finished chemo and rads 9 weeks ago for tnbc and scared! 10 mm lesion with no lymph involvement and fully excisedz. How do I get past the fear? My bones ache from chemo in hip and back and imterrified about mets. I want to start living again but it's so hard!!!!!

Hey Kath, it's normal to feel the way you do, this disease gives us all concerns about recurrence. Take a deep breath, and just take it 1 day at a time. I started by making a grateful list, by writing down at least 5 things that I am grateful for..........after a while, I started to look for positive things, and after a while it made a big difference. I hope that this helps, Trace

Hallo Kath ,It is hard. I have only recently finished treatment. My energy levels are low. I can only walk for short distances before my neuropathy in my feet stops me walking and I have to rest. I have not finished. I have just began. I am getting back to a new normal. This is what I do when I am becoming very fearful. I sit or lie down and let every part of my body relax. Then I make myself go somewhere in my mind. There is a lake near us that i used to walk to. I let my mind travel there. I make myself look at it smell it feel it and be there. Acknowledge your fears they are real and then find a distraction.Whatever rocks your boat do it.

Hi @KathSeward it took me a good 18mths to get on top of things after treatment. I am 4.5yrs since diagnosis TNBC with 4 nodes involved, and I am cancer free... you are entitled to get a Mental health care plan because of your diagnosis and see a psychologist under medicare.... Ask you GP about it.It has helped me to talk with the psychologist. It is harsh our treatments be gentle on yourself and allow your body to heal. I found the aches and pains got less as time went on... I still struggle with my neuropathy but I am so much better than when I finished my chemo/rads. Hugs Soldier Crab

Yep I am 15 months past diagnosis and I am still tired and worn. Not really worried about mets, it if happens it happens. I won the last battle, I can win another.

Hi Kath,Firstly you should know your feelings are normal. I too just finished my long haul in Jan and are going through the same feelings, I even distanced myself from my favourite site "here" thinking it would help. I have recently put as much time as I could into rebooting my business, but unfortunately it is a process we have to go through, so don't be too tough on yourself lovely lady, as hard as it is we have to realize we will not be back to our old selves for sometime. It is important to talk about your feelings to people that understand.Cheers Jen xx

Finished treatment and scared | BCNA Online Network

Anonymous
8 years ago
That's for sure, your mind plays the worst games with you, and then you go into the mode where you want to protect your nearest and dearest. It really sucks. Write down all your questions for the doc prior to getting there, so you can get the answers that you need. In fact, write 2 lists, 1 for you and 1 for the doc, then you get a copy to take home and read. It's always hard to absorb it all at the appointment. Thinking of you with warmest wishes and hope you get some rest xxxx
KathSe
Member
8 years ago
Thanks tracey
i need to be logical. Had them taken out ff pre cancer and didn't bat an eyelid and I know this one has been there before chemo but u skyways think the worst
Anonymous
8 years ago
It's surprising how quickly the time passes between appointments. Use it as time to rest and get your thoughts and questions together. It's an awful time for you, feeling for you and sending a big cuddle, Trace xx
KathSe
Member
8 years ago
Thanks ladies for it removed on Friday ouch! Results back in 10 days but my dr said he is sure it's a small bcc as I've had them removed before cancer and didn't think anything of it! Now everything is a drama but im try to be logical. I a a redhead have had lots of burns on my neck and I know it was there when I was going thru chemo. The worst part is waiting!
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Kath, honestly Im 16 months post chemo and I still have quite a few side effects but it does get better. You know after my first diagnosis I never dreamed it would come back, I got on with my life 4yrs and yes worried at every yearly checkup but that was all. I too now am worried of the yearly checkup because Ive done the recurrence and it ripped my world apart it was so much worse on every level to the first diagnosis. But you know what??? I REFUSE to allow this now to define me..Ive become cautious and fragile...nothing like I was. I hardly go out anymore, I seek my own company and Im so aware of it all. Im now getting in to exercise and it feels good! post my mastectomy/diep flap recon. But I REFUSE to let this define my life another shitty minute! I am clear coming up 2 years clear and Im going to grab life by the BALLS! because all I have is right now...every beautiful minute is bliss its when I project or start worrying I lose this moment. NO MORE! Time will absolutely give you confidence, but for me too its about the strength that Ive gained over the past 6yrs knowing I can deal with whatever comes...I cant change anything else but how I am.

So nurture YOU, is so key, do the things you love, be with the people that lift you up and you will find your way I promise..and no none of it is easy I completely agree...but hey!! Lets Live, Laugh and Love!!!

xx Melinda
Pinkkittykat
Member
8 years ago
Hey Kath, glad you got it checked and removed, understand how you feel, every ache I get I can't help but think its gone elsewhere, hard not to think along these lines but unfortunately you can't stop these thoughts :(
KathSe
Member
8 years ago
Hi,

Got my neck checked and its a small BCC on the back of my neck which I think I had pre chemo. My Dr assures me that I am fair with red hair and have had SCC removed BC but still I keep thinking the worst. He said that its a BBC and that's all it is but it is so hard not to panic and think logically
KathSe
Member
8 years ago
It's awful isn't it? Just the smallest things! Scratchedcmy neck while on chemo and it took ages to heal was a small sore for quite a while. Was rubbing my neck yesterday and scratched at the dry skin again and made it bleed a little do what's the first thing I think of skin met!!!!! Can't think me touching things and aggravating it! Have to think worst. See scenario all the time! Bloody over it!
Pinkkittykat
Member
8 years ago
i keep thinking of worse case scenario too, some of the stuff I have read does my head in, my breast surgeon had told me to stop reading as each person is different, yeah easy said than done!
Anonymous
8 years ago
Sounds pretty normal to me. I tend to put it in the background until an appointment comes due, then it's a struggle to not be concerned about the outcome. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace xx