Who is a “survivor”?
The term “Cancer survivor” refers to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer through the rest of his or her life.
There are more than 10 million people in the U.S. today who are cancer survivors. Three out of every four American families will have at least one family member diagnosed with cancer.
For many cancer survivors, while during their illness there is lots of information and support but once treatment stops, they enter a whole new world filled with questions. This section is to share common feelings and information for people after their treatment has ended.
While cancer is a major event for all who are diagnosed, it brings with it the chance for growth. As hard as treatment can be, many cancer survivors have said that the experience led them to make important changes in their lives. The fight against cancer can also become an all-consuming part of your life and once your battle is over, it can leave you feeling empty. One of the hardest things after treatment is not knowing what happens next.
Coping with these issues can be a challenge. Yet many say that getting involved in decisions about their medical care and lifestyle was a good way for them to regain some of the control they felt they lost during cancer treatment. Research has shown that people who feel more in control feel and function better than those who do not. Being an active partner with your doctor and getting help from other members of your health care team is the first step.
After cancer treatment ends, a new journey begins. Some survivors leave cancer behind and live life with few or no problems from treatment. Others find themselves facing new challenging that they did not expect. Survivors can face emotional and physical aftereffects in addition to daily life practical aftereffects.
Examples of aftereffects:
· Physical: Weight loss, fatigue or nerve damage
· Emotional: Stress or depression
· Practical: Getting health insurance or changes in your family relationships
What Is “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. You can expect things to keep changing as you begin your recovery.
Your new “normal” may include making changes in the way you eat, the things you do, and your sources of support, all of which are discussed in this section.
The term “cancer survivor” refers to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer through the rest of his or her life.