Life after treatment

For most people, the cancer experience doesn’t end on the last day of treatment. Life after cancer treatment can present its own challenges. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and  worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back.

Some people say that they feel pressure to return to “normal life”. It is important to allow  yourself time to adjust to the physical and emotional changes, and establish a new daily routine at  your own pace. Your family and friends may also need time to adjust.

Cancer Council 13 11 20 can help you connect with other people who have had cancer, and provide you with information about the emotional and practical aspects of living well after cancer.

For more on this, see Living well after cancer

Learn more about:

• Follow-up appointments
• Having CA125 blood tests
• Dealing with feelings of sadness
• Looking after yourself

Follow-up appointments

After treatment ends, you will have regular appointments to monitor your health, manage any long-term side effects and look for any signs that the cancer has come back or spread. These are known as follow-up appointments.

In most cases, your follow-up appointments will be with your gynaecological oncologist or medical oncologist, who may do a physical examination and arrange blood tests or scans such as ultrasounds and CT scans. You will also be able to discuss how you are feeling and mention any concerns you may have.

There is no set follow-up schedule for ovarian cancer, but people commonly see their specialist every three months for the first two years, and every four to six months for the next two years. Some people prefer not to follow a schedule but to see their specialist if they experience symptoms. Check with your doctor if you are unsure of your follow-up plan.

Your check-ups will become less frequent if you have no further problems. Between follow-up appointments, let your doctor know immediately of any symptoms or health problems.

Having CA125 blood tests

Your specialist will also talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of having regular CA125 blood tests. This test is optional; research has found that waiting until new symptoms develop before starting treatment is just as effective as starting treatment earlier. This means that your quality of life is better for longer because side effects of further treatment are delayed.

Dealing with feelings of sadness

If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have had cancer.

Talk to your GP, as counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Ask your doctor if you are eligible. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14.

Looking after yourself

Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Cancer Council has free booklets and programs to help you during and after treatment. Call 13 11 20 to find out more, or see Managing cancer side effects, Exercise after a cancer diagnosis, Complementary therapies, Emotions and cancer, Nutrition and cancer, Sexuality, intimacy and cancer, Fertility and cancer, and Living well after cancer.

I am glad my doctor helped me work through the emotions of what was my top priority. I finally felt that overcoming cancer and getting on with my life were most important and everything else came after that. — Tony