hi I was diagnosed in march 2022 had my hysterectomy June 2020 (not key whole too complicated) I have been told that the cancer was taken and I only need to watch for any symptoms. My cancer was at the first stage so I count myself lucky but I feel very upset and cry when I hear of others with the condition and their struggles but I think that’s because I feel like a fraud I wish I understood why
Hope everyone is having the best days possible im sincerely rooting for you all ❤️
Hi,
I think they call that survivor’s guilt. I had that too when I was first diagnosed and treated. At the same time, a mother of one of my students was diagnosed with a different cancer and died a few months after diagnosis. Another parent, a survivor of a different cancer type saw that I was going through that and identified it for me. He told me that we each have our own journey and to let go of her journey. I was able to be of help to her daughter and am able to keep tabs on her. She is living a good, well-supported life with lots of love.
So, perhaps you can find a way to help others in something interests you - it doesn’t have to be related to cancer.
Although you’ve had a good outcome, you did go through something traumatic. If they have counseling where you were treated, seek that out, so you can process what you’ve been through.
Best wishes to you.
Hi, I agree with everything Merma said in her great response.
Survivor's guilt is a real and very common feeling so be kind to yourself. I am a 7 year cancer survivor and feel the same way, even now. My cancer was caught at an early stage but my oncologist still recommended chemo and radiation because of Grade 3 serous features. He was able to get all of the cancer at the time of my hysterectomy and the treatment went well, but to this day I wonder why my outcome so far has been better than other women. I am so grateful for it but at the same time feel sad when I hear stories that have not turned out as well.
Our SHARE support groups are wonderful and include women at all stages from newly diagnosed through treatment and recovery. I'm always amazed at how much the women in these groups share their experiences to care for and support each other. It's really something to witness!! You may want to consider participating in one of these groups. The number is 844-582-6005.
Stay well and all the best to you!
Everyone has their own journey so don’t feel badly about your experience. Even though I went through chemo, radiation, and brachytherapy my mind and soul stayed pretty positive throughout everything. And so did my body after about the second chemo. I participated in groups so I could learn as much as possible, then I began encouraging others to get regular exams and to develop/maintain good health and mindfulness. Your journey is a great lesson for others because it shows that early detection leads to early, less invasive, successful treatment.
I think it's important that you are identifiying as a survivor for other women in the same shoes - they also go thru the trauma of diagnosis, sudden menopause, etc. It's needs to be ok for all cancer survivors to connect and make us all stronger together.
