Why do I feel sad after having my cancer removed?

I had cancer, and it was removed. So why do I still feel sad ? 

  • Hi Teacher1234, 

    It's great news that your cancer was removed and I am sure you are also feeling relieved but you might be experiencing all sorts of overwhelming emotions after everything you have been through. The sadness you describe is something I have often heard about from cancer survivors, the feeling that you feel you ought to feel happy but that you only feel sad and sometimes a bit down. There are many reasons for that and each person is different and will react differently for different reasons - sometimes it's simply after the intensity of the treatment and then it all stops and it all sinks in and you have time to reflect on what has happened. You are definitely not alone though in experiencing these feelings, and I hope that you will hear from others on here who have had cancer and who felt the same way because no one can explain it better than someone else who has been through what you describe. 

    There is a section on our website you might wish to look at - it's called Life Beyond Cancer and it's a great resource for anyone in your situation. 

    Our friendly team of nurses also have a helpline you can ring on 0808 800 4040 - it is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to get in touch with them if you want to talk things through and share with them how you are feeling. 

    Our forum is here for you at any time of day or night anytime you feel like sharing your feelings or simply wish to offload. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • My husband heard " its all gone" from the surgeon and for a few minutes we felt overjoyed. When we got home we both felt very flat and emotionless. I felt I desperately  wanted to cry but couldn't. It was very very strange.I think over the months of investigations CT scans MRIs  surgery  etc. We may suppress our emotions as feel the need to be strong and positive then hearing "its gone" such a short sentence following the months of being on an emotional rollercoaster is almost an anti climax  anx an emotional shock. I hope you csn soon feel the joy in life agsin and wish you all the best. 

  • Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely look at the resource. 

  • Thank you for sharing that. I think you’re right about it being an emotional shock. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I hope your husband is doing well,