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So very disappointed after 4 years NED! I pray you respond well to treatment and experience another long remission. My dr told me at diagnosis that while my cancer was treatable it wasn't curable and that I would have to deal with reoccurrences and more chemo. My mental health has never been the same. I am not handling any of this well. I am 16 months post front line and I feel like I am a ticking time bomb. While I don't have words of wisdom for you I just wanted to share that I understand exactly how you feel and that I am sharing your pain. 

Hi @NovaScotiagirl.  I can't begin to understand the emotional and physical strain of a recurrence however, I think that regardless of where we are in our OVC journey, the toll on our mental wellness cannot be underestimated. I'm still grappling with the concept of lifelong chronic illness and I guess perhaps the way I think about it, as trite as it may seem, is that some people have high blood pressure, while others have diabetes or colitis. Those are lifelong illnesses that come with their own issues and concerns. I don't pretend to imply any of them are equal in terms of impact however, I've tried to understand how these individuals are coping. Are there strategies they use that can help me? Don't get me wrong. I still have my up and down days however, I use it as a grounding tool.

I also have a therapist through PMH in Toronto that I can talk to. I'm sure this has been asked of you and forgive me if so however, do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings and struggles? Someone on a professional level?

Hi @NovaScotiagirl.  I can't begin to understand the emotional and physical strain of a recurrence however, I think that regardless of where we are in our OVC journey, the toll on our mental wellness cannot be underestimated. I'm still grappling with the concept of lifelong chronic illness and I guess perhaps the way I think about it, as trite as it may seem, is that some people have high blood pressure, while others have diabetes or colitis. Those are lifelong illnesses that come with their own issues and concerns. I don't pretend to imply any of them are equal in terms of impact however, I've tried to understand how these individuals are coping. Are there strategies they use that can help me? Don't get me wrong. I still have my up and down days however, I use it as a grounding tool.

I also have a therapist through PMH in Toronto that I can talk to. I'm sure this has been asked of you and forgive me if so however, do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings and struggles? Someone on a professional level?

Hi @NovaScotiagirl.  I can't begin to understand the emotional and physical strain of a recurrence however, I think that regardless of where we are in our OVC journey, the toll on our mental wellness cannot be underestimated. I'm still grappling with the concept of lifelong chronic illness and I guess perhaps the way I think about it, as trite as it may seem, is that some people have high blood pressure, while others have diabetes or colitis. Those are lifelong illnesses that come with their own issues and concerns. I don't pretend to imply any of them are equal in terms of impact however, I've tried to understand how these individuals are coping. Are there strategies they use that can help me? Don't get me wrong. I still have my up and down days however, I use it as a grounding tool.

I also have a therapist through PMH in Toronto that I can talk to. I'm sure this has been asked of you and forgive me if so however, do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings and struggles? Someone on a professional level?

Hi @NovaScotiagirl.  I can't begin to understand the emotional and physical strain of a recurrence however, I think that regardless of where we are in our OVC journey, the toll on our mental wellness cannot be underestimated. I'm still grappling with the concept of lifelong chronic illness and I guess perhaps the way I think about it, as trite as it may seem, is that some people have high blood pressure, while others have diabetes or colitis. Those are lifelong illnesses that come with their own issues and concerns. I don't pretend to imply any of them are equal in terms of impact however, I've tried to understand how these individuals are coping. Are there strategies they use that can help me? Don't get me wrong. I still have my up and down days however, I use it as a grounding tool.

I also have a therapist through PMH in Toronto that I can talk to. I'm sure this has been asked of you and forgive me if so however, do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings and struggles? Someone on a professional level?

@NovaScotiagirl There is a group of us around Halifax that regularly get together for a craft night, backyard pizza party, pool party etc. We are there for each other and chat about everything from daily life to cancer treatments. I am sure we will have a get-together during the summer. We would love for you to attend!

Hi @NovaScotiagirl.  I can't begin to understand the emotional and physical strain of a recurrence however, I think that regardless of where we are in our OVC journey, the toll on our mental wellness cannot be underestimated. I'm still grappling with the concept of lifelong chronic illness and I guess perhaps the way I think about it, as trite as it may seem, is that some people have high blood pressure, while others have diabetes or colitis. Those are lifelong illnesses that come with their own issues and concerns. I don't pretend to imply any of them are equal in terms of impact however, I've tried to understand how these individuals are coping. Are there strategies they use that can help me? Don't get me wrong. I still have my up and down days however, I use it as a grounding tool.

I also have a therapist through PMH in Toronto that I can talk to. I'm sure this has been asked of you and forgive me if so however, do you have anyone you can talk to about your feelings and struggles? Someone on a professional level?

Novascotiagirl,

There are many wise & supportive posts by our Teal Sisters in this thread. I want you to know that I share your grief and sadness; I am sure that we all do. This is the hardest challenge I have ever encountered and it has brought a tsunami of tears. It is hard to accept, given that I was in great health, newly retired, and looking forward to some travel adventures. And I can understand that it is even more difficult to accept a recurrence, after a period of good health. We understand and we support you. 

I also understand that opening up to a counsellor can make one feel more vulnerable, especially to those big emotions and scary thoughts. As others have said, finding a good fit with either some peer support or professional counselling can actually relieve the burden of carrying all this inside. For me, it was too much to bear and I obtained free counselling here in BC through the Cancer Agency. It has helped. 

If you don't feel ready for that, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help externalize the pain you feel. I joined an art therapy group online (no cost again) and that has also helped me come to terms with this awful affliction. Wellspring or Inspire Health are 2 amazing online programs that provide all kinds of free services, including 1-1 counselling, support groups, art therapy groups and health-related support. I utilize everything I can because I needed a variety of outlets for this pain. 

