Life After Treatment

For many breast cancer patients, the period following their diagnosis is the beginning of a strange new world, much like a rollercoaster ride. You are suddenly confronted with visits to doctors, treatment planning, and the realities of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Your time and energy are consumed by being a breast cancer patient. And then, for many patients, the day comes when you complete the last radiation treatment or have the final chemotherapy appointment. This day can be a happy occasion – but it doesn’t mean the end of anxiety. Your focus shifts from the day-to-day challenges of dealing with the treatment and its side effects, to longer-term concerns – both physical and mental. At the same time, visits to your doctors become less frequent, and your opportunities to communicate with them about your physical and emotional symptoms decrease. What are these issues and what can you do to address them?

The oncology world increasingly recognizes that these issues are important and need to be addressed. Many cancer centers are beginning special programs for cancer survivors, and more attention is being paid to their needs during the months and years after they finish active treatment – or as they continue to live with, and be treated for, cancer. Breast cancer patients have many available resources, including the Y-ME Hotline, that can help with information and advice during this confusing period.

This section attempts to address many of the concerns you may encounter in your Life after Treatment:

Follow-up Care After completing initial treatment, most patients continue to see their treatment regularly.	Body Image Regardless of diagnosis and treatment, you body image could be affected.
Fear of Recurrence Will the cancer come back?	Fertility Fertility after treatment depends on the nature of the cancer and the treatment you receive.
Anxiety & Depression Cancer is scary and stressful and many experience anxiety during and after treatment.	Sex and Intimacy Your body changes during treatment and breast cancer can be hard on intimacy.
Diet, Nutrition & Weight Many undergoing treatment find their eating habits change and exercising becomes difficult.	Breast Cancer and the Workplace Some of your greatest concerns about having cancer may be related to its impact on your job.