04/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 07:23
Wrapping up your cancer treatment is certainly something to celebrate. But in the wake of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapies, you need and deserve follow-up care.
"Active treatment is a kind of safety net for cancer patients where they feel like they're doing something to fight the cancer," says Tiffany Fields, a nurse practitioner at Henry Ford Health. "So completing treatment can produce a certain level of anxiety for patients. That's where follow-up care comes in."
Completing cancer treatment is not a one-way ticket back to your pre-cancer lifestyle. Both the disease itself and its treatments can change your body and mind in unanticipated ways. Many patients continue to suffer from fatigue, difficulty sleeping, memory issues and persistent pain or neuropathy-nerve damage that can happen as a result of chemotherapy and commonly affects sensation in the hands and feet.
Follow-up care is based on established medical guidelines for your specific type and stage of cancer. During these visits, you'll discuss necessary screening exams, follow-up tests and issues that are unique to survivorship.
Maybe you took a medication that impacted your heart as part of cancer treatment. Or maybe you're experiencing bone loss from premature menopause. "Each case is unique and requires specialized care tailored to your individual circumstances," Fields says.
As part of your follow-up care, you should receive a survivorship care plan. This document includes an end-of-treatment summary detailing your diagnosis (cancer type, stage and grade) and all treatments you received. It also includes information about follow-up visits, screening schedules, recommended testing, and suggestions for managing physical and mental health concerns and avoiding future health problems.
As your treatment winds down, your oncologist can help you understand the recovery process and ways to lower your risk of recurrence and improve your overall health.
"You can always request an appointment specifically to discuss survivorship issues," Fields says. Questions to consider include:
Cancer and its treatment can produce a multitude of changes for both body and mind. Here's what to watch for:
If you've survived cancer, you'll probably always be concerned about it coming back. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your risk of recurrence.
Most importantly, be aware of changes in your health between your scheduled visits and report any concerns to your healthcare provider. Cancer support services including physical therapy, acupuncture and mental health services can help you manage symptoms.
"It's not uncommon for patients to be anxious after treatment ends," Fields says. "Our goal is to support them during treatment and beyond so they can live full, healthy lives."
Reviewed by Tiffany Fields, a nurse practitioner who sees patient at Henry Ford Cancer - Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center - Columbus.