After cancer treatment: 7 frequently asked questions

After the cancer treatment journey comes to an end, the patient will go through a lot of emotions. Feeling relieved when the treatment is over, but always worried when the disease comes back in the future? In some ways, this transition is one of the least understood aspects of the cancer treatment experience.

Many patients think that the time after the end of treatment is an uncertain time and they worry about the uncertain future. Some even panic about the risk that the cancer may return and they may not notice the signs early enough.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that many patients still experience unpleasant symptoms related to cancer treatments months or even years later. Patients often struggle with fatigue, trouble sleeping, problems with memory, persistent pain or stinging sensations due to nerve pain and emotional pain.
People often want to know what signs to look for to detect a cancer that has returned or recurred as soon as possible and to recognize lingering side effects of treatment. For example, patients who have been on medications that can affect bone density need to understand the importance of monitoring bone health and taking appropriate steps to prevent serious bone loss.

Worries about cancer recurrence, one's identity and future, and dying young or leaving things unfinished. Some patients may also suffer from physical damage or damage to their self-esteem because of the cancer treatments they have undergone. Patients often need help learning to accept their new body.

The first step is to recognize their fears and anxieties. The second step is to find a solution to deal with these fears. To regain control, patient information and education are essential.
Share your fears and concerns with those you love, with a support group, or seek help from professionals that can and will always bring relief. There are worries after completing cancer treatment and it's important to feel supported and accompanied on the journey ahead.

Cancer affects not only those receiving treatment, but the whole family. Caregivers and benefactors help a patient while they are undergoing cancer treatment. But their love, support and worries didn't stop there. Carers may also need emotional support for themselves.

Final visits should be scheduled to allow time to review treatments already in place and discuss what is to come. Each patient's wishes are very different.
Some patients prefer to go through treatment without questions, but then want the opportunity to review what just happened to them and confirm that they have a clear understanding of what to expect. Still other patients visit the clinic to discuss the prognosis further, seek advice on how to manage side effects, or be referred to supportive services.
It is also common for patients to lose contact with their primary care physician, so these visits serve as reminders to reposition important issues to maintain health and ensure follow-up appointments cancer as well as other health problems.

The patient can ask the oncologist to summarize the treatment, listing the initial diagnosis, including the type of cancer, the advanced stage and the treatment method applied. The summary should also include the recommended follow-up schedule and recommended tests to monitor the patient's recovery.
Another effective resource is a support group, which allows patients to share experiences and advice and get support from people other than family and friends.
In the meantime, some people have another helpful way of finding more information about the type of cancer they have and how to cope with it with material from the web. Others may turn to literature, hobbies, or find spiritual mentors to help them move forward. The important message is that lives can be changed forever by cancer and those changes deserve attention and respect.

It is important that many cancer survivors face an uncertain future and feel lost. We need to listen and befriend them, show them they are not alone.

Articles refer to the source Cancer.net