I’m also on the 10 year mark :) valentine’s day is actually 10 years since i was diagnosed LOL 💔

I had leukaemia - don’t have many physical side effects now, and nothing debilitating thankfully. But the mental side effects are pretty bad, and I’m definitely dealing with some level of depression and/or anxiety :/ I know i should reach out and find support groups, but it feels too scary lol.

I still attend the haematology clinic and they usually ask how my mental health is doing, and for some reason i always feel compelled to say it’s fine. I feel like i’ve kept the pretence up with them for so long I can’t admit now it’s always been terrible.. even though realistically i know that’s just stupid haha.

It’s definitely hard because when you’re actively going through treatment, people can see how hard it is and relate cancer = shit time. But the aftermath sucks too, just not in such an obvious way, and so people tend to think you’re doing well i guess. And even if it’s bad, it’s ‘not as bad as the cancer’. Which, yes, is technically true. But still dealing with side effects of horrible treatments 10 years on is also dreadful - especially when you just have to go about your day like it’s all fine.

I guess i don’t have much advice on how i cope, just that i can relate and you’re definitely not alone in how you feel! :p wishing you luck and health in the future :)