach it to a private message for you.  It is quite long so I don’t want to try to attach it here.  Hope this helps. XX

Many thanks I will have a go at finding it.

Hugs Robin xxx

Hi Walkinglady 

Thank you so much for pointing me to the article,  both my husband and I have read it and it was very helpful. He really does put into perspective some of things that I have been feeling.

I found the link that a lady had posted previously when I clicked in the anywhere box at the top of the page after typing in the article title.

Thank you again 

Robin x

Hi Here's a link Life after cancer

Barb xx

. Oops ignore that, this is the correct link After Treatment

Barb xx