Myths about the end of treatment

I should be back to normal

You may have thought you would just resume your life exactly where you left off before the cancer diagnosis. The reality is often more complex. Some cancer survivors find they can’t or don’t want to go back to how life was before their treatment. Others need time to recover from treatment before they return to their usual activities.

I should feel well

On the outside, you may look healthy. On the inside you may still be recovering physically and emotionally. Many cancer survivors have ongoing health concerns because of the cancer or treatment side effects.

I should not need any more support 

You may feel a bit lost when you stop seeing your treatment team, family and friends so often. Some survivors are surprised to find they need more support than ever after treatment ends.

I should feel grateful 

Survivors can sometimes feel pressure to be grateful for having survived cancer. Instead, the impact of cancer on your life and future may make you feel upset, angry or resentful.

I should be celebrating

You may think that you should be happy because you survived the diagnosis and feel guilty or confused if you’re not happy all the time.

I should feel positive

Friends and family may pressure you to think positively all the time. Although it is unrealistic to think positively all the time, this can be a source of worry for survivors.

I should be the person I was before cancer

Many survivors say that cancer changes them. You may have a sense of loss for the person you once were or thought you’d be. It can also be difficult when the people around you expect you to return to how you were.

I should be making plans

You may feel both excited and anxious when treatment ends. Many survivors need time to reflect on what has happened before they can think about the future.

I should make big changes

You may feel guilty if you return to your pre-cancer way of life instead of making big changes to your way of life.