Hello I have never posted before. I am afraid that my cancer will return. I have had a selective neck dissection on the right side last year 49 nodes removed with 2 positive. Partial glossectomy. I feel lucky to have made it to a year anyway. The oncologist said my chances are not very favorable. Every couple of months when I go to the Dr. for a check up I get so upset and nervous that he will see something new. Thank you!

Hi and welcome.

"Scanxiety" is pretty normal for us that have had OC. Some experience more anxiety than others but suffice it to say, the fear of recurrence is real.

I'm curious. Your MO said your chances are not very favorable? For what exactly? What type of cancer were you diagnosed with? If you get a chance, create a signature. It's helps us gain a better understanding of what you've been through.

This is a great site for information and encouragement. I'm sure you'll be hearing form others.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

Welcome to OCF. Sorry to hear you are so nervous about having a recurrence. That fear is very common. After going thru so much, its hard to imagine ever having to do it again.

As someone who has has 2 recurrences I can say I really dont live in fear everyday. I have a purpose in life and a reason to get up in the morning which is very important to getting past the fear of recurrence. My chances of surviving another round of OC are slim to none so I go out and make the most of every day. The thoughts of recurrence sneak up on me around check up times and I do really good with limiting the amount of time I dwell on it. Maybe it would help you to helping others. Ive found it makes me feel less vulnerable and better about the situation. By helping other people it gets the focus off my own issues. It has worked for me, maybe you could benefit from that too.

Congrats on your first year cancer free. Wishing you many more!

Dorian,

You are 100% NORMAL. All of us experience the recurrence fear. Only time (and perhaps a pill or 2 during those times) will help.

The anxiety is very normal. What you have to do is ask - have I done all I can...?

Did they offer you further treatment and you refused? Or did they say this is all you need?
Are you healthy - eat well, exercise?
Have you healed well?
Have you given up any contributing habits (this applies if you are a smoker or heavy drinker etc... HPV+ cancers shouldn't necessarily be included as they do have an obvious cause, but being healthful can't hurt).
Did you seek out the best facility for treatment, and have top a top notch medical team?
Did you advocate for yourself and educate yourself on what to look for in terms of a recurrence?
Do you attend your regular check ups?

If you can say you are doing, and have done all you can, then you need to let it go. What is going to happen - will happen - at this point.

However I find it curious your dr. said this to you. If he or she believed this then why didn't they offer you more treatment as a safeguard? Since there were other therapies available... Regardless, no dr. knows. So don't let this person's negativity affect you. You are a year out. This is a good thing.

best of luck.

[quote=Cheryld]The anxiety is very normal. What you have to do is ask - have I done all I can...?

Did they offer you further treatment and you refused? Or did they say this is all you need?
Are you healthy - eat well, exercise?
Have you healed well?
Have you given up any contributing habits (this applies if you are a smoker or heavy drinker etc... HPV+ cancers shouldn't necessarily be included as they do have an obvious cause, but being healthful can't hurt).
Did you seek out the best facility for treatment, and have top a top notch medical team?
Did you advocate for yourself and educate yourself on what to look for in terms of a recurrence?
Do you attend your regular check ups?

If you can say you are doing, and have done all you can, then you need to let it go. What is going to happen - will happen - at this point.

However I find it curious your dr. said this to you. If he or she believed this then why didn't they offer you more treatment as a safeguard? Since there were other therapies available... Regardless, no dr. knows. So don't let this person's negativity affect you. You are a year out. This is a good thing.

best of luck.
[/quote]

Quoted for Truth! Couldn't add a word to this excellent advice!

It depends on the tumor histology, tumor size, and thickness, number of lymph nodes. if ipsilateral, bilateral, other negative factors like extracapsular invasion, spread, positive or close margins, if one continues to smoke, was a smoker more than 10 years, packs....increases the chances, but no one has a crystal ball.

Good luck.