Much is said about the physical wellbeing of cancer survivors, but the emotional wellbeing of anyone who has finished treatments is just as important. The emotional rollercoaster of cancer does not end when treatments end. For so many, there are varying emotions – an overwhelming sense of relief, but there may also be fear that cancer will return. Lingering sadness, grief or loneliness are common – particularly when friends and family seem to return to their normal lives, leaving people without that cocoon of support and assistance felt during treatments.
Many cancer survivors miss the regular contact with nurses, doctors and members of their health care team who were with them through the hardest parts of diagnosis and treatment. Some survivors continue to feel self-conscious, if their appearance has changed. Others feel overwhelmed at returning to a more normal life – perhaps feeling they should tackle projects at work or home that were put on hold during treatments.
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Experiencing any or all of these feelings is common, and these emotions should not be ignored. It’s important to know how and where to get help in sifting through the emotional baggage that cancer leaves behind. You need to find strength and comfort – and the best way for you to do that depends on you. Some people feel safest in groups like cancer support groups or online support groups. Others feel best in very informal settings such as church groups. And others may be more comfortable talking one-on-one with a counselor, or a trusted friend or clergy member. At Northwestern Lake Forest, our nurse navigators and social worker are always available to patients after their treatments to help them find the support they may need.
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Most important is to make sure you have a place or a person to go to. Just as you knew you couldn’t face your cancer treatment alone, nor should you have to face life after cancer alone. Never be afraid to ask for help.
Tara Breslin, MD, MS
Breast Surgeon/Oncologist
Medical Director, Breast Care Program
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
