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.

jimmy2248 | @jimmy2248 | Mar 21, 2019

@trixie1313 . I thought the same.

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "@trixie-@jimmy2248 Yes, this is correct, however our guide lines for posting (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/) however our guide lines..." + (show)

No worries - I did not realize that. I'll stay away from comments or suggestions in the future so as not to insult anyone. I just thought you hit reply and then their name comes up.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "In reply to @lady1lake (if you look at the top of any of the messages, it..." + (show)

@trixie-@jimmy2248 Yes, this is correct, however our guide lines for posting (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/) however our guide lines for posting ask that you place the @before the person's name. I hope that you don't mind.

jimmy2248 | @jimmy2248 | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "@jimmy2248- Hello. I'm so sorry that you are faced with metastatic cancer. How are you feeling?..." + (show)

Thank you. Just sharing.

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @merpreb "@trixie1313- Who are you asking?" + (show)

In reply to @lady1lake (if you look at the top of any of the messages, it will say "posted by."

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @trixie1313 "By any chance where you live, does your medical community have a Mindfulness Meditation group/classes offered?..." + (show)

@trixie1313- Who are you asking?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @jimmy2248 "I too have small cell cancer Mets 4 .to lungs and liver. 2017 Sept. Started out..." + (show)

@jimmy2248- Hello. I'm so sorry that you are faced with metastatic cancer. How are you feeling? What stage treatment are you? We are not a religious group but I feel that when you have cancer being loved and loving is so important. We need to find comfort anywhere and how we can.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 21, 2019

Hi @lady1lake! Thank you. I really appreciate the feedback that am helping even in the smallest way. I remember your long journey. I m so happy that your lung tumor has decreased in size!! and no new cancers! yahoo! When was your last treatment? You've certainly had your fill of radiation and chemicals. How are you staying so strong? May I ask what symptoms you are having? I'm sorry about the headaches What do you think is causing them? Being active is the key I believe

jimmy2248 | @jimmy2248 | Mar 21, 2019

I too have small cell cancer Mets 4
.to lungs and liver. 2017 Sept. Started out with urinary bladder cancer. CHOMO didn't work.had ur ostomy. Keytruda 14 cycles. Took of that bad side effects to bowel in nov. 2018 dec c scan looked ok. Mar 20 a 1cm spot on my left adrenal biopsy later. I love the Lord and thankful for his mercy.

trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 21, 2019

In reply to @lady1lake "Thank you for your insight about taking Prozac. I too am contemplating taking it for help..." + (show)

By any chance where you live, does your medical community have a Mindfulness Meditation group/classes offered? I signed up for myself and my husband and it has helped me tremendously in coping and with anxiety.