1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Dec 6, 2018

It's extremely difficult to face the fact of recurring cancers. After treatments we try and get away from it all and live our life. Then along comes another CT scan or PET scan and POW, you have to face another cancer. My reaction was developing PTSD.

You can read what I wrote in my blog: https://my20yearscancer.com/blog/
How do we cope? How do we react? What do we do?
How have you all reacted to another cancer? Or the possibility of another one? Has your "already compromised" mental health been able to deal with it? How? Or not?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer: Managing Symptoms Support Group.

bjh369 | @bjh369 | Jan 12, 2019
In reply to @jeanadair123 "That is very interesting what you said. I have had 3 cancers and although one try’s..." + (show)
@jeanadair123

That is very interesting what you said. I have had 3 cancers and although one try’s to live one life there is always a fear each time you have an mri or Ct. I recently went to a new doctor the other day as I have always been so positive and happy lately I don’t seem to be my normal self it’s hard to explain, my doctor who also has had cancer asked if I feel that the things that used to do to make me happy do not anymore. Boy did he hit the nail on the head. He said it is normal to feel anxiety and a little depressed after all I have been through. Finally someone who understands. Just to let you know you are it alone.

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I've noticed since my surgery, radiation & first round of chemo...like you said, the things that I use to like to do just don't do it for me anymore. And especially the foods I use to like just don't taste the same:(

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karendb | @karendb | Jan 12, 2019

That's how it is for me too. My taste buds are starting to come back but still don't have an appetite and it's been almost 4 weeks since my chemo has ended. Also I have neuropathy in my hands and feet so it's almost impossible to do anything like writing or knitting. So my day is spent watching tv or going on my iPad. Such a sad existence. I wish you all the best and I guess good words of advice hang in there. It will get better with time.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 12, 2019

@bjh369- This can often happen with certain chemos. You taste will return to normal in the future. Chemos can also make you feel very tired. Here is my blog post about that
https://my20yearscancer.com/chemotherapy-cocktail/

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karendb | @karendb | Jan 12, 2019

I think now it's the fatigue that's getting to me. I still have literally no energy and it's been almost 4 weeks since my last and final chemo.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 12, 2019
In reply to @karendb "I think now it's the fatigue that's getting to me. I still have literally no energy..." + (show)
@karendb

I think now it's the fatigue that's getting to me. I still have literally no energy and it's been almost 4 weeks since my last and final chemo.

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@karendb- Fatigue takes quite a while to dissipate. After my chemo of 16 weeks for my lung cancer it took me a year to feel "normal"- or my new normal. It takes a long time for the damage that the chemicals, whose goal was killing your cells to finish their job and leave your body. The effects of chemo continues because the chemicals don't just stop working on your last day. They continue to work until your body has broken them down so that they can then get flushed away. Remember to continue to drink lots of water to help this. While you are resting on your chair do you think that you'd be able to do some simple chair exercises?

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1 reply
karendb | @karendb | Jan 12, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@karendb- Fatigue takes quite a while to dissipate. After my chemo of 16 weeks for my..." + (show)
@merpreb

@karendb- Fatigue takes quite a while to dissipate. After my chemo of 16 weeks for my lung cancer it took me a year to feel "normal"- or my new normal. It takes a long time for the damage that the chemicals, whose goal was killing your cells to finish their job and leave your body. The effects of chemo continues because the chemicals don't just stop working on your last day. They continue to work until your body has broken them down so that they can then get flushed away. Remember to continue to drink lots of water to help this. While you are resting on your chair do you think that you'd be able to do some simple chair exercises?

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Hi. Thank you for replying. Yes I would welcome any type of exercise tips. I've started walking 200 steps 3 times a day.

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 12, 2019
In reply to @karendb "Hi. Thank you for replying. Yes I would welcome any type of exercise tips. I've started..." + (show)
@karendb

Hi. Thank you for replying. Yes I would welcome any type of exercise tips. I've started walking 200 steps 3 times a day.

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@karendb- Are you doing this inside of the house? Have you ever done weights before?

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karendb | @karendb | Jan 12, 2019

Hi again. Yes I'm pretty much house bound and no I've never done weights.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 12, 2019

Karen- Let me investigate which exercises I'd recommend- I'll get back to you

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