PTSD?

4me

hello I’m new here today and the reason for me joining was wanting to know how people have dealt with their PTSD when it comes to your scans and bloodwork coming back normal for the last year and a half after stage three colon cancer six months of chemo every time I get a bump or don’t feel right I have my mind just goes so negative. I’m trying to figure out how to navigate around this.

beaumontdave

Hi, and welcome. I decided to read on philosophy and study Stoicism to help control the anxieties and emotional ups and downs. Some use faith, but I was done with that path. I learned to live in the present and block those pointless thoughts and fears. I definitely had some degree of PTSD, especially with my two resections [click my group name to read] and my wife's concurrent 'losing' battle with a GBM tumor. It wasn't easy, but time [13+ years from last surgery, almost 10 from her passing], and some mental distance have me quite at peace, though I can conjure it all up again in the span of a memory's dwelling. Use this battle to strengthen your coping skills and perspective on life, as most of us are likely to need those abilities even in the luckiest future, being the mortal, delicate, aging creatures we are. Best of luck to you…………………..Dave

Emmy_y

I joined today and took interest in your story. I think you did the right thing to be here. Staying positive may be difficult but be focused on what keeps you happy, reading other success stories, relationships that make you happy. I don't know your beliefs, but it could go a long way.

Anna1025

I am a psychologist and used to helping others and now I need help with the anxiety and depression that comes with cancer. Not sure myself how to handle it and am searching for a way to deal with ptsd myself.

joutmikeut

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329070/ptsd

joutmikeut

I’m very new here too, mine was Stage 2 Colon cancer…chemo was Oxiplatin and I had chemo pills for 3 weeks before as well as radiation. It all was a nightmare I haven’t recovered from 3 years later. I was blessed as I didn’t need surgery because the C disappeared, if I had needed surgery I would be wearing a bag right now. The neuropathy hit me several months after the treatments only in my feet and mainly in my toes, it’s severe and excruciating to live with. But…the PTSD I have is so hard to live with, I’m fortunate to have an amazing husband who listens and has endless sympathy Sorry I ramble on but if you are a believer its all in God’s hands, but I do understand, I have PTSD too!

Helen321

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329070/ptsd

I think what helped me is the day someone said cancer is not a death sentence, its a life sentence. She wss right. You have to dedicate your life to health. A lot of people live! A lot. Also time. As you move further and further away from cancer, the fear goes away. You realize youre wasting your time worrying on what could be instead of what is. And it isnt helping. Time does heal that. After 3 years scans just became routine to me. Im now 12 years out and see my scans as necessity, havent had fear in 9 years. It will get better.

bangle

interesting topic actually. I am almost 2 years out from last treatment. Colon cancer with surgery and 12 treatments of Oxiplatin and Buddy bag. Recently had to have a mammogram and of course had to go back for Ultrasound due to dense tissue. I knew in the front of my mind I was fine. But the back of my mind was saying “what if”. I’d like to think this will go away someday. I’m retiring next year and really want to enjoy life as long as I can. I remind myself of people that don’t get the chance to say goodbye and am glad for every moment I can spend with loved ones. I tell myself “keep living “ everyday is a blessing. Good luck to you and your journey. This network helps you find survivors.