Looking for people who have experience after cancer?
Cancer diagnosis is frightening and life changing experience. For many people, returning to a normal, healthy life after cancer can also bring feelings of fear and trepidation. There are many emotions that cancer survivors will experience as they return to their life activities following treatment. Relief and gratitude of beating the cancer can also be joined by fear of the future. These emotions and fears are normal for many cancer survivors.
It is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and fears. Listen to your doctors’ recommendations about taking steps to reduce your risk of cancer recurrence. Do what you can to reduce your risks (including going to all follow up medical appointments, consuming a healthy diet, physical activity, and maintaining a health body weight) and focus on healing your emotional scars from the cancer diagnosis. Fighting cancer is a physical, mental and emotional battle. After cancer care is also a physical, mental and emotional endeavor.
Cancer survivors often report having fears of the cancer returning. These fears are normal. It may help to talk to other cancer survivors about their experiences with life after cancer. It is recommended that cancer survivors focus on reducing the amount of stress in their lives. During cancer treatment many things may have been put aside; it is important not to become overwhelmed when re-entering those issues into your daily life. Allow yourself to focus on one thing and try not to become overly stressed.
Depression is also fairly common in cancer survivors. Talk to your doctor about your feelings. There are things that can help alleviate symptoms of depression such as medication, counseling and support groups. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and your depression to your health care provider.
Cancer Support Groups
There are many support groups available for cancer survivors and their family members. By joining a “life after cancer” support group you may connect with other cancer survivors and get support. Additionally, you may opt to connect with people who have been recently diagnosed with the same cancer that you have beat.
Cited References:
Cancer.net
National Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic
Other Resources:
Imerman Angels
Info on Cancer Survival