After Treatment
After Treatment
Follow-up Care
Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You will be relieved to finish treatment, yet it is hard not to worry about cancer coming back. (When cancer returns, it is called recurrence.)Lymphedema
Lymphedema, or swelling of the arm due to buildup of fluid, may occur any time after treatment for breast cancer. Any treatment that involves axillary dissection or radiation to the axillary lymph nodes carries the risk of lymphedema because normal drainage of lymph from the arm is changed.Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
After Breast Cancer The known link between estrogen levels and breast cancer growth has discouraged many women and their doctors from choosing or recommending postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Quality of Life
Women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer should be reassured that their quality of life, once treatment has been completed, can be normal. Extensive studies have proven this. Women who have had chemotherapy may, however, notice a slight decrease in certain areas of function.Seeing a New Doctor
At some point after your cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may find yourself in the office of a new doctor. Your original doctor may have moved or retired, or you may have moved or changed doctors for some reason.Emotional Aspects of Breast Cancer
It is important that your focus on tests and treatments does not prevent you from considering your emotional, psychological, and spiritual health as well. Once your treatment ends, you may find yourself overwhelmed by emotions.
Diet and Nutrition
Eating right can be a challenge for anyone, but it can get even tougher during and after cancer treatment. For instance, treatment often may change your sense of taste. Nausea can be a problem.Breast Forms and Bras
For women who have had a mastectomy, breast forms are an important alternative to breast reconstruction. Some women may not want further surgery, knowing that breast reconstruction can require several procedures to complete.Rest, Fatigue, Work, and Exercise
Fatigue is a very common symptom in people being treated for cancer. This is often not an ordinary type of tiredness but a “bone-weary” exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest.