Depressed

Happy to hear that your health is well. I still dont feel at ease. My feelings just re-surfaced after hiding them. I played the tuff guy and not let that affect me. But now I see that I should not of done that. Worry I will always worry. I think everyone worries. In my opinion, I think the worry is still there because the chance of it coming back are there. I have not still to this day sat down and gone over what exactly colon cancer is. Like I said, I put all the feelings aside, and never took the time to research. All I knew is that I have it in me. My surgery was in 97' I am doing great, but I still worry.
I hope that I did not bore you or distract you. I just wanted to say that I think that the worry will be there.

wildcat said:

What a great question? I don't have the answer but have the same fear. I had the surgery, chemo and radiation treatments and am on my last round of treatments. Is the fear daily, weekly, monthly? What are you doing to stay healthy?

Merle - Wildcat has something there. It's been 8 years since my treatment ended. AGRESSIVE treatment. After 3 years when the risk of recurrance really dropped I felt a lot of relief. I eat organic food. For me, this is action I can take to maintain my health. I take a yoga class, I walk when I can. After the cancer I was painfully aware that this is the only body I will ever get. So I take really good care of it. I also grow some of my food organically. There is nothing like creating life to find the joy in it.

Iwas really depressed for a year after treatment. I still have pain every day from radiation damage. But I try and be good to myself. Treat yourself well, you deserve It!

Dear Depressed,
I know what you are feeling. Yes, I have the same cross as you. Hopefully, your faith is strong to make peace with the cancer. You need to go on living in God's time. He gave you this situation to grow in many ways. Don't waste a moment in worry. Take hold of your precious time to live again. Many Blessing to You!
Jesus I Trust in You!
A Cancer Friend!
Maura

There have been several good posts that respond to the depression that comes from your situation. Cancer is tough because it threatens your physical life. That is not something that can be taken lightly. The thoughts that you may have to undergo treatments again and even that you may die prematurely can cause heartache and depression.

I believe that this is normal and all survivors go through this in one degree or another. Knowing that your not alone can help, but I find that on the bad days there is little that can help.

As cancer can rob you of your life, so can depression. In a way they are similar and your depression needs to be attacked as aggressivly as your cancer was. The suggestions in the other posts are right on. Get involved in activities, work, school, whatever. Staying busy will not only help you get more out of your life, but will help you distract your thoughts on things that aren't related to the cancer.

I also recommend that you look into strengthening your relationship with God. I love reading Maura's posts because she is so on the money with her faith. I promise you that if you devote a little of your time to searching out who he is and how he feels about you that you will find more happiness in your life. It doesn't matter what religion or denomination you believe in. Just start. I personally came closer to God through cancer than I ever thought possible and in the midst of the hardest trials felt his healing power.

If you have any questions about where to start, please let me know. You can email me directly at mike_farmer@sento.com.

Good luck and Keep your chin up.