Breast Cancer - After Treatment

Caring for Breast Cancer Patients

After your breast cancer treatment is completed, you will need to have regularly scheduled follow-up care. Because you have had breast cancer in one breast, you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer again. To be sure that the cancer has not returned, your checkups will include physical exams and mammograms. You also may have blood tests, chest x-rays, bone scans, or other tests. If you find any unusual changes in your treated area or in your other breast, or if you have swollen lymph glands or bone pain, you should call your doctor as soon as possible.

Keep Fighting

Like other cancer survivors, you may experience an emotional letdown once treatment is completed. This could happen because you may feel that you should keep doing something to continue fighting your disease. Concerns and fears about breast cancer are likely to stay with you. A new ache or pain, or the anniversary of your diagnosis, may get you down or worried. Making appointments for follow-up exams, returning to a treatment location, and waiting for test results may be especially stressful. These feelings are part of being a cancer survivor. Having faced one of life?s greatest challenges, you will find relief from these anxieties as you return to routine activities and focus on your future goals.

Emotional Health

Some women feel anger, fear, denial, frustration, loss of control, confusion, or grief. Others feel lonely, isolated, and depressed. Some breast cancer patients may be concerned about self-image, future priorities, sexuality, concerns about family members and medical bills, and possible death. Like other women, you can deal with these issues and your diagnosis of cancer in your own way and at your own pace.

You may want to talk with a friend or family member who can listen and let you sort out your feelings without giving any advice. When you reach out, you give loved ones and friends the chance to support you during this difficult time. You may want to talk about your concerns with members of your health care team. You will feel more confident and in control as you become comfortable with your treatment decisions.

Support Groups

Hospitals often offer support groups or meetings with counselors or psychologists. Ask your doctor if your hospital offers these services. You also may want to look into family or individual therapy. Growing numbers of therapists offer services to individuals, families, and friends affected by cancer.

Exercise

The first few days after your lumpectomy or mastectomy are a scary time- you might feel afraid to move your arm because it hurts! Doing a few minutes of gentle exercises 2 or 3 times a day will help ease you back into full range of motion. If radiation is necessary, full shoulder movement will help make you more comfortable during the treatments. Even with exercise, you may have tightness in your arm and shoulder up to six months or a year.