Oh yes I think so! Such terrifying incidents can create PTSD. I had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1992 when my daughter was just turning age five: CT scan, CA 135 marker, all indicated it. I went into North Shore University Hospital Gynecologic Oncology ward when it first opened, I was the first one in that room. I was terrified to leave my daughter alone. Exploratory laparotomy disclosed stage four endometriosis. The had asked me what I wanted before surgery.y. I said whatever it is, take it ALL OUT, so I had a complete hysterectomy. After estrogen levels decreased, the endometrial tissue wrapped around my intestines just disappeared and that was the end of that horror. But it certainly left me with PTSD. I've had PVCs (benign heart palpitations) my entire life. About a month after surgery, they were non-stop, all day and all night. I went to the ER at least 3 times with my five year old in tow. They checked blood gasses (for embolisms etc.) and then I went to St. Francis (on Long Island) for a complete cardiological workup and discovered my heart was perfectly normal but my state of mind was NOT. It took me months to get over this. Now, I did not have a diagnosis of cancer. I think it's perfectly natural for you to be so preoccupied. Talk to your primary care physician about anti-anxiety medication; find a psychotherapist who deal with people who have had cancer diagnosis; look for a support group. Go back to your oncologist or cancer specialist and tell him/her this problem and ask for some real explanation regarding your present condition. And pray. Your life is not over until it's over.

I don't feel qualified to diagnose, but I will opine that that is allot to go through. A talk with somebody who is qualified to diagnose could be a real good idea.

And please feel free to hang out, ask questions or just wonder "out loud."

Whatever name you call it by, hope you continue healing.

Having a similar experience to yours AFTER I already had PTSD and being thrown into huge PTSD relapse, I'd say yeah definitely possible.

But do yourself a favor and discuss it with your doc. Getting treatment with a trauma specialist is definitely helpful if your trauma did that number on your nervous system.

Personally I dread hospitals and medical procedures now..

Yes it can happen, especially since it is as life threatening as a gun.
Oncologist will refer for counseling if you want it.

Could it still be ptsd even tho it was six years ago?? I also have bipolar and see a psych. She and my regular family dr know about it. I take klonopin if i need it during the day and atavan at night. I just feel like such a screwed up mess.

TC,

It seems symptom management is the most important aspect rather than the diagnostic label. If you are suffering psychologically let your care givers know and ask if treatment or meds can be fine tuned.

Regarding time - PTSD is the gift that keeps on giving - it rewires nervous system reactions so rarely get "cured" we need to learn all we can about managing.

I'm not a professional, so I can't say.

If you want relief, I'd tell a therapist and describe in detail your symptoms.

I'd also join a cancer suvivors' support group. I think what you are going through is very specific. Your issues are very different from some of us who were abused as kids and all that stuff.

You're welcome to be here, though!

And I'm glad you're well enough to be typing your story. : )

Yes, you can. I'm still haunted by my diagnosis.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/post-traumatic-stress/HealthProfessional/page1

"The diagnostic criteria for PTSD in the DSM-IV, text revision (DSM-IV-TR), however, specifically include being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness as one example of a traumatic event.[12] Thus, people with histories of cancer can now be evaluated and considered at risk for PTSD."

So glad you could type that out travaller!

Cancer is sinister. That was a good word you chose.

How could there not be traumatic side effects? I hope you can get the help you need to work through it. Your mindspace can promote a healthier existence of you allow it. Sending you strength.

I wanted to add my thoughts on this subject. I believe a person can get post traumatic stress from this I will tell you why I believe that. My mom was diagnosed with having a blood disorder (LgL leukemia) back in 2010. Since then she hasn't been the same. She had doctors saying to her that she has cancer then she saw a doctor who said that she has it. On top of that mom has been irritable and depressed to the point that no one can get through to her. She felt that her self esteem has been altered, she is not motivated in doing things she once enjoyed. She is in a state of mind where everything can trigger her nerves off easily than before. She wants to make haste decisions like move, throw away her clothing and anything else that belong to her. How its affecting me is that it disturbs me that my mom is depressed.

Seems so, directly from the pages of the DSM IV as well as our collective experience. Of course, a formal dx would require a PTSD specialist to be sure.

I have something else to talk about. Yesterday, Saturday Sept 21. 2013 my received a certified letter from her hematologist doctor. She stated in the letter that my mom really do not have cancer its a disorder. And it just goes on. It had put mom in a deeper depression. to the point that she wants to be moved back to California in month.