Life after treatments

After going through the various stages of diagnosis and treatment, you have finally reached the point you have been waiting for: the end of treatment. Be aware, however, that this stage can come with its share of difficulties.

You may feel various emotions, including the following:

• Happy and relieved to have finished the treatments, but anxious or confused about what’s next.
• Worried or fearful that the cancer will return.
• Lonely and isolated because you are no longer seeing your healthcare team.
• Angry for various reasons and situations related to the illness and treatments.
• Sad about what you’ve lost.
• Unsettled by various changes.

You should know that it is normal and appropriate for you to feel this way. The post-treatment period is a time of transition and adaptation. Be patient and give yourself time to get over the ordeal you have just been through and to adjust to your new reality.

Surround yourself with family and friends who can support you during this recovery period.t.

Remember that you’re not alone. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is here to help. Browse through our free support services and feel free to contact us for support and information at 1 855 561-PINK (7465) or write to us at info@rubanrose.org. 

Many people worry about breast cancer progressing, fearing that it might come back and/or spread. This fear can lead to stress and anxiety.

Certain events can trigger and maintain this fear, such as follow-up visits, the appearance of signs and symptoms (pain, etc.), “anniversary” dates such as diagnosis or surgery, or reading information about cancer.

Here are a few strategies to help you cope with uncertainty:

• Talk to your doctor about your risk of recurrence, what symptoms to look out for, and your follow-up plan. Regular follow-up visits may give you peace of mind.
• Talk about your concerns with friends and family, in support groups or with a psychologist. Expressing your fears in words can help you deal with them. Journaling is a good way to do this.
• Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, massage or qigong to help you relax.
• Manage the symptoms that are bothering you. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep and reduce the pain associated with surgery or lymphedema, for example.
• Take care of yourself. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help improve your sleep quality and energy levels, for example. It is a good idea to cut down on alcohol as it is a depressant and could contribute to your worries.

Try different strategies to find the ones that work best for you. If fear persists and affects your daily functioning and quality of life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Most hospitals have a psychosocial oncology department or support service. Professionals will be able to help you get the support you need.

Returning to work or school after a breast cancer diagnosis can be a motivating goal for some, or a source of stress for others. Either way, you can plan your return so that the transition is as smoothly as possible.

You know best whether you are ready to go back to work or school, but your healthcare team, employer or school can be a great source of support and make the process easier for you.

Discuss returning to your activities with your healthcare team to:

• evaluate your abilities, taking into consideration your energy levels, functional limitations, cognitive abilities and emotional state;
• establish a realistic plan for your return to work based on your abilities, including: the right time to go back, the number of hours to work, the tasks that seem appropriate for your condition, your concerns, any obstacles you might come across, your needs (e.g., a safe environment that’s suitable for your condition), and the solutions you’ve identified;
• obtain resources tailored to your needs (e.g., rehabilitation programs, a social worker or an exercise program); and
• fill out the necessary forms for your return (e.g., for your employer or school and your insurance company).

Next, communicate your return-to-work plan to your employer or school and discuss the possibility of a gradual return or other suitable measures. Find out if there are any assistance programs for students or employees returning to work or school.

Some people face discrimination when they go back to work, such as getting laid off, being demoted, being refused sick pay and time off for medical appointments, having problems with co-workers. Be aware that discrimination of this kind is illegal and that you have rights protecting you.

For more information, see the following pages :

Cancer survivors

Back to work after breast cancer

Back to work or school