Living with Cancer - What You Need to Know About Wellness (Cancer Survivorship)

When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like your whole world has come crashing down. The treatment, the fear, the uncertainty about the future... it's all a huge battle to fight. Many people think that this battle ends with treatment. But in reality, this important journey called "cancer survivorship" begins the day you are diagnosed. This journey continues throughout your treatment, and beyond, for the rest of your life.

Simply put, what is this cancer survivorship journey?

The cancer wellness journey is a healthcare system that supports you throughout your journey with cancer. It starts the day you are diagnosed with cancer. It continues throughout your treatment, after treatment, and for the rest of your life. Cancer is a life-changing experience, so this support is important.

The main goal of this wellness treatment is to focus on your physical and mental health , thereby improving your quality of life.

What are the stages of this journey?

There are several ways that experts look at this cancer recovery journey. Some link it to the stage of the cancer. Others divide it up over time. Let's understand both of these in simple terms.

Despite these differing opinions, one thing that all experts agree on is that there are common physical and psychological issues that people recovering from cancer face. Let's talk about them now.

Physical problems that can arise when living with cancer

It is common to experience side effects during cancer treatment. While most of these will subside once treatment is complete, some side effects may persist for months or even years.

• Cancer fatigue: This is not normal fatigue. It is an extreme tiredness that does not go away no matter how much rest you take. This condition usually subsides after treatment is over. However, for some people, it can be long-term. This makes it difficult to perform daily tasks.
• Cancer pain: This pain can be caused by the cancer itself or by cancer treatments.
• Memory and thinking difficulties (Chemotherapy brain fog): You may feel like you have trouble making decisions, forget small things, and can't concentrate. This is called ``Chemotherapy brain fog.''
• Second cancer: This is a very important thing. This means that you develop a completely new cancer that is completely different from the cancer you were previously treated for. The risk of developing this type of second cancer is also higher as more people live with cancer for longer periods of time.

Mental stress and challenges

Cancer is a stressful experience for both the body and the mind. Here are some common mental health issues that can arise during this journey.

• Anxiety disorders:You may feel anxious, fearful, or nervous during and after treatment. Some people feel extreme fear and anxiety when they are about to have a scan. This is called scanxiety. Sometimes, this experience can even lead to a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Depression: It's normal to feel sad and scared when you find out you have cancer. But depression is a more serious condition. About one in four people with cancer develop depression. It can affect your sleep, your eating, and your daily activities.
• Emotional stress: Financial pressure due to the cost of treatment and the impact on family relationships can cause significant mental stress.
• Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR): This is a major fear for many people. The overwhelming fear of cancer recurrence can interfere with normal life.

Who is the team that is there to help you?

You are not alone on this journey. There is a great team to help you.

• Doctors who diagnose and treat cancer: Medical oncologists and surgical oncologists belong to this group.
• Cancer rehabilitation specialists: People like physical therapists or occupational therapists can help you prepare for treatment and manage symptoms and side effects.
• Palliative care providers: These people provide specialized care to help you cope with symptoms and side effects of treatment. They also provide emotional and spiritual support.

What happens after treatment? Your wellness plan

It is important to develop a survivorship care plan for your recovery after treatment. This plan is developed by you and your medical team. It usually includes the following:

• Check-up schedules: You will need to see your doctor about every two to three months for the first two to three years after treatment.
• Guidance for lifestyle changes: Your medical team will advise you on things like avoiding habits that increase your risk of cancer (like smoking), eating well, and exercising.
• Information about support groups: This plan may also include information about support groups where you can connect with others who are living with cancer like you.

What if the cancer is advanced?

If you have advanced, advanced cancer, your treatment plan may be a little different. The focus is more on managing your symptoms and helping you stay as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

This plan can also help you talk about how you will spend the last days of your life. For example, you can talk to your doctor about hospice care, which can help you live your life as pain-free and with dignity as you want.

Living with cancer can feel like a tough race. But you are not alone in this journey. The cancer wellness journey is a loving support network that helps you live as well and as long as possible, from diagnosis to the rest of your life. Talk to your medical team and create a wellness plan that works for you.