Getting through breast cancer treatment can unleash a whole new set of emotions for many women.
You may be elated at finishing treatment, apprehensive about the lack of contact with medical professionals, scared about a recurrence of the cancer, or fearless about what the future holds.
All of these feelings are perfectly normal. Everyone’s experience is different and your feelings will vary depending on your circumstances. The emotional and physical impacts do not stop as soon as treatment is finished and many women find it helps to continue to speak with others who’ve had breast cancer once treatment is over.
Many women who have experienced breast cancer feel they have new perspective on life once they have finished treatment. And a lot of breast cancer survivors say they ultimately view the experience as a positive.
Waikato woman, Raewyn Calvert, certainly does.
“Getting breast cancer was a good thing for me in the big picture of my life. It made me stop and really think about what I’ve done with my life. It made me brave and now I’m more likely to give things a go.”
Fellow survivor Lisa Beamsley agrees and says, “I’d never ever look back on it with regret. It was a tough journey. It’s definitely made me look at life in a completely different way and the whole process has made me really think it’s time to look after myself.”
For some “returning to normal” may be a more difficult process. Some breast cancer survivors will experience depression as a result of diagnosis and treatment, while others will experience ongoing physical problems or fatigue which may limit their everyday activities.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, see your GP and get help as soon as possible. You should also discuss ongoing physical side effects with your medical team because they may well be able to address these issues for you.
Another challenge after treatment is the expectations of friends and family who may be looking forward to you being “back to your old self”. But in many ways you are likely to be a very different person from the one you were before you started treatment. You may find your interests, attitudes and priorities have changed and friends and family may have to adjust to the ‘new you’.
Many women also find that their intimate relationships change after breast cancer and some women can struggle with their sexuality. Click here to read articles exploring some of the issues around sex after breast cancer.
Life after breast cancer also often involves a new focus on health and looking after yourself.
It’s important to have regular mammograms or ultrasounds after breast cancer treatment because you are at greater risk of breast cancer recurring if you’ve already been diagnosed. Regular follow ups with your doctor also allow him or her to check any ongoing hormonal medication you may be on and to monitor any side effects.
You should also practise breast awareness and monitor your own breasts closely for any changes or abnormalities. If you notice anything, contact your doctor straight away.
Many women also want to make lifestyle changes to ensure they stay as healthy as possible. These include:
- Dietary changes to maintain a healthy weight such as reducing saturated fat intake and increasing vegetable intake.
- Increasing exercise to help maintain a healthy body weight and physical wellbeing. Studies have shown that moderate exercise can help to reduce the recurrence of cancer.
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Discussing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) carefully with your doctor if you are considering this medication
Find out more by viewing our web video on Life After Breast Cancer.
