Coping with Fear After Lung Cancer: Seeking Support

I had a lumpectomy and radiation my last radiation treatment (15) was April 4th. But I still have fatigue and heavy breathing. My sister had lung caner 15 years cancer free

Hi Christina I understand and empathize. However the vast major you this comes from “thoughts” about cancer. Please speak with a professional or perhaps look into Buddhism which is what I did to understand how the human mind can cause misery. Best and kind regards to you Charlie

I’m in fear every single moment of every single day of my cancer progressing and the future. I get really bad scanxiety when it’s time for scans etc…

Hi Kimberly There is no future. Just like there is no past All you have is now. Thoughts of the future are invalid because we (you) are not there yet. I know that may or may not help with your anxiety but I understand because typically anxiety is triggered from thoughts line what if this happens etc I wish there was some way we could chat more not here. Be well and stay calm Charlie

Kimberly, I related to your worries. I understand fully what Charlie is striving for us to understand. Although that doesn’t just magically take those feelings or thoughts away. I’ve been receiving ongoing therapy for these difficulties. But it just doesn’t change immediately. It helps, like the DBT therapy but it’s a work in progress right. I know your anxiety is real and can be overwhelming. Anytime you’d like to chat, I’m here. I wish you well.

Hello Charlie, I wish I had a dial. I could just turn off and switch to not having those thoughts, but that work hasn’t set in place yet. I’m striving for that and I am receiving help but it’s a work in process in the meantime what I feel is real, and those thoughts, although can be changed are still causing issues in my life. Thank you for your support and your thoughts.

I understand Kimberley. I feel the same way.

I absolutely 100% understand everyone’s feelings. For me, being a survivor does not mean I am cured. It just means I have complete remission. Some days I feel like a ticking time bomb other days it really doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve heard so many different ways on how to handle the thought process. If I could find the right group, I would go there. I definitely get lost inside of my head sometimes and that’s dangerous. But for the most part, I’m just so grateful to be a stage four survivor of melanoma. 🙏

Kimberly, I understand you completely. In September, I receive my last 6 month scan and if stable, I am in remission 2 years. My scans then go to once a year. I had rul removed for a nodule that was Adenocarcinoma along with 9 lymph nodes. No chemo or radiation. I also have AAH and GGN , micronodules that appeared my post op scan but are stable. Yes, I am a survivor. Yes, I am in remission. Yes, I have cancer. Yes, I am terrified of it returning because I am now a non surgical patient. Yes, I live for now because this may be all that I have left in this life.😘

I have been doing some meditation and that with prayer and faith keeps me calm. I'm also so very thankful for every day now, and try to enjoy the glimmers of joy in nature each day.

I had stage 3 germ cell ovarian cancer. It scared me to death. I was allergic to the chemo and had to have 5 steroids to get through it. This was in 2017. Then in 2019, I has stage 1 breast cancer. I know your fear. I'm afraid too.

It's normal to fear cancer. I had it 8 years ago. I didn't have much problems with the chemo, but not our problems with the radiation.It cooked my my thyroid.It cooked my throat.And it also gave me gross in my throat, which isn't cancer.But they don't want to remove it because it'll come back worse.So they put a balloon down my throat, and it seems to have worked.But I had an aneurysm, I got blood clots.I sit on the couch alone

The fear and anxiety you're experiencing after cancer treatment is incredibly common among survivors, and reaching out here shows real strength in seeking connection during this challenging time. Many community members have shared similar feelings about hypervigilance around potential cancer causes and the emotional toll of survivorship - you're definitely not alone in this experience, and connecting with others who understand can provide tremendous comfort and practical coping strategies. Since you mentioned feeling isolated, please scroll down the page from the Home Screen of the app to find the Ask Outcomes4Me box to get in touch for a more personal conversation and connect with our clinical care experts, and remember that the 988 hotline is always available for additional support.