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Cancer Survival Toolbox®
The Cancer Survival Toolbox® is a free self-learning audio program from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. The program is designed to help people develop skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness. You can listen to Toolbox programs, request a Toolbox, and find other resources at cancersurvivaltoolbox.org. Also available in (S) Spanish. You can also order free CDs online or call 877-NCCS.YES.
Survivorship Resources
WHAT IS SURVIVORSHIP?
Survivorship begins at diagnosis, the moment your battle with cancer begins. Cancer survivorship describes the many experiences and emotions that are part of living life as a cancer survivor.
Survivorship resources are intended to create awareness of survivorship topics, not to replace medical care. If you are concerned about any survivorship topics you read or hear about, please discuss these topics with your health care team.
- Lance Armstrong Foundation
WHO IS A "SURVIVOR"?
The term "cancer survivor" includes anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of his or her life. The word "survivor" helps many people think about embracing their lives beyond their illness.
- National Cancer Institute
COMPLETING CANCER TREATMENT
Are you ready for treatment to end? Yes! And no. It's normal to have some mixed feelings about finishing cancer treatment. Though it may seem surprisingly, many survivors say they are unprepared to have their treatment be over.
If you have any anxiety about completing treatment, you can:
- Tell your medical team how you feel. Work with them on a follow-up screening plan.
- Let other survivors know how you feel. They may feel or have felt the same way.
- Let your family and friends know how you feel and ask for their support as you find your "new" normal.
The National Cancer Institute has an article called "Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment" that many people helpful. This article covers issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and work issues.
The article is free online at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/life-after-treatment. For a free printed booklet, call 800-422-6237. Also available in (S) Spanish.
SCREENING AFTER TREATMENT
Become familiar with how your breasts feel after surgery. You may feel changes in the breast tissue for several months. Talk with your medical team about how your breast feels, about breast self-exams, and about other plans for screening after your treatment. Knowing the plan for your follow-up care is a good way to be more in charge.
After a lumpectomy, mammograms on both breasts should continue on the schedule recommended by your doctor. After a mastectomy, follow-up screening is done with physical examination of the remaining tissue on the affected side and mammograms on the remaining breast. For women who have had both breasts removed, with or without reconstruction, screening is done with physical examination. Follow-up screening will be up to you and your medical team. The important thing is to have a plan that works for you, and stick to the plan.
THE FEAR FACTOR AND OTHER REALITIES: EMOTIONAL SIDE-EFFECTS
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can put you on an emotional roller coaster.
That's normal, of course! More than two million of us have heard the words, "You have breast cancer," and our hearts have skipped a beat. Common emotional side-effects of a cancer diagnosis include: fear, anxiety, worry, anger, denial, depression, grief, and loss. We deal with the emotional side-effects of our diagnosis just like we deal with all the other changes that breast cancer brings: the best we can. Everyone does this differently. Most of the time it's easier if you can share the emotional burden with family and friends, and they can be part of your adjustment and recovery team. While you may not feel it at first, another common emotional reaction is acceptance and hope. Millions of us have gotten through treatment, and you will, too.
- Earlene Dal Pozzo, MD, and Diane L. Akins, MA, LPC, CAC III, who are both breast cancer survivors.
Ways to Manage Emotions Stemming from a Cancer Diagnosis
- Focus on what you can and want to do.
- Say "no" when appropriate. Learn to pace yourself.
- Pamper yourself.
- Exercise.
- Take time for activities you enjoy.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Laugh at least once a day - if you can.
- Learn to ask for what you need.
- Use relaxation techniques: deep breathing, clearing your mind, progressive muscular relaxation, and visualization.
- Express your emotions.
Ways to Communicate Your Feelings Related to the Diagnosis and the Future
- Talk with family members and friends.
- Be open and honest, especially with children.
- Let them know what you need.
- Let them know it is all right to ask questions.
- Don't go into great details unless you want to.
- Thank people for asking about you; refusing to acknowledge their interest isolates you from people who care.
- Talk with a therapist or spiritual advisor.
- Join a cancer support group.
- Keep a journal.
- Use artistic expression, such as drawing, music, or painting.