Cancer Survivors Network

there is a great thread on here, I think started by Kylez, asking, "Is Anyone Still Scared." Go back and read it ... there is some great insight on there. I'll try to find it and bump it up for you.

Fear is something we all deal with ... and I think the first year after treatment is the worst. Hopefully, it subsides. I was diagnosed in August of this year and I've had to make a conscious effort to not be afraid ... it was paralyzing every aspect of my life. Somedays I'm pretty good ... other days are a struggle. I'm sure when my first year mammo comes around ... it is going to come back.

Now these feelings of fear are normal and it is something we all struggle with. Hang in there! Will pray for good reports. Please keep us posted on how things turn out.

[[[hugs]]]
dh

No I think most probably that is the one thing that we probably all have in common worrying about a recurrence. I have now made the six year survival rate, can't say that I don't worry when it comes round to mammograms that seems to go with the terrortary. But as time goes on I have found that I am more relaxed and don't worry about it all the time. Also that every little pain or twinge is not such a worry I realise that this is just aches and pains of normal life. Congrats for reaching the one year thoughts are with you.

No

Lizzie, it is very hard not to worry. Eventually time does help with it. I am a worry wort to begin with so probably not a good one to give advice.

Cancer does change the way we look at things. It does get better though. I have read that many start to worry less by year 2 but everyone is different. Try to think positive and focus on the joys in your life. I do know that having had breast cancer made me see how short life truly is and that we need to enjoy it while we can. Cancer or not, its over in a blink.

We have to enjoy and savor everyday. The heck with worrying! Now if only I could take my own advice!

your feelings are normal.
I guess something that really boils me sometimes is when I hear someone say-well,you should just be happy to be alive and not worry about that!My rads onc just told me that not too long ago-you know,I think highly of the man and really like him-but unless you've been in my shoes,please don't tell me that! Okay,I'll get off my "rant box"!! lizzie,I can honestly say that I've gotten to the point where I am a little over 2 years a survivor and I am enjoying life without thinking about cancer at least 60% of the time if not more. A year ago,I never thought I would be able to say it,but it's true!