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Emotional health after cancer: How are you doing really?
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Mar 30 8:05pm | Replies (257)Comment receiving replies
First you are a very excellent writer and I share your thoughts. After going through VAT surgery a few weeks ago I am slowly feeling better. I had a follow up with the surgeon and I don't need chemo now and that was very helpful. Throughout the entire process I have not heard an encouraging word. I first began my journey at Mayo and then had surgery in Chicago to be near my family. I no longer read the information on the internet as it is too depressing. The health care providers are so accustomed to dealing with cancer they seem to ignore our emotional side. I am trying to get back to what used to be normal but it is a struggle. When I went back to the oncology department for my post op visit there were many patients with various types of cancer and all ages, but mostly older look me. I was amazed that they seemed to be in good spirits and I said to one of them that this is not where I want to be. She replied that we were in good hands. So knowing we are in good hands with our medical team and the Lord will guide us through our journey. For me I am trying to take one day at a time and on occasion one hour a time.
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Time is moving forward but sometimes I feel like I am standing still and life is moving forward and it’s a blur. I take one day at a time one moment at a time as well. I believe it is a protective defense mechanism. Some days are better than others. I also notice at my cancer center some patients seem happy while I dread being there. There is laughter while I feel like crying. It is all a matter of prospective. I don’t want to be a cancer patient but I am. I think because it is still new to me. It’s been 4 months since my surgery. I have scans this month so that is making me nervous. Scanxiety is a word someone coined and it is appropriate. I have it and I need to practice to be positive because I need to be scanned. My lab work is normal I just found out yesterday. That made me glad. Living with a cancer diagnosis is rough. It takes a toll. You must do what feels best! Some days I want to be around friends other days I prefer to be alone. My dog is a great comfort. He is always there for me. He makes me laugh. He can be such a silly boy. I relish in the simple things and that helps me. I also take lots of walks it clears my mind. Keep strong and push forward. No one has a promise of tomorrow.