A guide to cancer survivorship

Entering remission or concluding treatment is often a massive life event for many people living with cancer. If you or your loved one are in this phase, you’ve commenced cancer survivorship.

Cancer survivorship is a time for a person to take a step back and assess how their diagnosis has impacted their physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being once they have either concluded treatment or entered cancer remission. It’s a phase of the cancer diagnosis that has its own complexities and often requires expert or peer-led support. If you’re navigating survivorship or getting ready for life after treatment, consider reaching out to a Jasper counselor to help you navigate this time.

Post-treatment challenges

Being on the other side of treatment can feel like the light at the end of the tunnel as you’re going through it. However, many people find that leaving treatment behind presents new and unique challenges to resolve. This is absolutely normal and to be expected—let’s break down a few common experiences:

The emotional toll

Every stage of a cancer diagnosis, including survivorship, can be emotionally challenging. While newly diagnosed patients and those undergoing treatment often receive significant support, survivors may feel overlooked. Processing the trauma of the diagnosis, settling back into a daily routine without treatment, taking back old responsibilities, managing body changes, and coping with anxiety about recurrence can be overwhelming. Your immediate support network may not fully understand or be equipped to address these unique challenges. After all—you’re cured, right? It’s easy for loved ones to miss the anxiety and stress that patients in survivorship are experiencing because re-integrating into your old life is the expected norm. 

Separately, a lot of patients report that they report feeling adrift—disconnected from the momentum and rhythm of treatment. After all, treatment provides a routine of its own—you know what to expect, you’re in regular communication with your care team, and everyone around you knows that you’re battling cancer and require support. On the other side of that can be feelings of abandonment as you experience long term side effects, go longer stretches without talking to people who understand your diagnosis and navigate societal expectations that you’re “back to normal”. 

Physical side effects

Depending on your treatment path and diagnosis, long-term side effects like fatigue, pain, and neuropathy are normal. Patients report struggling with managing their daily symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life. Similarly, if you’re navigating a change to your body due to surgery or significant weight change, you may have trouble adjusting to  your new appearance. All of this is normal and expected in the initial stages of your survivorship and there are many tools at your disposal to help you cope. Organizations like Look Good, Feel Better can be incredible resources as you adjust to body changes. Organizations like Gilda's Club have dedicated survivorship support groups throughout the country. Finally, connecting with a support group, talking to others who've experienced the similar changes, can also help you feel more comfortable in your body. 

Social and psychological impact

Navigating relationships, returning to work, and adjusting to a "new normal" can be significant challenges for cancer survivors. For instance, rebuilding relationships with loved ones may require patience and understanding as you adjust to your changed circumstances. Similarly, returning to work can be daunting, and it's important to communicate openly with your employer about any limitations or accommodations you may need. Your Jasper counselor can help you navigate these conversations, as well as put together talking points that help you advocate for what you need. As you adjust to life after cancer, remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Financial concerns

Managing healthcare costs, insurance challenges, and potential job loss can be significant financial burdens for cancer survivors. It's essential to understand your insurance coverage, explore financial assistance programs, and create a budget to manage expenses effectively. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide valuable guidance. Jasper counselors have access to a host of organizations that can help sort through medical bills and help you find financial resources. 

Ways to thrive in cancer survivorship

One of the things we try to emphasize to our patients is that right now is the time to show yourself some kindness and grace. A cancer diagnosis is a massive health event and every stage of it is complicated, and fraught with unique challenges. Survivorship is no different. If you’re struggling with this phase of your diagnosis—know that this is normal. There are a few things you can do to try to alleviate what you’re going through. 

Prioritize yourself

As a cancer survivor, taking care of your physical and emotional health is paramount. Maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure you get adequate sleep. To manage stress and anxiety, consider incorporating mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga into your routine. Connect with others who understand your experiences by joining support groups or seeking support from therapists or online communities. Keep in mind that it’s important that you don’t put pressure on yourself to “bounce back”—recovery requires patience. You need time to build up your strength, take things slowly and focus on yourself—so it’s okay to say “no” to extra commitments. 

Stay connected

Cultivating strong social connections is essential for your emotional well-being. Nurture existing relationships and build new ones with other survivors. Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. If you're struggling emotionally, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor to address your challenges.

Remain vigilant about your health

You know your body better than anyone and having just undergone treatment, you know that staying on top of any new symptoms is crucial. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and adhere to recommended screenings and tests. “Scanxiety” can sometimes interfere with regular scan recommendations and it’s important to learn how to manage it in advance.

Prioritize a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and getting adequate sleep. Jasper counselors are trained to create custom exercise programs for patients in survivorship, as it’s a crucial piece of your recovery puzzle.

Continue advocating for yourself

As a cancer survivor, it's crucial to maintain an active role in your healthcare. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about any new symptoms, side effects or health concerns. Consider seeking a second opinion to gain additional perspectives. Lastly, you should feel empowered to be assertive in advocating for your needs and accessing necessary resources to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Slow and steady progress

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. While your journey is unique, there are many resources to help you adjust to survivorship and it's important to find what works best for you. Be proactive, reach out for help and be consistent so that you can embrace survivorship and live a fulfilling life.

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