Why do cancer emotions hit harder after treatment ends?

I've been on Anastrozole for close to 3 years now and I can say that it along with all my appointments makes me an emotional mess ! Luckily I have a wonderful husband who understands that this is not the real me I'm still struggling with all the emotions it's like your on a rollercoaster and you can't get off ! I've kind of started to learn to live with it although I have my bad days I can say that if I stay busy it helps me to forget about it for awhile. Just know that your not alone in this fight !

Nancy, thanks for your reply. I am very fortunate compared to what so many others are facing. I hope and pray for strength for everyone dealing with cancer. 💕

You said it very well. I also just put one foot in front of the other in order to get through it all. It’s such a shock to be diagnosed with cancer, not really knowing how you got on this journey you don’t really want to be on and not really wanting to really feel that you’re on it for a while. It does get safer to feel the further you get away from the initial trauma but it’s there…

Its common to feel the stages of grief ,anxiety and sadness after finishing the major part of treatment. These feelings are up and down throughout treatment too. I go to a pallative care doctor,I wish I would have know to go to him sooner. He has really helped me. You can also reach out to your primary care doctor. Guess what....its OK to take things like benadryl to help you sleep or something like duloxetine for mood / pain. You don't need medication for ever just to get through the rough part and the long recovery. Please don't sit home in pain and saddness. Also go to oncology physical therapy or any good physical therapist. Exercise and walking can help....10 minutes. Acupuncture for breast surgery pain or joint pain, massages, anything that helps little. All these things you do for yourself add up. Its hard work to get back to yourself or even better than before cancer. Hugs and prayers to each of you.

Toni, my journey began in May. I have 1 round of radiation remaining on L1 Monday, and the remainder of treatments begin. Surgery on fracture at L1, chemo for HER2++ begins Tuesday, ending with an operation to remove tumors from breast. Having said all that...I am in numb mode. Thank the good Lord for my husband. I seriously shut down when we enter the doctor's office. My husband records every appointment. I will likely be dealing with this curse in a similar manner as you.

Appointments are crazy,especially when I rarely went to a doctor before except for preventive care. I had 160 appointments last year, scans,biopsies, consults, radiation, PT, acupuncture, ect. I am counting my acupuncture, massage and alternative medicine Appointments because they belong in cancer treatment. Even now its still like 5 to 7 Appointments a month,plus speciality workouts 5 to 6 days a week. I have to do some type of exercises everyday to keep up with what my body needs to help my pain. That's OK because exercise is one of the best things for cancer. Run,walk,swim,yoga,bike,lift, stretch,anything ladies. I know you can do 10 minutes of some exercise everyday.

Cat, speaking of exercise, my daughter got me a yoga mat yesterday! Any form of exercise makes me feel better and if it doesn’t rain in Seattle today, yard work is my plan. As my radiation tech told me one day, we each have our own unique journey and yet we’re bonded by it. Sharing helps. Thank you all so much.

What you're experiencing is completely normal and happens to many cancer patients. During active treatment, the body and mind often go into survival mode, focusing all energy on getting through each appointment and procedure. Once treatment ends and the intense schedule slows down, it's common for emotions that were temporarily set aside to surface. This delayed emotional response, combined with medication side effects, can feel overwhelming but is actually a natural part of the healing process.

I can totally relate to delayed reactions. It's like we're numb and on auto pilot. What shakes me up, though, is inconsistency with the care team and support staff. I'm at the beginning of the journey you described. Did you get a little annoyed when people expect you to grieve right away? I'm finding that to be the case. Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't feel as crazy now.