HI,

I too am a survivor of cancer, twice. Initially diagnosed Stage 1 27 years ago and then Stage 3 14 years ago. I've never felt survivor guilt but I know it's a normal way to feel for some so don't think it's silly. 

I'm sure you have been lots of advice from your GP & counsellor but have you thought of using your experience of cancer to help support others going through the same? See if there is a support group that you can help with, either in person or online - this forum is a great place to start. There are lots of groups out there that need success stories from survivors as it helps those at the start of their journey to have hope. In helping others you may find it helps you deal with your feelings.

Good luck

Angie, Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009

Hi 

Thank you for the reply, yes have spoken to the gp and had minimal counselling and just felt like I'm left to get on with things. I had my cousin help me with my journey so maybe me helping someone else is a great idea! I'll need to look out for an online group who might use my input.

Good luck

Wendy, stage 3 endometrial survivor since 2019

Hi

I feel the exact same way.  I am a cancer survivor of only 3 months but within that time I have lost 3 people very close to me that have all died of cancer.  I feel so guilty of surviving because they don’t.  I am currently having counselling and we have discussed this in great depth over the last two weeks.   I can’t shake the guilt and I can’t stop being sorry for the families that were left behind.   It’s the most horrible feeling and I totally understand what you are going through x

I am so sorry you share my pain as I wouldn't wish this feeling on anyone, this is always open if you need a shoulder to lean on, three months is good, every day is good or so we keep being told, I wish I felt good about it, it's the loss of someone whose tipped me over the edge, nightmares and all. Feel free to chat and thank you for your reply x

Hello Survivorhere,

                                as someone who escaped from stage4 bowel and liver cancer l have always felt privilege and responsibility to live my life to the fullest l possibly can, carrying all the hopes and wishes of those who shared treatment with me but sadly could not make it through. Never looking back l carry them with me which is no burden.

l am sorry to read you cannot see to find your way to coming to terms with the acceptance that as one of the special people that make it through ,the only guilt you should carry is not making the most of the life in front of you, it must be hard, but hopefully one day we will come to terms with the reality,

                                                                                                                                                                                          david

Hi David

Thank you for the reply, I know I'm blessed someone has given me a second chance at life and I'd been taking it for a while but when people close it friends are dying of cancer I just don't cope, I hate being a survivor sometimes and sometimes I wish I could swap with one of them but then that's selfish, it's a horrible confusing life that I lead as best I can, I hope you remain to enjoy your life and live it to the fullest.