When I was diagnosed with cancer, you helped my navigate my anxiety
DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I felt extremely anxious.
Although I’d been told it was treatable, the waiting list for the operation I needed to remove my prostate was over six months long. I wanted it over with, so I could get on with my life.
I’m 60 and fortunately, my cancer was caught early.
I wrote to you because I didn’t know who else to talk to. I didn’t want to bother my wife, 59, who was already worried about me.
You were so helpful. You suggested I contact the Prostate Cancer charity for information and advice from cancer nurses (, tel: 0800 074 8383).
And you also recommended I get in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support (, tel: 0808 808 0000) for emotional support.
You gave me your Cancer support pack and reassured me that if I got busy with my interests, the time till my operation would go quicker.
A year on, I have had the operation and it was successful. I am now cancer free.
You were right, Deidre, once I stopped focusing on the date of the operation, I did feel less anxious.
Thank you for your support, which meant so much.
MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: Hearing you’re cancer free is wonderful news.
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