Emotional Impact
A cancer diagnosis can bring up complicated feelings and lots of questions.
Life After Treatment
Adjusting to your “new normal” after cancer treatment can be complex. Explore our resources for support and guidance.
Entering the Next Chapter
Completing cancer treatment is a significant accomplishment. While it marks the end of one chapter, it also opens a new one filled with both challenges and opportunities. It’s normal to feel a complex mix of emotions – uncertainty, relief, anxiety, and a sense of loss as you continue to adjust to the enormity of what you’ve experienced. There is no “right” way to feel. Remember that you’re not alone and many resources are available to support you every step of the way as you enter this new phase of life.
Navigating Your New Normal
Practical Tips, Guidance, and Resources
Your Healthcare Team
One of the hardest things to adjust to post-treatment is a reduction in doctor visits. Meetings with your doctor or healthcare team could take place once a month, or just a few times a year. Some patients feel unmoored or even abandoned by this change. It’s important to remember that just because you see your doctor less that doesn’t mean you have been forgotten. It can be helpful to do the following to ensure that your needs are met:
- Ask your doctor for a detailed treatment summary that includes your diagnosis, stage, tumor type, and all treatments received. Ask your doctor if this information is available in your patient portal.
- Discuss plans for life after treatment. How often will you be seen? Can you call to ask questions? Who will be your main point of contact?
- Discuss potential long-term side effects, such as bone density changes, and how to anticipate and manage them.
- Discuss any new concerns with your doctor and develop a plan for ongoing health management.
Emotional Well-being
Many cancer patients are surprised by how challenging life can be after treatment ends. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, ranging from relief to depression and a lingering fear of recurrence.
- Experiencing “scanxiety” before checkups and CA-125 tests is common.
- Make sure to talk to a therapist or counselor or OCRA’s Patient Support line if you’re struggling.
- Connecting with other survivors can be incredibly helpful. In OCRA’s support programs you will meet patients just like you with whom you can share experiences and gain support.
- For more information on the emotional impact of cancer treatment, look here.
Your Body After Treatment
Recovery takes time. Be patient with yourself and learn what to expect post-treatment.
- It may take up to a year to return to your baseline energy levels and physical function.
- Common side effects include fatigue, neuropathy (nerve damage), sleep issues, and even memory changes. Luckily, there are treatments to help with both physical and mental health issues.
- Discuss any physical concerns with your doctor and explore strategies for managing them.
- Consider complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, or yoga to aid in recovery.
- Learn more about the physical side effects of treatment, and how they can impact your intimate relationships here.
Support for You and Your Loved Ones
Finding strength together after cancer.
- Connect with others in OCRA’s patient and caregiver sessions, led by an oncology social worker.
- Share experiences, gain insights, and find strength in shared experience.
- Access resources tailored to the unique needs of gynecologic cancer patients and their families at every stage of their journey.
- Remember, you’re not alone.
After surgery and eight rounds of chemo, … I decided to train for a half-marathon to prove to myself that I had won the battle. I have succeeded in completing four half-marathons with the help of my family and friends.
– Cindy
Embracing Your Future
When cancer treatment ends, many see this as an opportunity for new beginnings.
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- A New Perspective
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Many survivors find that focusing on their overall well-being helps give them perspective after treatment.
Consider exploring:
- Healthy eating habits
- Gentle endorphin-boosting exercise or physical activity
- Stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness
- Other complementary therapies that promote well-being
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- Giving Back
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OCRA offers many ways for survivors to get involved and make a difference. We welcome all participation and support. Your experience is powerful. Use it to positively impact your community.
- OCRA Hero: Become a fundraising champion to support groundbreaking ovarian cancer research.
- Advocate Leader: Speak up for policy changes that improve access to care and support for ovarian cancer patients.
- Survivors Teaching Students: Share your story with future healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of ovarian cancer.
- Woman to Woman: Mentor someone newly diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, offering guidance and hope.
Related Topics
Staying Connected Support Series
Join us for weekly or monthly psychoeducational workshops and find a community that offers wisdom, support, and connection.
Volunteer & Engage
Whether advocating on Capitol Hill, being there for someone who is newly diagnosed (or their family members), or ensuring that future medical professionals understand the needs of patients, learn how you can get involved.