Forum Discussion

Cosette's avatar
Cosette
Member
9 years ago

Do you worry about your cancer coming back?

If the answer is yes, you're not alone. Feeling anxious and frightened about breast cancer returning is very common for people who have had breast cancer. 

We've produced a video about how to cope with the fear of recurrence.

Check out the video here: https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/fear-of-cancer-recurrence/

And then come back and talk to us. What makes you afraid that your breast cancer may come back? How do you manage your anxieties? Are videos like these helpful?
recurrence
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hello Cosette,
    Yes - these videos are extremely helpful.  There will always be anxiety about recurrence and learning ways to deal with it is so important.  I have just watched them all and have seen parts of myself in each one, especially Dr Mann's advice on having/not having follow-up scans.  He makes it very clear when scans are definitely necessary and when they would just provide undue stress.  The advice of staying in the 'now' is also helpful, especially for the 3am wakeups.  I have found that keeping a meditation cd - with earphones - alongside the bed can bring on relaxation faster than anything else.  Walking on the beach, breathing fresh air, always having something to look forward to, however small - these keep the focus on happy moments and keep the anxiety in the background where it belongs.  And gratitude - I am so grateful to be approaching my 5 year milestone.  The online network has been so important for feeling part of a group where everyone understands.
     xx Michelle R