Fear It Will Come Back Somewhere Else

I am 6 months in to remission. I feel well. I am no longer tired, anxious or depressed. But, I do have such a fear of every ache and pain that it could be cancer coming back. How do you get past it? I keep pushing it to the back of my mind but it comes back to the surface. Does everyone who has had cancer worry like this? Is it just going to be part of my healing process? Thanks in advance for your support. Deborah

Hi Deborah,
Yes, worrying if the cancer has come back is a natural part of healing. It is also one of the greatest strengths you will have. Everytime any little thing is different with you, you will worry and wonder. The important thing is to FOLLOW UP on the change. Make sure you watch your body, know when something changes, and talk to your doctor about those changes. I have been fighting cancer for over 3 years (mine moved from head and neck to the lung (3 different places over 1 and a half years). The reason I am alive today is because I kept going to my doctor before the first cancer was detected. THEN when something in my body changed, I went to the doctor quickly. Some of the times, it was just me worrying, but 3 of the times, it was cancer. So just pay attention, talk to your doctor, and really and truly try not to worry too much (easier for me to say than to do). Keep your support system in place, and BE POSITIVE. I wish you well, and hope this helped some.

In God's Hand......Kim

Hi Deborah,
I am now 1 1/2 years cancer free. Every pain I report to my doctor. Last time he put his arm around me and said "maybe we are just getting older". I'm 60 years old and in the peak of health. I swim, I jog, I ride my bike, I skydive, yet every time I get a pain, I think, is the cancer back? No it's not, but worry is part of cancer.

Don't worry, be happy and healthy or
worry and still be happy and healthy.

Good Luck, Steve

I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Stage 2 breast cancer and underwent chemo, surgery and radiation. I've been cancer-free since then and I can honestly say I really don't worry. I just enjoy each and every day and live life to its fullest, as everyone should. Just recently, I had another abnormal mammogram, followed by an ultrasound and 2 biopsies. Luckily, there was no cancer detected. Even before I knew the results, I just vowed to do everything in my power to fight it if it was cancer again and worry doesn't fit into that category. I think as time passes, your worry will lessen. There's a difference between being AWARE of the possibility and WORRYING about it. My best adive to you is to keep a positive attitude, enjoy life, and put your faith in God. Sharon

I've been cancer free now for 2 1/2 years and
yes there are still days that I worry the cancer
will return (tongue cancer) or that a new cancer
will develop. When I notice a change in my
health, I monitor it for a few days or weeks and
if there is no improvement I go and see my
doctor and discuss the changes. The peace of
mind is well worth the trip and co-payment. I'm
just thankful for everyday that my health is
good and I never take it for granted. So yes,
there will probably always be a little fear of
recurrence but it doesn't stop me from living my
life. Enjoy being cancer free!!

God Bless You,
Vickie

Dear Deborah,
My name is Kathy R. and I had Hodgkin’s and have been in remission for almost 2 years. While I cannot honestly say that I have never been concerned, I can share a few things.
First, time is a bit of a healer. The longer you go without seeing a return, the more confidant that you feel. Second, have Faith. I don't know what your spiritual situation is, but if you have one, make it an integral part of your life. Worship, pray, meditate, etc. And ask. I feel that everything that happens has a purpose and, because of that, spend time speaking with God, asking Him to help you understand this past challenge and to live your life with Faith, regardless of future challenges.

It is not always successful, but most of the time, it is. Third, get busy. One of the best ways to get past any challenge that you may have is to get seriously involved with others. It makes your forget all about you and any fear that you may have. You are just too busy to think about it...

I pray for you and ask God to increase your Faith and your ability to enjoy your "new" life to the fullest and to help others in any way that you can.
I wish you the very best of health! Please let me know if I can help you in any way!

Sincerely, Kathy :)