Suggestions for Dealing With Aftereffects of Cancer Treatment

You just finished your cancer treatment and the last thing you want to worry about is more problems down the road. Most survivors have to face the potential of aftereffects from their cancer treatment. Facing the possibility of physical, emotional and practical aftereffects can be overwhelming. You don't have to sit back in fear waiting for aftereffects to interfere with the life you fought so hard to save. These suggestions are based on positive things cancer survivors have done to take an active role in preventing or managing aftereffects in their lives.

Learn what aftereffects you are at risk for
Survivors at any stage of treatment can benefit from learning about aftereffects. If you are newly diagnosed, talk to your doctor about potential aftereffects associated with the treatments you are about to receive. If you are just out of treatment or even if you finished treatment years ago, it's never too late to find out what aftereffects you may experience. You could be dealing with some right now and didn't know they were related to your treatment.

It is natural for cancer survivors to worry that even the smallest change in your body or how you feel is a recurrence of your cancer or an aftereffect. Learn what signs to look for and when to notify your doctor.

Keep track of all of your symptoms
Your visits to your oncologist will decrease significantly after treatment ends. That's why it is even more important to write down any symptoms you have experienced or questions you have in between appointments. Make the most of the time you have with your doctor.

The Livestrong Health Journal is an excellent tool that can help you keep track of all your symptoms. To download a copy of the Health Journal, click on the following link: Livestrong Health Journal

Go to your follow-up appointments
Your routine follow up appointments are a good time to discuss any aftereffects you are experiencing. You may also get routine blood work or other diagnostic tests done to help your doctor determine if your body is experiencing aftereffects that you may not have noticed. Even though you may feel anxiety before going to your follow-up appointments, getting a clean bill of health can help ease your mind.

You may experience aftereffects that require medical attention from a specialist. Ask for a referral to a specialist who can help you manage any aftereffects. For example, a survivor struggling with fertility problems that is trying to have children can see a fertility specialist. Or a survivor struggling with depression may want to go see a therapist. Ask your oncologist if he can refer you to someone who specializes in working with cancer survivors.

Find out what resources are available to help cancer survivors
Most the resources people know about the ones that help people going through treatment. Because of the efforts of organizations like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, there are now many resources available that help cancer survivors as well. For more information about resource available to help cancer survivors contact LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare (866.467.7205) or visit the Lance Armstrong Foundation's website at www.livestrong.org.

Take care of yourself
Undergoing treatment for cancer can be very hard on your body. In the months and years after treatment, incorporating healthy behaviors into your routine can help your body regain strength.

Work with your doctor to develop a healthy exercise and diet plan. Avoid unhealthy behaviors like smoking. Find out what you can do in between appointments to stay as healthy as possible. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid certain physical aftereffects and better manage the aftereffects you experience.

References

"Aftereffects of Cancer Treatment." Lance Armstrong Foundation.
http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.2660641/.

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Cancer survivors: Managing late effects of cancer treatment." MayoClinic.com. October 2, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-survivor/CA00073I.