Cancer care does not end when treatment is done. In fact, it actually starts a new phase of care and management of the after effects associated with battling and surviving cancer treatment. Fortunately there is life after cancer.

Surviving cancer

A cancer survivor is a person with cancer of any type who is still living. Whether a person becomes a survivor at the time of diagnosis or after completing treatment is an issue that not all agree upon.

The first Sunday in June marks International Cancer Survivors’ Day. CANSA posted a message on its website that reflects the sentiments of all South Africans who have had to contend with this disease, either as a patient or as a family member or friend.

“We are honoured to wish you a happy International Cancer Survivors’ Day. You show us that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, productive and even inspiring. This is something to celebrate! We also pay tribute to all our health care providers, caregivers and researchers who devote their efforts to increase the length and quality of the life of our cancer survivors.”

Life-changing experience

Many cancer survivors describe the process of living with and beating cancer as a life-changing experience. They report that battling and surviving the experience changed them. Some say they were motivated to grow as individuals while others just fought to keep afloat.

However, what few people outside of the survivors themselves realise is that the cancer experience doesn’t necessarily stop when the treatment stops. Depending on the type of cancer they had, most survivors were left exhausted, traumatised and with specific medical and non-medical post-treatment needs.

To live a meaningful life after cancer, survivors need the help, encouragement and support of those around them and those who have successfully talked the talk and walked the walk themselves!

Tips from survivors

    • Ditch the idea of the “super woman or man” survivor. The myth of the ideal survivor who manage to simultaneously manage home, family and career, and prevent cancer from affecting their loved ones by appearing cool, calm and collected at all times, is just that. You are a survivor and to be saluted just for gritting your teeth and getting through the ordeal in one piece.
    • Don’t be surprised if you experience stress, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts. These are the after effects of what you have gone through. Speak to a counsellor and get help from your doctor to counteract depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
    • Be aware of some of the less pleasant side-effects of cancer treatment such as changes in your appearance, bladder and bowl problems, the so-called “chemo brain” (difficulty concentrating, focusing and remembering), etc. Although annoying, these symptoms do subside and go away or can be treated and managed.
    • Surround yourself with positive people, watch funny movies and laugh a lot. You don’t have to force it but try to be as positive as possible.
    • Graciously, accept all offers of help. Allowing others to help out will not only benefit you and your family but will also benefit those who want to help out. Lean on your friends and family and don’t try to go it alone.
    • Be prepared for mixed reactions from people and even some friends and family. Don’t let them upset you. They often don’t know how to express concern. Some may even avoid you because they fear and do not know how to deal with the issue of cancer.
    • Treat yourself to whatever makes you feel good. Pamper yourself with a massage, manicure, pedicure and any other treatment to help you feel and look good. If you can afford it, see an image consultant to help you with your looks, hair and dress style, etc.
    • Give yourself time. Your survival and getting back to “normal” living and functioning take time. Accept that your education, employment, sexual functioning, marriage, fertility and other life values may have temporarily been impacted by your treatment. Be patient and don’t push it; after all, you have already safely come this far!
    • Get dietary advice on eating the right food (or liquid or powdered meal replacements) and taking the right supplements to help build up your physical strength. Have your meals delivered if you do not yet have the strength to cook or accept the cooked meals your friends offer.
    • Rest as much as possible but don’t become sedentary. Keep on moving and alternate rest periods with mild exercise and periods of activity. Recommended activities include walking, cycling, swimming and other low-impact exercise options. Spend time outside. There are healing qualities in fresh air, sunshine and the beauty of nature.
    • Make use of all the resources and referrals for additional support and services offered by CANSA and other cancer support groups and volunteers as well as your faith community, counsellors and other health professionals.
    • Go for regular check-ups. This will also help lessen the common fear of the cancer returning. Try to get an appointment early in the day. Take a friend or family member along and plan a treat for afterwards.

 

Sources
Cancer survivor. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer_survivor
Celebrating our survivors. 2015. Retrieved from:
http://www.cansa.org.za/my-life-beyond-cancer/
Life beyond cancer: tips. Retrieved from: http://www.lifebeyondcancer.org/survivors/take-action/
Living well after cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/survivors