life post treatment

Penned on November 2016

My life post treatment

 Though my treatment ended in July 2016 I was asked to undergo regular tests and check up in periodic intervals.
My first petscan post treatment was in October 2016 .This report seems more or less ok and i feel blessed 

Cancer is often described as a journey that starts at diagnosis. So true this is.During treatment, you at times feel that your life is on hold. After the treatment ends, it is tough to resume normal activities immediately. You tend to feel a bit lost.

Sometimes survivors expect life to return to what it was before the cancer diagnosis or treatment. But for many , it isn’t that simple and easy. The reality is much more complicated  both emotionally and physically. For some it may take quite some time to be back to absolute normal and for some they have to accept the “new normal.

Cancer certainly changes you as a person in more ways than one. Even though we may start to look normal and feel normal physically, it certainly feels different at least at emotional level.

Each person who has fought and survived cancer feels differently once the treatment ends.

Most people tend to re-evaluate and change their values, goals, priorities and outlook on life.

·        Some survivors feel a sense of loss for “the person they once were… or the way life used to be for them and they miss certain things which they are not able to do post treatment.

·        Some people are absolutely happy that they have survived and count their blessings

·        Some continue to wallow in self-pity talking about the changes,the travails of treatment.

·         Some want to return to their previous routine  at the earliest.

How you feel and cope up with life after…will largely depend on the type of cancer treatment that you have had, your basic nature as a person and your mental strength.

Cancer treatment in most cases will certainly leave long term side effects like fatigue, continuous cramps, pain etc.

In my case fatigue continues and i have  severe pain in my legs. I still suffer from severe cramps at times. My eyesight has been affected .My tongue burns even at slightest of hot food. My teeth have become super sensitive.

But yes my meditation, yoga, regular exercise and certain change in my eating habits has helped me to a great extent in dealing with these problems and i  am sure that these post treatment side effects  too will completely  disappear with continuous yoga and exercise. Even if it doesn’t it’s no big deal.

The chemo after effect is truly enormous and not easy to deal with but it is certainly possible to have a new normal where you can be healthy and happy
I always feel that i am blessed I live in a place where medical facilities are available and I am able to afford them. Though I must say Cancer treatment drains you physically emotionally and financially.
Blessed to be surrounded by many many well wishers and fantastic friends.
Yes it does worry me at times when I have any pain,discomfort etc and for a short while my mind tends to be negative.But I try and shake off that negativity and get back to my routine.Its is good that i have a job which keeps me busy