Regardless of the protocol used to remove the cancer and reduce the possibility of its return, fear often takes up residence in the patient's heart and mind about the cancer coming back.
Women are often told that reaching the five-year mark of being cancer-free means that the likelihood of a recurrence is significantly reduced. Doctors share that statistic as a fact in patient education, and I'm sure they think it will generate hope as survivors rack up years of cancer-free survivorship.
It's common for the Sisterhood to celebrate reaching that milestone. And Sisters collectively hold their breath for every bump and tickle that shows up within that five years fearing that the cancer has returned. As a survivor myself, I am surprised that I continue to carry that fear even though I am past the five-year mark.
The PA at my oncologist's office is warm and compassionate. She gave me the gift of the advice to "embrace the fear." She said I don't have to be hard on myself for being afraid, and that gave me courage to ask about anything that concerns me.
If you suffer from fear of a recurrence, follow this link to a fantastic article that brought me comfort and a battle plan. https://www.lbbc.org/node/7778
