The fight against cancer is a difficult process, and unfortunately, it often doesn’t end immediately after finishing cancer treatment. Even for patients who successfully beat cancer and receive successful treatment, the process of coping with cancer can be a process that continues long after the active phase of treatment. It’s normal to experience a number of physical changes after cancer treatment that may impact your quality of life – so here are a few tips for dealing with issues many patients encounter after treatment.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Some of the most common changes patients experience after surgery include changes to the fitness and health of the body. Many patients experience increased fatigue, pain, or difficulty managing weight after treatment, and the after-effects of both cancer and treatment can make it even more difficult to manage these issues.
If you’re experiencing issues like this, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. Even with a low-impact treatment, cancer and treatment are incredibly hard on the body, putting it through major stress that can affect it long after. Be patient with yourself and don’t try to force anything – it’s ok to start small with exercise or be patient with changes in weight. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle to the best of your ability, and don’t expect to see fantastic results immediately: these things take time.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Accompanying changes to physical health, many patients also experience changes relating to their body image or their self-esteem. If you had surgery for cancer treatment, you may have visible scars that significantly change your outward appearance, and that can often bring up difficult emotions relating to body image.
If this describes you, it’s important to recognize that while your feelings are valid and ok, it doesn’t mean they’re right. Even if your body looks different after cancer treatment, that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful, and it’s critical to accept your body as it is. It’s also worth considering trying talk therapy for a little while – while it may not be for everyone, it could also prove a helpful tool as your process everything and move back into normal life.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Dealing with the physical changes caused by cancer treatment is an important, if difficult, part of the healing process, and we’re always happy to help you or connect you with resources that can help you cope after treatment. And no matter how drastic of physical changes you experience, it’s important to recognize that you’re only dealing with these changes because you survived cancer – and that’s something to be extremely proud of. If you’re just beginning the journey of battling cancer, Palo Verde Cancer Specialists is here to help. Feel free to request an appointment online for a consultation or second opinion. We’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle, helping you down the path towards beating cancer and reclaiming a healthy, happy life again.
