How will I feel after cancer treatment ends?
It’s normal to have many different feelings after treatment ends. Just as you need to take care of your body after treatment, you need to take care of your emotions. Each person’s experience with cancer is different, and the feelings, emotions, and fears that you have are unique.
How does cancer treatment affect your emotions?
Just as cancer treatment affects your physical health, it can affect the way you feel, think, and do the things you like to do. It’s normal to have many different feelings after treatment ends. Just as you need to take care of your body after treatment, you need to take care of your emotions.
Will my life go back to normal after cancer treatment?
Those who have gone through cancer treatment describe the first few months as a time of change. It’s not so much “getting back to normal” as it is finding out what’s normal for you now. People often say that life has new meaning or that they look at things differently now.
Why do I feel so overwhelmed after cancer treatment?
When you were diagnosed with cancer, you might have focused completely on your treatment and getting healthy. Now that you've completed treatment, all those projects around the house and the things on your to-do list are competing for your attention. This can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed.
How do I get my energy back after cancer treatment?
Drinking lots of fluids and eating well can help keep your energy reserves up. If nausea and vomiting make it hard to eat, talk to your doctor about these side effects. Get moving. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, riding a bike and swimming, throughout the week may help you preserve your energy level.
How can I be happy again after cancer?
Tips: Coping with fear of cancer returningBe informed. ... Express feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. ... Work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now. ... Find ways to help yourself relax.Be as active as you can. ... Control what you can.
How long does it take to feel better after chemo stops?
Most people say it takes 6 to 12 months after they finish chemotherapy before they truly feel like themselves again. Read the resource Managing Cognitive Changes for more information about managing chemo brain.
How long does depression last after cancer treatment?
“Feeling anxious or depressed after completing cancer treatment is more common than people might think,” adds Dr. Reid. “Several well regarded studies confirm that approximately 18 to 20% of adult cancer survivors report symptoms of anxiety and depression at some point during the first 12 months after treatment.
Are you ever the same after cancer?
People may often believe that cancer is over when a patient enters remission, however many of the difficulties that survivors may experience have only just begun. From long-term physical side effects to emotional distress and difficulty socializing, cancer survivors may experience a wide range of tribulations.
Does life go back to normal after cancer?
When treatment ends, you may expect that life will soon return to normal. Or you may see the diagnosis as an opportunity to make changes to your life. Over time, cancer survivors often find a new way of living. This process is commonly called finding a new normal and it may take months or years.
How long does it take to get energy back after chemo?
Your energy levels should return to normal within 6 months to a year after the end of chemotherapy. It can take even longer if you have intensive treatment, such as bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
What to expect after chemo is over?
Fatigue is something you've battled throughout your cancer treatment, and it's lingering effects can be felt after you've completed chemo as well. Fatigue is a common complaint – as such, there is much that can be done to help cope with it and mitigate its effects.
What does chemo fatigue feel like?
Feeling very tired and lacking energy (fatigue) is the most common side effect of chemotherapy. You may have muscle aches and pains, get worn out quickly, have difficulty concentrating or find it difficult to do daily activities. Fatigue can appear suddenly and it doesn't always go away with rest or sleep.
Can having cancer change your personality?
A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. Common feelings during this life-changing experience include anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home, school, and work can be affected. It's important to recognize these changes and get help when needed.
Why are cancer patients so mean?
Cancer patients simply want to be their old selves, Spiegel says, so they often can fail to make their new needs clear to their loved ones and caregivers, which can lead to frustration and anger.
Can chemotherapy change your personality?
Coping with Chemo Brain Emotional and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, and having trouble sleeping can add to that foggy feeling. Chemo brain can also intensify feelings of frustration or anger. That's OK.
Struggles After Cancer Treatment? 5 Signs to Seek Help
Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, is the Manager of Oncology Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. A 2-time breast cancer survivor, she writes a daily blog called Living with Cancer.
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What is post treatment depression?
