Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Spring 2020

A day that seemed so far away is finally here: You’ve finished your last cancer treatment. You’re elated and eager to get back to your everyday life—one that doesn’t revolve around chemo, radiation or cancer itself. Still, you may have moments of intense uncertainty. In fact, along with relief, you may also wonder, “Will my cancer come back?” It may help to know that worries like this are an entirely normal part of surviving cancer. Usually, these worries are most severe in the first year after treatment—but they get better as time passes. In the meantime, here are ways to feel less anxious and more in control. A new chapter begins Tips for managing your life after cancer treatments end Practice letting go. When fears about cancer’s return enter your mind, try not to let them linger. Some survivors picture their fears floating away—or even being vaporized. This might work for you. Others turn their worries over to a higher power. Comprehensive cancer care is provided at the Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center at CMH. Call 417-326-7200 to learn more. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncology Get accurate information. No one can predict with absolute certainty what the future holds. Still, cancer often follows a predictable pattern of recurrence. So be sure to talk with your doctor about how likely it is that your cancer will return and what symptoms to watch for. You may be worrying unnecessarily. Make positive lifestyle changes. Healthy habits can help you feel in control, and they’re especially important for cancer survivors. Regular exercise, for example, can help you feel less anxious and fatigued, while a nutritious diet can help you regain strength after treatment. And studies suggest that both may help prevent certain cancers from returning. Finally, do your best to celebrate and embrace this new chapter in your life as you join the nearly 17 million Americans alive today who’ve had cancer. Reach out. Rather than bottling up your concerns, share them with a trusted friend, family member, or spiritual or mental health counselor. The simple act of talking openly can make worries less intense, especially when you’re comforted by a caring listener. You might also turn to a support group for cancer survivors, either one that’s nearby or one that’s online. The emotional support of people who know what you’re going through from firsthand experience can be tremendously helpful. Fellow survivors may also share practical information about what to expect after treatment and how to manage worries that cancer may return. 12 VITALITY Spring 2020 COMMUNITY CANCER