Post treatment care

Doctor explaining diagnosis
Completing breast cancer treatment is a significant milestone, but the journey doesn’t end there. Life after treatment presents its own set of challenges and adjustments.

Understanding the long-term effects, managing ongoing physical and emotional changes, and finding continued support are crucial for your recovery.

Health and recovery

After completing active treatments such as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. your doctors will likely transition you to follow-up care. 


This should be customised to your individual needs and may typically include scheduling regular medical reviews and scans, managing treatment side effects, prescribing long-term treatments or medication and monitoring your overall health.

 

Managing physical after-effects

Post-treatment after-effects like fatigue, pain or discomfort (such as hot flushes or joint pain) can occur during or even months or years after treatment. If you are experiencing any troubling after-effects, discuss this early with your doctor so that you can implement strategies to nip them in the bud. 


Managing treatment after-effects may involve one or more of the following strategies:

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may suggest medications, physical or complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage.

Physical therapists often prescribe exercises and techniques like posture correction and stretching to reduce numbness, alleviate pain and improve mobility and strength.

Occupational therapists can prescribe assistive devices or ergonomic adjustments to help you make daily tasks easier, reduce discomfort and improve function.

Techniques like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) relieve nerve-related pain and numbness by delivering small electrical impulses through the skin to target nerves.

Speaking with a counsellor or joining a support community can provide valuable support and help you cope with the emotional aspects of managing these after-effects.

Simple changes in daily life like using supportive footwear and avoiding prolonged sitting/standing, doing gentle exercise, can also help with numbness and pain.

Some people find relief from alternative therapy like chiropractic care which improves mobility, and aromatherapy, which helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.

Regularly assess your own health to identify changes early and make timely adjustments to your routine for more effective management of symptoms and pains. 

By combining medical treatment with supportive therapies and making tweaks to daily lifestyle, you can effectively manage post-treatment after-effects and improve overall well-being. Complementary activities like yoga, meditation and gentle exercise can further support recovery. 

 

Regular consultations with your doctor ensures treatment is tailored to your needs, enabling you to live confidently after breast cancer.

 

Hormonal therapy to reduce recurrence risk

For those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is key to reducing recurrence risk. Medications lower / block hormones that can fuel cancer growth.

 

Consult with your doctor to discuss if this option is suitable for you. 

 

Rebuilding strength

Post cancer treatment, a good diet and regular exercise are key to rebuilding strength and overall health.

 

Nutrition

Fuel your recovery with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. This boosts immunity and reduces inflammation.

 

Exercise

Engage in regular physical activity like walking, swimming, or yoga to reduce fatigue and uplift mood, improve strength and flexibility.

 

Holistic Care

Practice mindfulness, stress management and have adequate sleep. This contributes to a positive outlook and holistic well-being.

Article

Simple exercises you can do at home

Article

Nutrition tips for health and recovery

Restart a full life

Life after cancer treatment is a chance to embrace new beginnings with renewed purpose. 

 

Re-ignite passions

Dive back into activities that bring joy, rejuvenate the spirit and restore a sense of normalcy and fulfilment.

 

Set new goals

Identify your next goals to provide clear direction and a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment.

 

Strengthen connections

Deepen relationships by sharing your journey and celebrating milestones with those who care and support your sense of community.

 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Make regular check-ups, exercise and a balanced diet part of your routine to boost energy and quality of life.

 

Explore new horizons

Embrace new experiences and opportunities to enrich your life and offer fresh perspectives.

 

Coping with the emotional toll of cancer

Taking care of your emotional and mental health is crucial after treatment.

Going through cancer can lead to feelings of isolation due to perceived social stigma or changes in daily life. Connecting with people and engaging with family and friends who understand your journey can reduce loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on your journey, acknowledging and making sense of your emotions is essential for emotional healing. Journaling, psychotherapy or attending support groups can aid in processing your experiences and supporting emotional recovery.

 If you're dealing with stress, anxiety or other negative emotions, speaking with a mental health professional can provide valuable guidance. Therapists can offer a safe space to express your feelings and help you develop coping strategies.

Regularly practicing relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises, yoga and meditation can reduce stress and navigate emotional challenges of cancer with greater calm and resilience, improving emotional well-being.

By focusing on your emotional health and seeking support, you can navigate the emotional toll of cancer and move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

 

 

Building confidence and self-esteem

Learn strategies to rebuild confidence and manage the mental after-effects of surgery and treatment.

  • Embrace your journey: Recognise and value the strength gained from your experiences.
  • Find support: Seek advice and comfort from people  who understand your experience. 
  • Set achievable goals: Start with small, realistic goals that you can achieve. 
  • Focus on strengths: Focus your strengths and talents in activities which you are good at.
  • Support guidance: Manage negative thought patterns by attending counselling or therapy.
  • Practise positive self-talk: Remind ourselves of our strengths and achievements .
  • Rebuild your routine: Re-engage in hobbies and activities to restore a sense of normalcy
  • Prioritise physical self-care: Have skincare routines and regular physical activity in place.

By integrating these strategies, you can rebuild your confidence and cultivate a positive self-image after treatment.

Recognize and value the strength gained from your experiences.

Seek advice and comfort from people  who understand your experience.

Start with small, realistic goals that you can achieve.

Focus your strengths and talents in activities which you are good at.

Manage negative thought patterns by attending counseling or therapy.

Remind ourselves of our strengths and achievements.

Re-engage in hobbies and activities to restore a sense of normalcy.

Have skincare routines and regular physical activity in place.

Social and workplace integration

Smoothly transition back into your social circles and the workplace through supportive interactions with friends and colleagues. Share your experiences and communicate your needs clearly to ensure you receive the understanding and support you need.

 

Seek workplace support for adjustments (part-time or flexi hours), invest in personal development to boost confidence and nurture positive work relationships. Prioritise self-care through healthy eating, and relaxation to maintain balance and well-being.

More information to help you

Article

Support Contact Directory

Article

Breast cancer glossary

Downloadable

Little Pink Book

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Disclaimer


All the information provided on this website is correct at the time of edition and subject to revision without prior notice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material provided here is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be used as substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions related to your health or medical conditions.

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