Worries about reocurrance - share your story with me
Recently I was at the cancer clinic for check-up. During the rectal exam the doctor could feel lumps in my bowel. She told me not to go home and worry but that I was to have a CT scan and return for another checkup in a month. I was scheduled for a colonoscopy later that week (due to constipation problems). After the procedure I was diagnosed with a healthy bowel.
Though I tried not to worry, I think subconsciously I was thinking "what if". I think even though I have done really well (1 year 7 months post chemo), a tiny part of me in the back of my brain cannot help but worry about a reoccurance. Especially, when normal health problems crop up. Fortunately everything turned out ok, but I am left with a throbbing headache today after all of that go ahead last week. So, I am just going to take a day for me, drink some tea, do some knitting, and relish in the thought that after all I have been through, I am ok.
Though I tried not to worry, I think subconsciously I was thinking "what if". I think even though I have done really well (1 year 7 months post chemo), a tiny part of me in the back of my brain cannot help but worry about a reoccurance. Especially, when normal health problems crop up. Fortunately everything turned out ok, but I am left with a throbbing headache today after all of that go ahead last week. So, I am just going to take a day for me, drink some tea, do some knitting, and relish in the thought that after all I have been through, I am ok.
2
Comments
I'm going to review this webinar again:
I found it very helpful.
I recently went for my final checkup at the cancer centre, I’ve been in remission for five years and now it’s protocol for them to return me to the care of my family doctor. Even though this was an incredibly joyful moment, fear of recurrence remains an extremely difficult issue for me. Sometimes I have a terrible fear of being rediagnosed or ending up back at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Every checkup, test, or change in how my body feels still causes anxiety. The positive news is that after so many years I think I’ve become somewhat better at coping with the day-to-day apprehension and uncertainty that comes with being a cancer survivor.
Fear of recurrence, hypervigilence over all the aches and pains in the body and tests are all very common. There is a great book called "Picking Up the Pieces" by Kathy Scalzo and Sherri Magee. This book addresses how to move forward after cancer and pick up the pieces of your life again in a constructive way. You may find it helpful.
Since last post I had a tension headache that lasted 12 days. I went to emergency and they gave me something to break the cycle of pain and sent me for a scan on my brain because of my history. All was clear thank heavens. I also had the cat scan the gyne oncologist ordered. It was clear too. BIG SIGH OF RELIEF.
It's funny though, outwardly I don't worry. I must be doing it subconsciously. At any rate, I am back at the cancer clinic tomorrow for a follow-up appointment. I am hoping I won't have to go back for spell. Wish me luck!
Thanks for checking in on my! I am taking steps to deal with the anxiety and the stuff I think I buried in the back of my mind. I am going to see a therapist and hopefully process the ordeal.
My follow-up appointment went well and I don't have to go back for another four months. THank heavens! Now that all of that is over I feel much better.
Thank you @JaneWest I’m filled with gratitude for making it five years and I see the world in a different way than I did before my cancer journey. My thoughts are with you and I can empathize with what it’s like to have a bowel obstruction. In 2012 while I was going through chemo I had an obstruction that was caused by scarring and adhesion of my bowel. I spent seven weeks in the hospital and it ultimately required some surgery.
@Jackie and @JaneWest Both of you know what i am talking about! Glad things worked out. Keep up the positive attitude!
https://cancerchat.desouzainstitute.com/calendar
I attended this session a while ago and it was very helpful to cope with stress, address emotions and promote recovery.
back. I can’t stomach the thought of stepping back in the cancer centre again already. 😢 (just finished chemo May 7:18)
https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/quick-guides/what-is-a-healthy-weight
It says between 128-168 for 5'9". I am told to get protein into me. I have a large appetite, possibly from steroids but I try to get protein into me. Depending on which province you are in there are free services with a dietitian. I have provided the link.
https://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Find-A-Dietitian/Search-for-a-Dietitian.aspx
Forget doctors with diets as they are not trained to deal with it. I do not bother my doctor with food issues.
Good luck.
If you are continuing to lose weight quickly, still feel exhausted and feel you are not having improvements in your health post surgery, push for an appointment to address your concerns.
And yes, as @CurlyHair mentioned, it is possible to access free services with a dietitian through your cancer centre.
You can also find some good resources on past webinars at this link below:
http://ovariancanada.org/Events-Support/Go-Online-for-Support
Click on the webinar series and scroll down to review.
Hope you are having a good day today and we look forward to connecting with you around the chat site.
I recently had a checkup and all is well. I have graduated to appointments every six months. So far so good for me. I am in good health and taking care of my mind body and soul.