HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Overcoming Fear of Recurrence

Jackie07 · 08-25-2009, 03:58 PM

Overcoming Fear of Recurrence

Although it may never go away, fear of recurrence should diminish over time, especially if you have had a positive experience as a survivor and are a healthy, active person. Here are a few strategies to cope with the uncertainty that cancer may return.
› Know the triggers. Managing fear is essential when external stimuli, known as triggers, feed anxiety. Learn to identify what causes you anxiety, whether it is news that a friend has had a recurrence or an unexplained ache or pain that makes you question whether the cancer has returned.
› Talk to others. Sometimes just knowing your anxiety is normal will help. Talk to your doctor, a friend, or a support group about your fears, and ask what has helped others.
› Keep healthy. Exercise and a good diet will not only make you feel better physically, but can also give you the knowledge that you are doing what you can to make your body healthy. Exercise can also boost your mood and lower anxiety.
› Ask for help. While it is normal to worry about recurrence, if it is overtaking your life, you may need to talk to a professional. A counselor can help you sort out your feelings and prescribe medication, if needed.

For more strategies on coping with the uncertainty of recurrence, read CURE's Fear of Recurrence.

08-25-2009, 03:58 PM	#1
Jackie07 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: "Love never fails." Posts: 5,808	Overcoming Fear of Recurrence - from eCure Overcoming Fear of Recurrence Although it may never go away, fear of recurrence should diminish over time, especially if you have had a positive experience as a survivor and are a healthy, active person. Here are a few strategies to cope with the uncertainty that cancer may return. › Know the triggers. Managing fear is essential when external stimuli, known as triggers, feed anxiety. Learn to identify what causes you anxiety, whether it is news that a friend has had a recurrence or an unexplained ache or pain that makes you question whether the cancer has returned. › Talk to others. Sometimes just knowing your anxiety is normal will help. Talk to your doctor, a friend, or a support group about your fears, and ask what has helped others. › Keep healthy. Exercise and a good diet will not only make you feel better physically, but can also give you the knowledge that you are doing what you can to make your body healthy. Exercise can also boost your mood and lower anxiety. › Ask for help. While it is normal to worry about recurrence, if it is overtaking your life, you may need to talk to a professional. A counselor can help you sort out your feelings and prescribe medication, if needed. For more strategies on coping with the uncertainty of recurrence, read CURE's Fear of Recurrence. __________________ Jackie07 http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/06/doctors-letter-patient-newly-diagnosed-cancer.html http://www.asco.org/ASCOv2/MultiMedi...=114&trackID=2 NICU 4.4 LB Erythema Nodosum 85 Life-long Central Neurocytoma 4x5x6.5 cm 23 hrs 62090 semi-coma 10 d PT OT ST 30 d 3 Infertility tmts 99 > 3 u. fibroids > Pills CN 3 GKRS 52301 IDC 1.2 cm Her2 +++ ER 5% R. Lmptmy SLNB+1 71703 6 FEC 33 R Tamoxifen Recc IIB 2.5 cm Bi-L Mast 61407 2/9 nds PET 6 TCH Cellulitis - Lymphedema - compression sleeve & glove H w x 4 MUGA 51 D, J 49 M Diastasis recti Tamoxifen B. scan Irrtbl bowel 1'09 Colonoscopy 313 BRCA1 V1247I hptc hemangioma Vertigo GI - > yogurt hysterectomy/oophorectomy 011410 Exemestane 25 mg tab 102912 ~ 101016 stopped due to r. hip/l.thigh pain after long walk DEXA 1/13 1-2016 lesions in liver largest 9mm & 1.3 cm onco. says not cancer. 3-11 Appendectomy - visually O.K., a lot of puss. Final path result - not cancer. Start Vitamin D3 and Calcium supplement （600mg x2) 10-10 Stopped Exemestane due to r. hip/l.thigh pain OKed by Onco 11-08-2016 7-23-2018 9 mm groundglass nodule within the right lower lobe with indolent behavior. Due to possible adenocarcinoma, Recommend annual surveilence. 7-10-2019 CT to check lung nodule. 1-10-2020 8mm stable nodule on R Lung, two 6mm new ones on L Lung, a possible lymph node involvement in inter fissule. "I WANT TO BE AN OUTRAGEOUS OLD WOMAN WHO NEVER GETS CALLED AN OLD LADY. I WANT TO GET SHARP EDGED & EARTH COLORED, TILL I FADE AWAY FROM PURE JOY." Irene from Tampa Advocacy is a passion .. not a pastime - Joe Last edited by Jackie07; 08-26-2009 at 01:06 PM..