Many people experience some kind of post-treatment depression and/or anxiety; it’s a normal part of processing the experience of possibly losing your life and living with the possibility to recurrence. Therapy can help people process that experience, find the meaning in it and move back into a new life.
Is cancer a scary experience?
Getting a cancer diagnosis is one of the most shocking and frightening experiences a person can face. It is, for many people, a traumatic experience. Even for those who don’t feel traumatized by it, it’s a moment that is seared into our minds forever and something we will never forget.
What happens after cancer treatment?
After treatment is done, you can experience a mix of reactions. Often the emotions are positive. You may have discovered new personal strength and deepened relationships with loved ones during treatment. Your friends and family are happy for you and want you to return to life as it was before cancer.
How do cancer survivors feel?
Uncertainty: Cancer can leave you feeling unsure about the future condition of your health. Most cancer survivors live with some feelings of uncertainty. For example, you may feel nervous before medical follow-up appointments. An important date, such as the date of diagnosis or the date you completed treatment, might bring these feelings out. Ask your health care provider to help you develop a follow-up health care plan. A care plan may lessen feelings of uncertainty and help you know what to expect. Some survivors find that staying focused on the present is helpful. Living this way can help you avoid worrying about things that may never happen.
How do survivors cope with cancer?
Some survivors need help adjusting to strong emotions after they complete cancer treatment. Each person will react in his or her own way. In time, it generally becomes easier to deal with emotions. Other life events may begin to require more attention. Often, less time needs to be focused on the cancer experience.
How do cancer survivors protect themselves?
After the stress of treatment, you may feel unable to take on anything more. Some survivors protect themselves by shutting down their feelings for a while.
What are the concerns of cancer survivors?
Anxiety: Some survivors experience worry or anxiety right after treatment ends. You may have concerns about how cancer could affect your future. Concerns about physical appearance: Physical changes during treatment may bring concerns about the way you look. There may be worries about what others might think.
How long does spiritual distress last after cancer?
It may continue for many years after cancer treatment is over. Spiritual distress can begin if life becomes very different from the way you thought it would be or should be. Some survivors may redefine values and goals during such a time. A search for what now gives life quality and meaning can take place.
What is the natural response to loss?
Grief: Grief is a natural response to loss that can last for quite some time. It generally comes with losing someone or something that has been important to you. In addition to a deep sadness, the grieving process may also include stages of denial and anger before one is able to reach a full acceptance of the loss.
How to cope with life after cancer?
Life after cancer can be as stressful as treatment . Family life, work, finances, and staying healthy are a lot to deal with. Some ways to reduce stress are listed below. Try these or other approaches, and find out which work best for you.
What is the meaning of "chemo brain"?
You may have heard about “chemo brain.” Chemo brain is a term cancer survivors use to describe thinking and memory problems that may happen during and after cancer treatment. Emotional and mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, and having trouble sleeping can add to that foggy feeling. Chemo brain can also intensify feelings of frustration or anger. That’s OK. These feelings can be managed.
What does it feel like to be put aside for cancer treatment?
For some people, emotions that were put aside during cancer treatment come flooding back all at once, and they feel overwhelmed with sadness, anger, or fear. Some of it may be the lingering side effects of treatment, but some of it feels as if your body and spirit are tired and need a long rest.
What happens after cancer treatment?
When cancer treatment ends, people begin a new chapter in their lives, one that can bring hope and happiness, but also worries and fear. No two people are alike. Each person has his or her own way of coping and learning to manage these emotions. It will take time and practice.
How does religion help people with cancer?
Religion can be a great source of strength for some people. Some find new faith during a cancer experience. Others find that cancer informs their existing faith or their faith provides newfound strength. Still others find themselves questioning their faith. If you are a religious person, a minister, rabbi, other leader of your faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you identify your spiritual needs and find spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially trained to help minister to people with cancer and their families.
What is the meaning of "you've just been through a difficult time"?
You’ve just been through a difficult time. You’ve had to make some major life decisions. Your body has been assaulted by cancer and its treatment. Your outlook and your whole way of life have changed, at least for a time. Facing these feelings and learning how to deal with them is important.
