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After treatment and remission

Traumatic memories

For some people, the leukaemia diagnosis, emergency treatment, painful procedures or time in intensive care can come back as vivid memories even years later. This topic explains why this happens and what helps.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Rings of light on calm water.
Figure 1.Memories can echo back.

01Short answer

Leukaemia often starts suddenly: an emergency admission, frightening news, intensive treatment, and sometimes severe infections or intensive care. Such experiences can stay in memory as psychological trauma. After treatment some people have unwanted memories, nightmares, strong reactions to anything that recalls a hospital smell, sound or medicine, an urge to avoid hospitals or doctors, constant tension, poor sleep and being easily startled. This is a traumatic stress reaction. These signs often fade with time. If they last more than a month and seriously affect life, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It occurs in survivors and in parents — especially mothers and fathers whose child was treated. PTSD responds well to treatment: trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR are effective, and sometimes a doctor may offer medicine. In daily life, grounding techniques, slow breathing, routine and talking with people you trust help. If trauma-related anxiety makes you avoid follow-up checks, tell your doctor — you can find a solution together.

02Simple explanation

A hard treatment experience can stay as trauma.

Signs: memories, nightmares, avoidance, tension.

They often fade with time.

Over a month and severe: possibly PTSD.

PTSD responds well to treatment.

03Scientific explanation

Traumatic stress: according to the NCI, cancer and its treatment can be experienced as a traumatic event; some survivors and family members develop post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Parents: the NCI notes that traumatic stress symptoms are common in parents of children treated for cancer.

PTSD signs: according to NIMH, the main signs of PTSD are recurring memories, avoidance, changes in mood and thinking, and being on high alert, lasting more than a month.

Treatment: the NHS recommends trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR as the main treatments for PTSD.

04What happens in the body?

Why do memories come back?

Very frightening events are stored in memory in a special way. A smell, sound or place can suddenly “wake” them.

What signs can there be?

Unwanted memories and nightmares, avoiding hospitals, constant tension, irritability, poor sleep, being easily startled and feeling detached.

Coming back to the present

Grounding: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste. Breathe slowly.

A warm harbour sheltered from a storm.
Figure 2.The present can be safe.

When is help needed?

If signs last more than a month and disturb sleep, work, relationships or follow-up checks — see a psychologist or your doctor.

Treatment works

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR reduce the power of memories. Many people feel much better within a few months.

A knot of light slowly loosening.
Figure 3.With help, memories soften.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Making peace with memories

Steps.

Notice — What brings memories back.1NoticeWhat brings memories back.
Ground — The five senses method.2GroundThe five senses method.
Share — With someone you trust.3ShareWith someone you trust.
Therapy — Trauma-focused therapy.4TherapyTrauma-focused therapy.
SafetyThe present is safe.
CalmTension eases.
ProgressMemories soften.

06Traumatic stress: what helps (simplified)

SituationWhat you can doWho helps
A sudden memoryGrounding, breathingYou
Nightmares, poor sleepRoutine, relaxationDoctor, psychologist
Avoiding hospitalPlanning, companyDoctor, psychologist
Signs lasting over a monthTrauma-focused therapyPsychologist, psychiatrist

* Asking for help is a sign of strength.

07Key terms

Trauma
A very frightening or shocking experience.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder.
Trigger
Something that wakes a memory.
Grounding
A way of bringing attention back to the present.
EMDR
A therapy that processes trauma using eye movements.
Avoidance
Staying away from reminders of the trauma.

08Key points

  • Traumatic memories are a real reaction.
  • They often fade with time.
  • Learn a grounding technique.
  • Talk to someone you trust.
  • Do not avoid follow-up — tell your doctor.
  • PTSD responds well to treatment.

09Frequently asked questions

Am I weak for being so affected?

No; this is a normal reaction to a hard experience.

Can I get help as a parent too?

Yes; traumatic stress is common in parents and can be treated.

The hospital smell makes me feel unwell — what can I do?

Grounding, breathing and company; tell your doctor.

Will therapy make the memories worse?

The therapist works at a safe pace; usually memories soften.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Am I weak for being so affected?

  2. Can I get help as a parent too?

  3. The hospital smell makes me feel unwell — what can I do?

  4. Will therapy make the memories worse?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  2. National Institute of Mental Health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  4. NHS. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  5. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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