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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
I understand totally 💯 %
I am a 6 year survivor of endometrial cancer (full hysterectomy, 6mo chemo, 6weeks daily radiation Treatments and generally am my same optimistic self until about a mo before my every 6 mo Pap and bloodwork; then have to wait about 2 weeks for results. It’s always harder for me to sleep and feel pretty anxious as I await results.
I also still have Chemo port in my chest I think because my main oncologist doesn’t believe I will not have cancer again at some point. Have to get a port flush every 3 mo.
So though I have my energy back I don’t have my lovely blonde hair any more; it grew back but is darker and so thin. Eye lashes haven’t grown in much either.
I think my hubby, family and even female friends all think I should be lucky to be alive. Well I am but everything I went through was difficult and though they tell me I “look great” I know I don’t look like I used too…also have after affects from so much radiation with dental problems and lots of bone pain.
I am sad to say but I think if you have major surgery, chemo, and radiation you probably live with some psychological damage for the rest of your life.
I believe in telling the truth and not sugar coating any of this
Wishing you the best < 3
Replies to "I understand totally 💯 % I am a 6 year survivor of endometrial cancer (full hysterectomy,..."
Hi @azashley I just have to ask…How do you feel about still having your chest port that you haven’t needed for 6 years? Mine was removed within 6 months after chemo/transfusions/treatment for my bone marrow transplant. Once it was gone I felt like I was finally able to move on and not feel so much ‘the patient’. I also thought IF I ever need another then it will be implanted at the time.
I admit it having it in place made blood draws easier when it was no longer needed for chemo/meds/infusions. But I was happy to roll up my sleeve because I felt pretty liberated from no longer having to deal with the cumbersome lumens dangling off me like a cyborg. 😅
Would you miss it if it were gone or have you ‘grown attached to it”? No pun intended. 😅
By the way, today is my 4th ReBirthday from my transplant! I’m celebrating big time.
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Thank you for your reply! I agree, we will never be the same, but I don't live with it in the front of my mind daily. That isn't living. I was diagnosed with MGUS 18 months ago. My thoughts are, I survived once and will again. I see the oncologist/hematologist for labs every 6 months. The new health issues that keep popping up, and life in general consume me, but I just keep looking forward, and up. Positive attitude and mindfulness are a must. Hugs and prayers for you, and all others here!