Post Cancer Coping With The After Effects.

Hi all, this is the first time that I have actually posted here – coming from the UK it is not a site that I'd come across before. Brief history, three years on from SCC of the right tonsil – treated with right side dissection followed by 35 radiotherapy treatments.  In my own case everything went well for about two years – I can speak clearly (despite my Welsh accent), eat most things reasonably well and have only limited problems in swallowing. Where I have had issues is dealing with the after effects of the cancer surgery and radiotherapy. The surgery itself was fine medically – took me a while to get used to looking different and the radiotherapy went well – physically healed well with minimal scarring and bearable discomfort. The psycological after effects of the cancer experience took hold about a year after the treatment had ended - resulting in PTSD and subsequently depression which has caused havoc with both my work life and personal life. I have ended up on antidepressants (Elavil ) which have helped but do have some unfortunate side effects. The real issue I have now is with motivation, I work in for a large international company and my own performance over the last year has been poor but I have received little understanding from anyone other than my immediate family and to be fair the medical profession in the UK who have been as helpful as they are reasonably able to be. On top of all of this my mother is recieving treatment for breast cancer and this has brought back all of the troublesome emotions/anxieties and fears. Any comments/help would be greatly received.

I was so sorry to read that you have not had support from those around you in your work place. I can't even imagine how hard that must be. This is a time where family is everything!

My last chemo treatment was in June so I am not quite a year out. I have not suffered from depression and for that I am really thankful. I think a large part for me is my faith. I spend time every morning having a quiet time with my cup of coffee and Bible. It gives me tremendous peace.

Here you are just a year out and now your mother has breast cancer. I wish I had some wise words for you but I don't. You are obviously a person of tremendous strength to have endured all you have. Just know that many here are reading your "story" and sending thoughts of healing your way.

I wish you peace...