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PTSD and learning to cope living with cancer
I thought after that five year mark that I honestly lived through the fears of reoccurrence. Cruelly the only symptom of my pure small cell bladder cancer back in 2015 was Hematuria (blood in my urine) Has returned.
Reasonably I can tell myself that Small Cell Cancer doesn’t act like that, lying in wait for seven years…..
This is a wicked twisted waiting game.
My life will never feel the same
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@sandielegal, PTSD and fear of recurrence are real and often the darker side of the reality of cancer survivorship. @merpreb and others like @swift @bjh369 @kathleenkin @katehanni @azkidney57 @alamogal635 @richcolleen talk about this in this discussion:
- Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/facing-cancer-recurrence-ptsd-acknowledging-mental-health/
Sandie, have you been diagnosed with a recurrence or are did you see hematuria this weekend and are waiting to have recurrence confirmed or ruled out this week?
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2 ReactionsGood morning- Thank you, Colleen. Sandie, thank you for being a first responder.
I get your fear, I really do. My second lung cancer came to me 10 years after my first one. I thought that I had it made and it sure was a kick in the stomach when I got a call telling me that I didn't have it made. And, yes, it changed my life once again. And it never was the same again. But that doesn't mean that it was a horrible change. I don't know if the human species has a built-in fear/dread app. but when it comes to cancer it must hit overdrive. The world knows that cancers can come back. So we tend to anticipate and build up a kind of "tic" called looking over your shoulder!
Was your first cancer prior to your "trauma"? Do you have a definite second diagnosis of bladder cancer?
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4 ReactionsJust noticed the blood. Now I wait to be seen and cleared! I just find it treacherous what our own mind can do to us while we wait.
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2 ReactionsToday I find myself crying like a spoiled child, After a phone call today canceling my appointment with a new urologist
(He will see me on Wednesday)
48 hours longer ……. it is the worst waiting
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1 ReactionI can read the tears in your post. If you absolutely can't stand it anymore, and if you can see blood or in awful pain then I would go to the ER. What do you think?
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3 ReactionsThank you Merry, Thank you All! Absolutely no pain this time or the first time…. It’s crazy how we can torture ourselves with the unknown. On Wednesday with a scope I will finally have idea.
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2 ReactionsSandie- How are you feeling this AM. Did you go to the ER or are you waiting for your appointment?
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2 ReactionsI put on my big girl panties and I have decided I Can wait until tomorrow….. Faith over my fear and I will not allow my mind to lead me into dark and lonely places. ❤️
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3 Reactionsgood for you!
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2 ReactionsHow was your appointment?