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The first few months after cancer treatment can be challenging. Making the transition from receiving intensive illness-oriented treatments to no treatment or long-term management isn’t always easy or smooth. You might be surprised by some of the uneasy feelings that can follow. You might even feel like the support of your cancer care team is gone. You may notice that feelings of relief are mixed with feelings of uncertainty and nervousness about the path ahead.
Adjusting to a life that now includes a history of cancer is a journey in and of itself. It involves managing a host of emotions. But it also offers an opportunity for renewal, for you to take the reins of your life and move forward in a positive direction once again.
For some people, breast cancer is still present and treatment is ongoing, both to manage cancer growth and to relieve symptoms.
Coping with your emotions
One minute you’re grateful to be alive; the next you may be overcome with worry. You’re thrilled to spend less time at medical appointments, but you miss the com- forting support of your cancer care team. You feel enormous relief that you’ve made it through treatment, but you may be angry about the physical and emotional scars cancer left behind.
These feelings are very normal. Soon after your diagnosis with cancer, you were focused on getting through each day — or each moment. You may have had little time or energy to dwell on your emotions. Now all those pent-up feelings may be coming at you hard and fast.
Recovering from cancer treatment isn’t just about your body — it’s also about healing your mind. The good news is that feelings like fear, anger, sadness and anxiety often dissipate over time. It helps if you make space for your emotions and know when to seek and accept support.
Fears
One of the biggest fears you may face is that the cancer will come back. Fear of recurrence is common in cancer survivors. It can zap your concentration, make you toss and turn at night, and get in the way of relationships.
You might worry that every ache or pain is a sign of your cancer recurring. Certain experiences may cause your fear to spike, such as an approaching doc- tor’s appointment, the anniversary of your diagnosis or news of a friend’s illness.
Although it’s true that cancer can recur after treatment, it’s also true that most people with breast cancer never experience a recurrence. The key is acknowledging your fears and learning to put them in perspective.
It might sound counterintuitive, but a powerful way to cope with your fears is to allow yourself to feel them, rather than push them away or hide from them. Some people rely on their faith or use prayer to cope with anxious thoughts about what the future holds. Others find it helpful to share their worries and concerns with a caring family member or friend.
Taking an active role in your health care can also give you a greater sense of control and well-being. Talk to your cancer care team about steps you can take to reduce your chance of a cancer recurrence.
For some cancer survivors, the fear doesn’t seem to get better. Instead, it seeps into every aspect of their lives, robbing them of time that might be spent focusing on work or family, or simply enjoying life. If that describes you, reach out to a member of your health care team for guidance. They may recommend a licensed therapist or a support group led by a health care professional. These options can help you manage your fears and move beyond them.
Stress
Soon after your cancer diagnosis, you might have focused completely on getting through your treatments and getting healthy. All those projects around the house and the things on your to-do list were put on an extended hold. Now they may all be competing for your attention, making you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
You don’t need to do everything at once. Take time for yourself as you establish a new daily routine. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or guided imagery. Consider talking with other cancer survivors. Make time for exercise and activities you enjoy.
Depression and anxiety
Feelings of sadness, anger or worry related to cancer can interfere with your daily life. For many people these feelings will diminish as time passes. Some research suggests that five years after treatment, the rates of depression and anxiety in cancer survivors aren’t much different from what’s found in the general population.
For some cancer survivors, lingering feelings can develop into or unmask underlying depression, anxiety or both. If your feelings are getting in the way of living your life, talk to your primary care provider or a member of your cancer care team. You may be referred for psychotherapy, medication or both. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are keys to successfully overcoming depression and anxiety.
Loneliness
It’s not uncommon to experience loneliness after cancer treatment. You may miss the protective cocoon of doctors, nurses and others on your cancer care team who supported you through treatment and answered all your questions. You might feel as if the people in your life can’t understand what you’ve been through. Friends and family might be unsure of how to help you, and some people may even be uncomfortable around you because you’ve had cancer.
Don’t deal with loneliness on your own. Consider joining a support group with other cancer survivors who may be having similar emotions. Contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society for more information. Or try a trusted online message board for cancer survivors, such as the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network or Mayo Clinic Connect.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
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