Navigating Survivorship and Managing Side Effects

Survivorship looks different for everyone. Many side effects from cancer treatment subside once treatment is over, other side effects make take months or even years to surface after treatment has finished – these are called late effects. Just as side effects vary from person to person during treatment, late effects may differ greatly from person to person. These effects can be physical, mental, or both, and may range from mild to severe. Knowing what to look for in the weeks, months, and years following cancer treatment can prevent or potentially help you better manage late effects. Living a healthy lifestyle, following up with your care team on a regular basis, and attending annual appointments to see a primary care physician can help mitigate issues and late effects that may impact you or a loved one during and/or after treatment.

Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and drugs, getting ample rest, and taking medications prescribed by your care team are the best ways to mitigate potential heart issues down the road, especially for patients who received cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens, certain immunotherapies, hormone therapies, or had radiation to or near the chest cavity. Keeping track of the treatments you received, knowing your family history, and staying up to date on your medical appointments can help you develop a survivorship plan.

Regular visits are crucial in both active treatment and survivorship – your care team can monitor you for any changes, help you manage any lingering side effects, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Specialists may be able to help you manage long effects and regain various functions such as hearing, speech, and vision through therapies, surgeries, and/or assistive devices. Take the medication prescribed by your care team as needed and use reminders on your phone or calendar to help you keep track.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis, getting through treatments, and living with cancer can elicit strong emotions that persist and disrupt your day-to-day life. Fear, anger, anxiety, depression, and sadness are perfectly normal after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and mental health can take a turn even years after treatment has ended. If you are struggling with your mental health in active treatment or post-treatment, your provider can refer you to a counselor, psychiatrist, social worker, or palliative care specialist who can help you cope.