Sending you a virtual hug,

Leslie 

Novascotiagirl,

There are many wise & supportive posts by our Teal Sisters in this thread. I want you to know that I share your grief and sadness; I am sure that we all do. This is the hardest challenge I have ever encountered and it has brought a tsunami of tears. It is hard to accept, given that I was in great health, newly retired, and looking forward to some travel adventures. And I can understand that it is even more difficult to accept a recurrence, after a period of good health. We understand and we support you. 

I also understand that opening up to a counsellor can make one feel more vulnerable, especially to those big emotions and scary thoughts. As others have said, finding a good fit with either some peer support or professional counselling can actually relieve the burden of carrying all this inside. For me, it was too much to bear and I obtained free counselling here in BC through the Cancer Agency. It has helped. 

If you don't feel ready for that, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help externalize the pain you feel. I joined an art therapy group online (no cost again) and that has also helped me come to terms with this awful affliction. Wellspring or Inspire Health are 2 amazing online programs that provide all kinds of free services, including 1-1 counselling, support groups, art therapy groups and health-related support. I utilize everything I can because I needed a variety of outlets for this pain. 

Sending you a virtual hug,

Leslie 

Hello @NovaScotiagirl Vicki
I agree with @LeslieA - I'm in several Wellspring classes that I do online and they are a huge help to me!  I do meditation; breath work; music therapy and art and it's SO nice to connect with others, even though it is online.
I'm single as well and it is challenging not having a partner to lean on for support.  Not sure if you have kids?  I do rely on my Son and my Mom to help me and will turn to my friends for encouraging words on the darker days.  

It's really important to have a few trusted people in your circle...I hope you have that :) 
Also there is a Teal Tea through OCC - there are 2 next week.  Teal Tea for everyone is May 27...maybe I'll see you online for that!

Novascotiagirl,

There are many wise & supportive posts by our Teal Sisters in this thread. I want you to know that I share your grief and sadness; I am sure that we all do. This is the hardest challenge I have ever encountered and it has brought a tsunami of tears. It is hard to accept, given that I was in great health, newly retired, and looking forward to some travel adventures. And I can understand that it is even more difficult to accept a recurrence, after a period of good health. We understand and we support you. 

I also understand that opening up to a counsellor can make one feel more vulnerable, especially to those big emotions and scary thoughts. As others have said, finding a good fit with either some peer support or professional counselling can actually relieve the burden of carrying all this inside. For me, it was too much to bear and I obtained free counselling here in BC through the Cancer Agency. It has helped. 

If you don't feel ready for that, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help externalize the pain you feel. I joined an art therapy group online (no cost again) and that has also helped me come to terms with this awful affliction. Wellspring or Inspire Health are 2 amazing online programs that provide all kinds of free services, including 1-1 counselling, support groups, art therapy groups and health-related support. I utilize everything I can because I needed a variety of outlets for this pain. 

Sending you a virtual hug,

Leslie 

Hello @NovaScotiagirl Vicki
I agree with @LeslieA - I'm in several Wellspring classes that I do online and they are a huge help to me!  I do meditation; breath work; music therapy and art and it's SO nice to connect with others, even though it is online.
I'm single as well and it is challenging not having a partner to lean on for support.  Not sure if you have kids?  I do rely on my Son and my Mom to help me and will turn to my friends for encouraging words on the darker days.  

It's really important to have a few trusted people in your circle...I hope you have that :) 
Also there is a Teal Tea through OCC - there are 2 next week.  Teal Tea for everyone is May 27...maybe I'll see you online for that!

Novascotiagirl,

There are many wise & supportive posts by our Teal Sisters in this thread. I want you to know that I share your grief and sadness; I am sure that we all do. This is the hardest challenge I have ever encountered and it has brought a tsunami of tears. It is hard to accept, given that I was in great health, newly retired, and looking forward to some travel adventures. And I can understand that it is even more difficult to accept a recurrence, after a period of good health. We understand and we support you. 

I also understand that opening up to a counsellor can make one feel more vulnerable, especially to those big emotions and scary thoughts. As others have said, finding a good fit with either some peer support or professional counselling can actually relieve the burden of carrying all this inside. For me, it was too much to bear and I obtained free counselling here in BC through the Cancer Agency. It has helped. 

If you don't feel ready for that, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help externalize the pain you feel. I joined an art therapy group online (no cost again) and that has also helped me come to terms with this awful affliction. Wellspring or Inspire Health are 2 amazing online programs that provide all kinds of free services, including 1-1 counselling, support groups, art therapy groups and health-related support. I utilize everything I can because I needed a variety of outlets for this pain. 

Sending you a virtual hug,

Leslie 

Novascotiagirl,

There are many wise & supportive posts by our Teal Sisters in this thread. I want you to know that I share your grief and sadness; I am sure that we all do. This is the hardest challenge I have ever encountered and it has brought a tsunami of tears. It is hard to accept, given that I was in great health, newly retired, and looking forward to some travel adventures. And I can understand that it is even more difficult to accept a recurrence, after a period of good health. We understand and we support you. 

I also understand that opening up to a counsellor can make one feel more vulnerable, especially to those big emotions and scary thoughts. As others have said, finding a good fit with either some peer support or professional counselling can actually relieve the burden of carrying all this inside. For me, it was too much to bear and I obtained free counselling here in BC through the Cancer Agency. It has helped. 

If you don't feel ready for that, writing out your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help externalize the pain you feel. I joined an art therapy group online (no cost again) and that has also helped me come to terms with this awful affliction. Wellspring or Inspire Health are 2 amazing online programs that provide all kinds of free services, including 1-1 counselling, support groups, art therapy groups and health-related support. I utilize everything I can because I needed a variety of outlets for this pain. 

Sending you a virtual hug,

Leslie