After Chemo

beth2924
beth2924 Member Posts: 32 Member
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Monday was the sixth cycle of chemo for me- the last one. We have a follow-up plan for the next five years, at which time, I guess if I am still cancer-free, we can call it remission. For those of you who have been in this place, in remission, on surveillance, how do you not worry every day that it will come back? I imagine as time goes on it gets easier. For now, all I can think about is what if it isn't really gone, what if it comes back? Or what secondary cancers might I get from the treatments?

Comments

  • AnneN
    AnneN Member Posts: 14 Member
    #2

    I have my 6th/last chemo in a week, and also wonder about how to deal with post-chemo worry. I am hoping to find a support group (this site has been great), and also do some mind/body activities like yoga, tai-chi, meditation, etc. I think there will be a fair amount of trial and error finding a routine that works. For me, I think keeping busy will help.

  • tom1953
    tom1953 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #3

    I had my last of 6 cycles of chemo in late January of this year, followed by 3 weeks or radiation(precautionary). I went into remission after the second cycle and remain so for a year now. As for worrying about a relapse, that worry at some level will remain, though over time you worry less. Every time you get a clear pet scan or CT scan, you feel better about it. An exercise routine helps. Just keep up the oncology visits and be confident that without symptoms returning in between visits you are probably clear.

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,517 Member
    #4

    Hey ladies, hope you don't mind a guest from the Uterine board checking in.

    I found when I first finished chemo, and experienced that fear, every little pain, etc had my mind going to "is it back?" The quarterly check-ins for the first two years after treatment ended were some comfort, but each one was anxiety. Then, as I call it, I was thrown off the cliff to every six months. I had gotten used to my warm blanket quarterly check ins.

    I would suggest asking what are signs or symptoms you need to keep an eye open for. While the CA125 is not a good indicator for me, I still insist on it now - 12 years later.

    The anxiety lessons over time, but what you are feeling is completely normal. Hugs ladies!

  • Arx001
    Arx001 Member Posts: 10 Member
    #5

    "how do you not worry every day that it will come back? I imagine as time goes on it gets easier. For now, all I can think about is what if it isn't really gone, what if it comes back? Or what secondary cancers might I get from the treatments?"

    IMHO by living in and cherishing the present as sincerely as possible.

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