Hi i was given the all clear from cervical cancer a year ago. When do stop worryin that every twinge, ache or pain is its dreaded return. My family find it hard to understand.
Well done for getting the all clear. I can understand your concern and as regarding your family; I would just say I feel unless you have had cancer yourself, its hard to understand the emotion it brings, even when like you have been given the all clear.
Hi, Star, Brian is right - unless you have had cancer you just cannot understand the daily battle with emotions. I belong to a cancer group and some have had a minor skirmish with cancer but we all understand that once it affects you , you are always worried. As you say, every twinge, little pain or even a cough worries you. I suppose it is something we have to accept for ourselves and also accept that others will probably never understand.
I do hope,in time, that things settle. I don't know if locally the Macmillan nurses are running their 'Hope'course. You could telephone and ask them. I would recommend it as it can help give you a little peace of mind and you will meet people in the same place as yourself.I
Wow - do I understand and the fear of return has made me feel self obsessed, stupid, selfish - and inadequate! And weak - when I used to feel strong in the world. It is as if my skin has been taken taken away and vulnerabilty to all is a daily challenge. My Investment Banker brother actually said to me that I had had the cancer removed - so just be grateful and get on with my life. Hum. I wrote to him yesterday toexpress my love of him but wish to distance myself. For me - survival created such fear - so counter intuitive - but learning that I am not the only mad one in the world! Tis quite normal and doable and not odd. Stop beating yourself up about the fear and try with me to start living with it and it will get bored and go away - I hope!!! Sian xxx