How long does a cancer group meet?
Other groups focus on certain types of cancer or stages of disease. The length of time groups meet can range from a set number of weeks to an ongoing program.
How to help cancer survivors?
Emotional support can be a powerful tool for both cancer survivors and their families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you.
Why do people put their lives back in order?
Some people say that putting their lives back in order makes them feel less fearful. Being involved in your health care, getting back to your normal life, and making changes in your lifestyle are among the things you can control. Even setting a daily schedule can give you more power.
How to sort out your feelings about cancer?
You can still sort out your feelings by thinking about them or writing them down on paper.
How does cancer affect your emotions?
Your Emotions after Treatment. Just as cancer treatment affects your physical health, it affects the way you feel , think, and do the things you like to do. Besides causing many emotions that may surprise you, the treatment may actually change the way your brain works. Just as you need to take care of your body after treatment, ...
How to reduce stress after cancer treatment?
Many survivors have found activities like the ones below useful in dealing with cancer and their worries after treatment ends. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or local cancer organization about taking part in activities like these. Exercise.
What are the fears of cancer patients?
This is one of the most common fears people have after cancer treatment. Even years after treatment, this fear may always be in the back of their minds. For some, the fear is so strong that they no longer enjoy life, sleep well, eat well, or even go to follow-up visits.
How to improve memory after cancer treatment?
See if any of these ideas work for you: Get a notebook or pocket calendar and use it to plan your day. You can write down each task, how long it will take, and where you need to go. Plan the whole day, including night hours.
What does it mean to be open to emotions?
Express feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. Being open and dealing with their emotions helps many people feel less worried. People have found that when they express strong feelings like anger or sadness, they are more able to let go of these feelings.
Is it normal to feel cut off from other people after cancer treatment?
You also may feel that only others who have had cancer can understand your feelings. Feelings like these are normal any time you leave people who mean a lot to you. It is also normal to feel somewhat cut off from other people—even family and friends—after cancer treatment.
What to do after cancer treatment?
Cancer survivors: Care for your body after treatment. Simple steps can improve your sense of well-being and your quality of life after cancer treatment. Find out what you can do. By Mayo Clinic Staff. After your cancer treatment, as a cancer survivor you're eager to return to good health. But beyond your initial recovery, ...
How to help cancer patients recover faster?
Regular exercise increases your sense of well-being after cancer treatment and can speed your recovery. Cancer survivors who exercise may experience: Adding physical activity to your daily routine doesn't take a lot of extra work. Focus on small steps to make your life more active.
How to prevent cancer from recurring?
Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables. This combination of foods will ensure that you're eating plenty of the vitamins and nutrients you need to help make your body strong. It's not known if a certain diet or certain nutrients can keep cancer from recurring.
Why do people with cancer sleep so much?
Sleep problems are more common in people with cancer, even survivors. This can be due to physical changes, side effects of treatment, stress or other reasons. But getting enough sleep is an important part of your recovery.
How to get over cancer?
With your doctor's approval, start slowly and work your way up. The American Cancer Society recommends adult cancer survivors exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, including strength training at least two days a week. As you recover and adjust, you might find that more exercise makes you feel even better.
How to improve long term health after cancer?
The recommendations for cancer survivors are no different from the recommendations for anyone who wants to improve his or her health: Exercise, eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, get good sleep, ...
What to eat when you have cancer?
Vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. When it comes to selecting your entrees, the American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors:
How do you feel when cancer treatment ends?
A cancer diagnosis, together with the effects of surgery, the invasive nature of cancer treatment, and the side effects that can accompany it, all combine to take their toll on your mind and emotions, as well as on your body.
Who can you turn to after cancer treatment?
When you are stuck in the middle of feeling down, or are suffering from panic attacks or anxiety, it can be hard to see a way out, but help is available and you do not have to cope alone.
What will work for you after cancer treatment?
The key to emotional and psychological recovery is to find something that you enjoy or that resonates for you. It may be discovering something new or rediscovering an activity that you once loved.
