new to this site

mcn
mcn Member Posts: 1
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi I am new to this site. I was diagnosed one year ago with early stage 2. I had surgery but no other treatment. So far, I am doing well. But this diagnosis has changed who I am. It is always just under my toughts, it always comes to me at night. Some days the fear is overwhelming and most nights are sleepless without a sleeping pill. They say you are "cured" after 5 years without recurrence. Does the fear ever go away? How do you live a "normal" life, or at lease the life you lead before? I have three teenage children and I cry for fear of making them motherless. How do you let go of all the fear?

Comments

  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #2
    Welcome

    Welcome to the site,it is too bad you have to be here.All you can do is try to live your life as normally as possible.You probably won't ever stop worrying completly,but try and put the fears in the back of your mind.I am stage 4,and have had 3 tumors so far,and possibly a 4th.I just make plans like I would normally,and try to live like a normal person,what ever that is.We are here if you have any questions or just to rant and let off steam.Don't give up because everyone is different.Have a good christmas.

  • Joy1216
    Joy1216 Member Posts: 290 Member
    #3
    Handling the Fear

    I was diagnosed with stage I colon cancer in 2006 and have not had a recurrence.  At first I felt like I'd been hit by a train.  It took about three years for the fear of recurrence to not be one step behind me.  There were several things I did to put the fear way behind me.  First was through my faith in God.  I let go and let God.  The second was through knowledge. I keep abreast of the latest treatments for colon cancer.  Knowing what treatments are available has calmed my fears.  I know that if the cancer recurs, I will fight it.  Physically and mentally, I am not the same person I was before my diagnosis.  Cancer changes your outlook on life.

    Joy

  • lp1964
    lp1964 Member Posts: 1,239 Member
    #4
    Dear Friend,

    I am a 49 year old male with stage 2 rectal cancer after surgery, with permanent colostomy and going trough chemo.

    What helps me the most is that I'm still the same person with all my skills, emotions, plans, I just happened to have cancer. Cancer is on my mind many times a day and I don't think this will ever cahange and maybe it shouldn't. I need to remember to eat right and live right. Eliminate all the stresses of my life that came from work and relationships.

    However I have to add that if someone cannot overcome a tough situation like this in a few months, maybe a support or professional help should be considered. You cannot carry this burden on your own. You have to share it the best you can And make that a every day task.

    Hope this makes sense and help.

    Laz

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