It's strange to think that you might miss treatment, isn't it, or is it?  Remember the terror the words chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery evoked?  But often when treatment is finishing or has finished, you are thrown "out into the cold", expected to fend for yourself with seemingly very little support.  The hospital and a plethora of appointments has almost become a comfort - a sense of regaining control and you know that something is being done to hit those nasty little cancer cells on the head and "someone" is taking care of you.

But without treatment, the anxiety so frequently returns - what now - what do I do - how do I cope?  You've so longed for treatment to end, no more side effects, but in a funny kind of way, it's become a friend - a new security for you.  But treatment must end - you cannot remain on treatment forever - it's important to get back to normal and regain self-confidence.  Admittedly, this is bound to be a "new normal", and, that in itself, will take time to adjust to - who is the new you?  And this will certainly not happen overnight, so don't expect miracles.

So what can help you settle back into "living".  Well, to be sure - you will probably always worry - so that is most likely to be a given - will my disease recur, when will it recur.  Now that's a hard one to manage, but there are things that can help you.  First, you always have your oncology team at hand and your specialist nurse - you know we are always here and don't go away - we may not see you as often in the hospital setting but we will always see you quickly if we need to and we will always be at the end of the phone.

Then there are other things to do that can help you feel better.  Research demonstrates that being part of a support group/activity group is extremely valuable in providing on-going support, and this is where the @GOGirls2015 can help fill that gap and be there for you - help lift you up in those dark days and pull you through.  An environment where you can make new friends, share laughter and tears, and those all important GO Girl hugs.

So yes, life may not be the same again - how often is it when you have a life-changing event - think of marriage, the birth of the child - life takes on a different form and this is no less true then having a diagnosis of cancer and coping with all that brings - for you and your family.  But what you can be assured of is that support is a very valuable part of regaining your well-being - helping you on your road to recovery, helping you enjoy life again and to always be here for you. You will blossom again!