Treatment is over. Now what?
The last day of treatment is not always what you expect. What follow-up is, what to report, and what to do with the fear of the disease returning.
During treatment, someone asks how you are every day. When sessions end, this suddenly stops, and some people feel more worried at exactly this point. This feeling is normal.
What is follow-up?
Follow-up means regular visits after treatment. They may include an examination, blood tests and other checks. How often depends on the type of cancer and treatment. For many patients it is every 3 to 4 months for the first two or three years, then once or twice a year. Get your own schedule from your doctor.
Get a treatment summary
Ask for a sheet with this information and keep it: date of diagnosis, type of cancer, pathology report, surgeries, radiation area and dose, medicine names, signs to watch for and your care team’s number. Any other doctor you see will need it.
What to report between visits
- A new symptom or lasting pain
- Tiredness, sleep problems or weight changes
- Changes in urination, bowel habit or sexual life
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- A new medicine, vitamin or herbal product
- Anxiety or depression
Do not wait for the next visit.
Late effects
Some effects appear months or years later. Which ones depends on the area treated, other treatments and habits such as smoking. Ask your doctor what to watch for.
Fear of the disease returning
Many people have this fear. A new symptom does not necessarily mean the disease has come back. Report it and let your doctor check it. Talk to your doctor; support groups help, and regular moderate exercise can ease anxiety and depression.