MOVING ON AFTER TREATMENT
Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You will be relieved to finish treatment, yet it is hard not to worry about cancer coming back. (When cancer returns, it is called recurrence.) This a very common concern among those who have had cancer.
Follow-up care
After your treatment is over, it is very important to keep all follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctors will ask about symptoms and may do physical exams, and order lab test or imaging tests. Follow-up is needed to check for cancer recurrence or spread, as well as possible side effects of certain treatments. This is the time for you to ask your health care team any questions you need answered and to discuss any concerns you might have.
Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to several months, but others can be permanent. Don't hesitate to tell your cancer care team about any symptoms or side effects that bother you so they can help you manage them.
At first, these visits are scheduled every 4 to 6 months. The longer you are free of cancer, the less often you will need visits. After 5 years, visits are usually once a year. If you had breast-conserving surgery, you will need to keep on having mammograms every year.
If you are taking tamoxifen, you should have a pelvic exam every year. Be sure to tell your doctor right away if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding because the drug can increase the risk of uterine cancer. It you are taking an aromatase inhibitor, your doctor might want to have your bone density checked.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling of the arm caused by fluid build-up. It occur any time after treatment for breast cancer-right after surgery, months, or even years later. There is no good way to predict who will and will not develop lymphedema.
With care, lympedema can often be avoided or kept under control. Injury or infection of the arm on the affected side can cause lymphedema or make it worse. Tell your doctor right away about any swelling, tightness, or injury to the hand or arm. There are ways to help prevent problems. For example, most doctors suggest that women do not have blood drawn from or blood pressures taken on the arm on the side of the lymph node surgery or radiation.
Quality of life
Women who have had treatment for breast cancer should know that they can have a normal quality of life after treatment is over. Many studies have proven this. Women who have had chemo may. however, notice a slight decrease in certain areas of function.
Some studies suggest that younger women tend to have more problems with the stresses of breast cancer and its treatment. Some feel isolated.
Also, chemo may cause early menopause which needs to be managed. There may also be sexual problems. These women might benefit from counseling and support groups directed to younger breast cancer survivors.
Emotional aspects of breast cancer
You may have been going through so much during treatment that you could not focus on anything else. Once your treatment ends, you may find yourself overwhelmed by emotions. This happens to a lot of women. This is an ideal time to seek out support. You need people you can turn to for strength and comfort. Support can come in many forms: family, friends, cancer support groups, church or spiritual groups, online support groups, or individual counselors. The cancer journey can feel very lonely, but you don't have to go it alone.
Body image
A woman's choice of treatment is likely influenced by her age, the image she has of herself and her body, and her hopes and fears. Some women may choose breast-conserving surgery with radiation over a mastectomy for body image reasons. On the other hand, some women choose mastectomy regardless of the effect on their body image. They may be more concerned about the effects of radiation than how the breast will look like after treatment.
Many women with breast cancer also find themselves dealing with the fact that treatment changed the way they look. Some changes may be short term, such as hair loss. But even short-term changes can have a major effect on how a woman feels about herself. A number of options are available to help women cope with hair loss, including wigs, hats, scarves, and more. On the other hand, some women may choose to show off their baldness as a way to identify themselves as breast cancer survivors.
Whatever changes you may face. It's important to know that there is advice and support out there to help you cope with these changes. Talking with your doctor or nurse is often a good starting point. There are also many support groups.
About breast forms and bras
some women who have had a mastectomy might choose breast forms instead of reconstruction. Your doctor will tell you when your are ready to be fitted for a form. Prices vary quite a bit. Take time to shop for one that looks good and fits well.
The right bra for you may very well be the one you have always worn. You can often have your usual bra adapted for a breast form. Be sure to check your insurance to see what is covered and how to file a claim. Also ask your doctor to write a prescription for your form and any special bras. When buying the forms or bras, have the bills marked "surgical."
Sexuality
Concerns about sexuality are often very worrisome to a woman with breast cancer. Aside from body image, some treatments for breast cancer, such as chemo, can change a woman's hormone levels and may reduce her sexual interest or response. It can be especially hard if a woman in her 20s or 30s finds she has breast cancer. Choosing a partner and having children are often very important during this period.
A woman's partner can also find the diagnosis distressing. Partners are often worried about how to express their love physically and emotionally after treatment, especially after surgery.
The information you find on our site is for education only it does not take the place of you seeking medical help from a license professional if you have any signs of breast cancer or any other medical issues.