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Talking Frankly about Living with Advanced Cancer

Cancer | Last Active: Jun 18, 2023 | Replies (508)

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@odette

Dear naturegirl5, I wrote to you when you first joined the group. I'm glad to see that you are doing well. Like you, I don't post very often. However, I noticed your comment about your worries regarding a recurrence or secondary cancer. I would imagine all of us share those concerns, perhaps for a lifetime. Although I would say, as time goes on it does seem less burdensome emotionally on a daily basis. Most of us experience anxiety prior to an appointment. I had one in October and my blood pressure was sky high when normally it is quite low (they have me monitor it at home). I'm always completely elated when it is all over and my husband and I celebrate. Then I turn my attention to my life, my loved ones, and dear friends (I don't have a pet as I travel too much, but I had dogs for years). I'm certain your appointment will go well in February, but I truly understand your feelings. Be well.

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Replies to "Dear naturegirl5, I wrote to you when you first joined the group. I'm glad to see..."

Hello Odette, Thank you for your warm response and encouraging comments. Yes, I recall your kind note when I joined the group. My partner (a pathologist) often tells me that the chance of recurrence is very minimal given the grade (FIGO 1) and stage (1a) and no signs anywhere else. That's the reality. But you know how that is - there is reality and then there is anxiety that often has a limited basis in reality. The worries come and go and I'm hopeful, as you wrote, that the anxiety will lessen over time. Like you, I don't dwell on the cancer (but it's often in the back of my mind) and focus on what is most important in life: my family, our animals (we have a geriatric dog who requires more sensitivity and supervision), close friends, and my rewarding part-time work as a psychologist. How are you doing, Odette?