Did you know that about 50 percent, if not more, of cancer patients/warriors/survivors have some form of ptsd? Ptsd stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. Ptsd occurs when someone has experienced or witnessed a shocking, scary, terrifying, traumatic, or dangerous event. This leads them to over respond to any sort of trauma from thereafter in an often debilitating or exaggerated way and could affect the rest of their life. It is a terrible condition. Therapy is an absolute must to try to combat this condition.
As a two-time cancer patient, I can tell ya, this crap is real. It can be devastating, debilitating and down right crappy. You find yourself freaking out at the slightest twinge, expecting the worst and not even considering the best. You have a scan coming up and find yourself grabbing for the ativan just to make it through it. It can get pretty ridiculous. Logic tells you that everything will likely be fine, but it is tough to believe it because your past experiences have taught you otherwise.
Ok, it sounds awful right? Heart pounding, sweating, pulse racing, fear coursing through your veins, ibs gettin all crazy. But, here’s the good news. There really is help out there, if you are willing to pursue it. You do not have to remain a prisoner of this terrible thing. That option is therapy. I mean actual, dig deep, deal with your demons, full disclosure psychological therapy. As difficult as it is, it can help you deal with your demons and identify your triggers and develop strategies that can either help you deal with these episodes when they happen or prevent them from happening in the first place. It’s truly a possibility of all wins.
The bottom line is that if you really want to start living after fighting your toughest enemy ever, you have to deal with the leftovers. You just have to, or else the fight won’t seem worth it in the first place.
On that note, I’m off to my regularly scheduled therapy appt. Peaceful vibes and power wishes.
Dr. Katz
Thank You, Laura For speaking out about abuse. I truly loved reading your blog today.
So many of us have suffered in silence for way to long. Including myself and my girls. I wished I could say I had the courage to walk away sooner rather than later. But, honestly I had to get my ducks in a row. Starting with therapy and self help. I wasn’t aware that my health was slowly declining. Until I was fortunate to stumble upon you. Some where between 2009-2012 I entered your office. I use stumble because I felt like a spinning revolving door not sure where to exit or enter. My mind was a mess my life was a mess and my body was starting to take a hit. You diagnosed me with stage 4 dysplasia along with so many other malfunctions going on inside my body. It’s been a wild crazy ride! After 3 diagnoses of cancer starting with uterine cancer. I found my life in a very toxic place. I left my abusive partner of 19Yrs. Only to end up with one worse. Vulnerable sick scared trapped! I thought I had met God in this man. Only to live in hell for 7 more years. I remember the words you shared with me. It’s personal so I wont share it here on your blog. But “WOW” it hit a core inside of me that I never will forget. All these years have gone bye and I find myself reflecting on your words. I cant say it was a beacon of light in the moment. But, boy did it ever come through when it needed to. I will say I use every opportunity to share my experience with others. You’re always a big part of my story. In fact my youngest daughter has started coming into your office. After a stroke she looked to you for answers that know other Doctor would provide for her.
Not surprisingly you were not giving up on her just like you never gave up on me.
Again, thank you Laura.
As for me, I am currently Cancer free. I’m living a peaceful life and a much healthier life style. Discovering the importance of my own mental health along with my physical health has really been a game changer.
Many blessings to you Laura on your own health journey.
Sincerely, Johnnie