fears of recurrence: advice on how to cope?

peggy_j

Anyone have advice on how to cope with the fear of recurrence? 

For me, it tends to come and go.  I finished Tx last May, felt fine, then last fall had a tough period worrying about recurrence, a second primary, etc. (then I had pelvic symptoms that raised other cancer fears) Since Jan I've mostly been OK, feeling good about my prognosis. But then there are triggers that bring back the fear. (a friend who had Stage 1 Melanoma had a recurrence; the Katherine Russell Rich story: she was considered cured for five years and then it came back as Stage IV). Etc.  I remember there used to be a Thread on this forum called "Stage 1 to Stage 4" so even though this is rare it does happen.

How do you cope? I know I should "seize the day." (and part of me asks, what if I only have 5 good years, due to BC or ...anything. I could be hit by a car? How do I want to spend that time?). How do you handle the big questions?

If this topic is too difficult, someone send a PM and I'll delete it. thanks