Hopegirl wrote:Hi everyone ! Just took my last 6 cycles of Xeloda pills tonight. Was only able to do 3 oxiliplatin infusions. I’m feeling a bit nervous and scared . My ct scan appointment is not til may 3rd. I know the the surgeon says they took everything out during surgery . And chemo is suppose to help in case they miss anything . Why do I feel so scared still. I feel like the xeloda pills was my comfortable . What signs do I look for now . I feel like I’m always gonna be scared every weird symptoms I feel. Especially I have to wait til my scan. I hope it’s gone .
Hopegirl wrote:Hi everyone ! Just took my last 6 cycles of Xeloda pills tonight. Was only able to do 3 oxiliplatin infusions. I’m feeling a bit nervous and scared ... Why do I feel so scared still?...
Reported problems, post-chemo
fear of recurrence 68%
fatigue, 67%
sleep difficulty, 48%
anxiety,
depression,
negative body image,
sensory neuropathy,
gastrointestinal problems,
urinary incontinence,
sexual dysfunction, 41%
References:
Delinger, CS Barsevick AM “The challenges of colorectal survivorship,” J Nat Comp Network, 2009
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19755048
Baker F, Denniston M, Smith T, West MM. Adult cancer survivors: how are they faring? Cancer, 2005.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16258929
Hopegirl wrote:...For those that are done with chemo. What do u do to stay NED ? ....
O Stoma Mia wrote:testing765 wrote:...Finally, how did you deal with the fear/anxiety of the cancer returning? ...Thanks for the feedback.
Hi testing765 -
Having an effective stress reduction program is critical for survivorship planning as you enter the five-year post-chemo surveillance period. As mentioned in another post, persons who are entering the surveillance period should set up, and diligently pursue, effective programs in (1) Physical exercise (2) Nutrition, and (3) Stress management
Here are some links that describe ways to manage stress during the post-chemo period. The last link below explains, in detail, why stress reduction is essential.
Managing stress - cancer.net
http://www.cancer.net/coping-and-emotions/managing-emotions/managing-stress
Managing stress and cancer
http://www.cancercenter.com/community/thrive/managing-stress-and-cancer/
Stress Management (LEF website)
https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/emotional-health/stress-management
Anxiety (LEF website)
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2016/3/safely-reduce-anxiety-and-mood-disorders
Quick Relief from Anxiety and Stress Without Tranquilizer Drugs (LEF Magazine)
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/8/report_stress_anxiety
Diet for stress management
http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-diet-for-stress-management
Stress and Cancer 101: Why Stress Reduction Is Essential
http://www.integrativeoncology-essentials.com/2012/04/anticancer-lifestyle-stress-reduction-101/
°
...Secondary prevention (maintaining a healthy body weight and active lifestyle) is recommended...."
Reference: Follow-Up Care, Surveillance Protocol, and Secondary Prevention Measures for Survivors of Colorectal Cancer:
American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Endorsement
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24220554
Hopegirl wrote:Thank you everyone for your kind words. Sigh! It doesn’t help that my anxiety has gotten worst. I wish I didn’t have this bad anxiety disorder. I have more what if’s now and sends me to panic mode. Today I had to leave the gym early because I thought something was wrong , I was a little dizzy got scared and left. For those that are done with chemo. What do u do to stay NED . I exercise 5 to 6 days a week and I cut most meat out especially pork. I’m trying not to live in fear , this is still a shock to me . I have no family history. But I will try my best to stay positive and just take it one day at a time .
NHMike wrote:Vitamin D3 supplements if your levels are below normal, tree nuts three times a week (not peanuts), exercise, and daily regimen Aspirin (after all of the treatment is over).
Patients with stage III colon cancer who ate at least 2 servings of nuts per week had superior disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), according to results from the CALGB 8903 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The association between total nut intake and improved outcomes was consistent across other known or suspected risk factors for cancer recurrence and mortality.
“This prospective study of patients with stage III colon cancer suggests that a diet with increased nut consumption is associated with a significant reduction in cancer recurrence and mortality,” wrote Charles S. Fuchs, MD, Yale Cancer Center, and colleagues. “Although the findings of our observational study do not establish causality, the results offer further support of the role of diet and lifestyle as modifiable risk factors of outcomes in patients with colon cancer.”
Hopegirl wrote:Thank you everyone for your kind words. Sigh! It doesn’t help that my anxiety has gotten worst. I wish I didn’t have this bad anxiety disorder. I have more what if’s now and sends me to panic mode. Today I had to leave the gym early because I thought something was wrong , I was a little dizzy got scared and left. For those that are done with chemo. What do u do to stay NED . I exercise 5 to 6 days a week and I cut most meat out especially pork. I’m trying not to live in fear , this is still a shock to me . I have no family history. But I will try my best to stay positive and just take it one day at a time .
Hopegirl wrote:I’m trying not to live in fear , this is still a shock to me . I have no family history. But I will try my best to stay positive and just take it one day at a time .
Hey buddy your post reminds me of a silent promise I made to myself at 42 y.o.
" I will earn my black belt by the time I am 50."
The year I turned 50, I passed my first degree black belt grading in the fall.
It was always inside my mind, with positive thoughts and energies .. and literally became a part of me ...
thoughts into actionLike the old Nike commercials "Just Do It" It will go a long way towards your recovery both physically and mentally. You will be glad you did.
WHAT I learned from that experience is why I am still here NOW !
After grading to second degree black belt, that was my the introduction to " ...you got CRC ! "
AND I accepted it as just another challenge
just another grading
just another opponent
The mind, IMO is everything ... and we can fill it with harmful, self-destructive, crazy monkeys chattering constantly inside our heads
OR, as you have discovered and shared
Fill it with Master Yoda !“Do or do not. There is no try.” - Master Yoda
be kind to yourself
be honest with yourself
be real with yourself
BUTT sometimes it IS time to kick some personal ASS ...
and who better to benefit from that ??? .... than ourselves !
Cheers and Mega Harmony to all on the Journey
CRguy
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