Hi Jane, 

I'm really sorry that you're struggling to eat proper food and are feeling rather low but I just wanted you to know that despite the hardships you are currently facing your family would not want you to be thinking like that and are really happy that you are with them.  

Many members on the forum have been in a similar position after coming through surgery and treatment for cancer and will really understand how you are feeling right now and I'm sure they will post soon to offer their support and advice. I have found some information that may help you at this time as well, just click here and here to find out more.

Also, do make sure you talk to your medical team or your GP about your thoughts and feelings as they will also understand what you are going through and will be able to help you through this difficult time.

Do post as much as you need to Jane, the community are here for you.

Kind Regards, 

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thanks Steph 

Hi Jane,

Gve yourself a break, this is a marathon not a sprint and what you are feeling is pretty normal for the stage you're at. There's the initial diagnosis where most people feel emotionally numbed by the shock (often alternating with bouts of crying), there's the waiting for results and for a treatment plan which is pretty lousy as your imagination works overtime, then there's the activity of the treatment when you're busy coping day to day with all the things being done to your body and then it all stops and you're supposed to feel euphoric - which never happens. Instead, often for the first time, you get time to ponder what's happened over recent months and weeks, your close encounter with death and the continuing uncertainty. Your case is compounded by the continuing ulcers and not being able to eat properly. 

Hang in there, it will get better, you just need time.

Meanwhile, think about talking to your GP about your depression and anxiety and don't feel that you're being weak if you admit that you're having problems coping. The vast majority of us feel down at times in this situation and we all cope with it in our different ways. I read somewhere that about 20% of cancer survivors are diagnosed with PTSD, my guess is that the figures may be higher especially if Acute Stress Reaction is considered of which PTSD is only one example. 

Sorry for banging on, I'm just trying to say that the way you feel isn't unusual.

Best wishes

Dave

Hi Jane,

I  should ask for something to help with the depressoon if I were you. Most of us feel a 

bit down after such a traumatic experience.  I was told before the Op. that it was unlikely that

I would be able to eat or speak. I can speak a little but only my wife understands me, but

I have not eaten or drank in the last 9 years.  This is a small price to pay to still be here.

I enjoy life and can do all the things I enjoyed previously. I was already retired so I did not have

to worry at being unable to work. Just as well as I was an IT consultant and did rather a lot of talking.

Just give it some time and you will be fine.

Regards

Colin 

Thanks Kim 

Thanks for your kind words Colin