How to Deal With Cancer Retreatment

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Andrew Schorr:

I have a question for Brianna and the patients, too.  Let's say somebody has not been on treatment, and now they're told they need treatment again.  How do they get their head around it?  Do they feel like a failure?  Their body, life, God, whatever has failed them, you know, because they've gone long without treatment, you know?  Comment on that? 

Brianna Garrison:

So I think part of that is just you kind of get retraumatized.  The first time that you get a diagnosis of cancer, you go through all the fears and worries. But now you have all those fears and worries, and you know what some of it's like.  So you know what chemo does, and you know how you feel, and so it's really wrapping your head around, okay, is this going to be different? How do I want to live? What's important to me?

And really talking about it, you know.  Expressing those and saying, I am really anxious about this.  I'm nervous about going back and getting my scans to get that bad news or to go—and talking with your doctor about that and saying, last time I experienced this, and I'm worried that I might experience that this time.  But that's a very common fear.  Just kind of now you have more information, but there [are] still those worries and questions that come on.  

Please remember the opinions expressed on Patient Power are not necessarily the views of our sponsors, contributors, partners or Patient Power. Our discussions are not a substitute for seeking medical advice or care from your own doctor. That’s how you’ll get care that’s most appropriate for you.