12 month oncology appointment

I saw my oncologist this week. My appointments continue three monthly. This means that regardless of how well I have been travelling, I get a reminder that I am still a cancer patient and the risk of recurrence will always be there.

Given the surgery I chose, there are no follow up scans or tests I can have to ease my mind. I’m not sure if this is good or bad. No ‘scanxiety’ but I am solely relying on the vigilance of myself and my oncologist. She examines me, asks me a bunch of questions ranging from my bowel habits to my mental health and I am on my way again.

I just have to take her word that all is well. Fortunately, I do feel that all is well.

I’ve started experiencing a few weird sensations around my surgery sites. At first it worried me, but I think it is just a sign of my nerves beginning to repair themselves. What I thought was pain, is really just sensation in an area that was previously numb. Much like a local anaesthetic wearing off I suppose.

I have a lot of tightness around my right shoulder which has been bothering me a bit. Apparently this is a common side effect 12-18 months after surgery. The scar tissue is becoming more rigid so I am working hard in the gym to maintain movement. Swimming helps too.

So that is where I am at physically. Still healing but moving forward. At this stage, it really is a mental game. Finding balance between doing everything I can to stay healthy and my old life of work and Mum. Some days it’s difficult, I still get tired. Others I’m a ball of energy!

We each find our own ways to cope.

Ax