Treatment has ended. Why am I still afraid of the next check-up?
Your follow-up examination is a few days away. Falling asleep is harder. You pay more attention to every symptom. You wonder what the result will show.
Loved ones say treatment is behind you. They want to celebrate and return to ordinary matters. You want that too. At the same time, you fear the illness will return.
The end of treatment does not mean immediate peace of mind. Appointments are less frequent, as is contact with the treatment team. This also takes some getting used to.
Fear of recurrence affects many people after cancer treatment. It can increase before a check-up, while waiting for results or when a new symptom appears. Fear itself does not mean the illness has returned.
Nor does it mean symptoms should be dismissed. Report new, persistent or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Do not decide on your own that they are caused by either recurrence or tension.
Ask the treatment team for a clear follow-up plan. When is the next appointment? What tests are needed? Who should you contact earlier, and for which symptoms?
Before the examination, also establish how you will receive the result. If you want, ask someone close to accompany you to the appointment.
While waiting, plan ordinary activities and contact with someone around whom you do not have to pretend to be calm. Say what help would be useful: a conversation, a meal together or their presence on the day of the examination.
Look at how much space fear occupies between check-ups. Are you giving up plans? Do you spend most of the day checking symptoms and searching for information? Is sleeping or working difficult?
If so, it is worth seeking psycho-oncological support. The work concerns managing uncertainty and returning to meaningful activities while keeping the recommended follow-up appointments.
You do not have to wait until the next examination to say that things are still difficult.
Hanna Swierczewska
Psychologist, psychotraumatologist, psycho-oncologist
If you would like to talk about your situation, you are welcome to book an online consultation.
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