What to Do After Cancer Treatment

For many cancer survivors, the end of treatment can be a very scary time. On one hand, you are told that you are "cured," but you are still left with the feeling of, " what now?" It can be a time of confusion, anxiety and loneliness. In addition, others around you may not be able to relate easily to how you are feeling as they may be extremely happy that you are "cancer-free." But there are some things you can do to ease your transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor.

Create a plan for follow-up care with your doctor
Ask your doctor for a complete summary of the cancer treatments you received. It will be information that will be crucial to share with doctors who might provide you care in the future. Talk with your doctor about how often you should be seen after your treatment ends. Many cancer survivors continue to see their oncologist on an annual basis for at least five years. Your doctor may give you a schedule of diagnostic tests like x-rays, cat scans or pet scans that will be done once or twice a year to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. Talk to your doctor about any signs or symptoms to watch for. Setting up a follow-up care plan with your doctor is the best way to keep yourself informed about your health and wellness after treatment.

Learn how to manage long term physical side effects
Different types of treatment may cause different long term physical side effects. These physical side effects can be minor or may interfere with your life on a daily basis. Use the internet or join a support group to learn how other people have learned to cope with similar side effects. Talk to your doctor about whether or not your physical side effects are permanent and what you can do to alleviate them. Also, realize that there are many unanswered questions as to the long term and late effects of cancer and its treatment. Consider participating in clinical trials that aim to discover how to best manage these issues.

Find out the best way to regain your strength and maintain a healthy lifestyle
Many cancer survivors want to immediately return to their pre-cancer lifestyle and be as active as they were before treatment. It may take time to rebuild your stamina and strength. Work with your doctor to develop a fitness and nutrition plan that will help you regain strength and energy in a healthy way. For cancer survivors who have never exercised or eaten healthy before treatment, now is a great time to start. Remember to ease your way into it. Always inform your doctor of any changes in your diet or physical routine before you begin. Also, ask for a referral if you are interested in working with a nutritionist or physical trainer who specializes in working with cancer survivors.

Plan your transition back to work or school
If possible, allow yourself time to slowly transition back into your day to day routine. Try going back to work or school part-time until you feel strong enough to handle a full day. Even if you continued to work or go to school during your treatment, you may now have different physical restrictions or a different outlook on life. Some cancer survivors may want to start a new career or are unable to return to their old job. Remember that cancer survivors have the same rights as any other employee and you are not obligated to tell a potential employer that you are a cancer survivor. If you feel you are experiencing discrimination upon returning to work or school, LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare (866.467.7205) can help you get answers and assistance.

Prepare yourself for emotional concerns that may come up
Most people assume survivors feel an enormous sense of joy and relief when they finish their treatment, which they often do. But survivors can also feel a mix of other emotions like fear that the cancer will come back, anger that they have to deal with long term physical side effects or uncertainty about how their relationships may change. The emotions that come up after your treatment has ended may be overwhelming, especially if you don't feel like you have someone you can share them with. Support groups offer survivors a chance to speak to other survivors who may be experiencing the same emotions. Many support groups are now online as well as being face-to-face. Other survivors find comfort in speaking with a spiritual leader, a mental health professional or writing their feelings down in a journal.

References

"Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment." National Cancer Institute. September 1, 2006.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment/allpages/print#b2.

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Cancer survivors: Managing late effects of cancer treatment" MayoClinic.com. Oct 2, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-survivor/CA00073.

"Planning for Life After Cancer." Lance Armstrong Foundation.
http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BD0794917-422C-499C-9C48-9ED3DDC42947%7D/BROCHURE_AYA.PDF.