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.

janlanderz | @janlanderz | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @becsbuddy "@janlanderz BEAUTIFUL! I’ve bookmarked your post so I can read it again. And you wrote part..." + (show)

becsbuddy.. thank you for seeing the post for the positive message... I am trying to live by this as my daughter gets very upset when she thinks I am giving in to the disease and not seeing hope, I too have my bad days and think of dying to young if at all.. it just isn't fair for me to put that on others who had nothing to do with my getting the cancer in the first place... she needs to see my strength in order for her to have strength... I know how much it upsets her since she already lost her Dad to cancer 6 years ago..

bjh369 | @bjh369 | Aug 29, 2019

Still it is the day the Lord made....rejoice and be glad in it:)

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Aug 29, 2019

@bjh369 WAIT!! I think it will be rainy and that’s no fun!😁

bjh369 | @bjh369 | Aug 29, 2019

Yes. Flying to Florida to see friends.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @bjh369 "I have Glioblastoma grade 4...so I also have to remind myself to live in the moment...." + (show)

@bjh369 I am so happy for you! Do you have fun things planned for your 1yr anniversary?

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Aug 29, 2019

In reply to @janlanderz "I am experiencing all the emotions that everyone here is experiencing... I have Stage 4 inoperable..." + (show)

@janlanderz BEAUTIFUL! I’ve bookmarked your post so I can read it again. And you wrote part of it? Just wonderful

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 29, 2019

@jshdma- I agree, and no it doesn't always work, but it does sometimes. After hearing a devastating blow such as having cancer there is a cloud that follows us around. Sometimes it rains on us, sometimes it's just cloudy and other times the sun is out. But it is magnified when we are given a possible death sentence. Believe me, I certainly have my times of curling up on the bed, frozen in fear. Have you considered any medication to help with your depression?

jshdma | @jshdma | Aug 29, 2019

@merpreb I am sure all the advice to be positive is correct; but it doesn't always work. I feel I am doing all the right things--that is, I have endless work to do, much of it is my professional work as an academic. Add to that eating right, exercising, and filling the day with activities and people. But the general sadness and gloom never leaves.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 29, 2019

@bjh369- I am sorry that you have to go through this. Hopefully your surgery has taken care of your being stable at this time. A year out from surgery is wonderful! congratulations. There's a buzz word going around that is called mindfulness, being in the moment without any thoughts other than what's on hand. A lot of times it can be very challenging to be mindful, but it really does help! Don't you think?