After Cancer
Self-Care After Cancer
During treatment, just getting through each day can take all of the energy you have, making it hard to think about anything else, especially life after treatment. After treatments are over, many people experience mixed emotions of being glad it’s over, yet anxious about what the future may hold. This may be an unexpectedly challenging period of adjustment, so be sensitive to your own needs. Don’t expect to always feel good now that you’re out of treatment, and take the time you need to come to terms with what you have been through.
I’m Living Proof – Surviving Melanoma
The term ‘survivor’ can mean different things to different people. For some, a survivor may have completed active treatment and is free from any signs of melanoma. For others, the term may refer to anyone who has been diagnosed with melanoma.
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Save Your Skin Foundation wishes to bring hope and support to all those newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or to those “in remission” or referred to as “NED” – with no evidence of disease. This website focuses on those individuals that have generally completed active treatment and that are in remission or on maintenance therapy; however, we invite all melanoma patients, at any stage, to get in touch.
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We have compiled a list of resources created to support individuals after diagnosis:
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HAND IN HAND, WE FIGHT SKIN CANCER TOGETHER.
Follow Up Medical Care
Melanoma survivors should all receive regular medical checkups that include a review of a patient’s medical history and a physical exam. It is important to be aware of any changes in your health or any issues that may occur due to cancer treatments. These regular appointments are also opportunities to check for physical and emotional repercussions that may develop months or years after treatment ends.
Knowing what to expect after melanoma treatments can help you and your caregivers to make lifestyle changes and other important decisions about the future.
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Related resources:
Physical Changes
Even though you may have had the same melanoma diagnosis or treatment as someone else, your post-treatment experience may be quite different. Your doctor should talk to you about the long-term effects of your specific cancer treatment.
Some of the most common physical changes that people report are:
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Fatigue
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Memory and concentration changes
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Pain
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Nervous system changes
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Lymphedema or swelling
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Mouth and teeth problems
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Changes in weight and eating habits
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Trouble swallowing
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Bladder or bowel control problems
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Menopause symptoms
Your doctor can help you to manage and control many of these changes. Speak with your doctor at the first sign of any problems you experience.
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Related resources:
Family Issues
When treatment ends, families are sometimes unprepared for the length of time recovery can take. As a survivor, you still need support and that may be difficult for family and friends to understand. Often, recovery often lasts longer than your treatment, which can lead to worry and frustration for everyone. It may also be difficult for your friends and family to understand the support you will need as a survivor.
Your post-treatment recovery, and your life as a survivor, are personal experiences that take time to figure out. Be honest with yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. It will be helpful to both you and your loved ones to keep them informed about your cancer, and involved in your recovery.
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Here are some common issues people have shared with us:
People expect you to bounce back to who you were before cancer.
The reality is, you’re likely not physically or emotionally who you were before cancer and are no longer able to do all the things you once did. You may be able to one day – but this might take months or years. It’s important to be patient and to be open and honest with others about what you can and cannot do.
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You still need the support of friends and family.
This doesn’t sound like it should be an issue, but often survivors feel guilty about asking for support when they are recovering or in remission. It’s common to feel that others have already done so much and to feel guilty for asking for more help. In most cases, however, keeping loved ones involved in your recovery and your life after cancer continues to make everyone stronger.
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You expect more from your loved ones than you receive.
Your family and friends may disappoint you, which can be frustrating. The attention you received during treatment may have lessened since the ending of your active treatment. Be open and honest with loved ones about how you are feeling, and ask for support and help when you need it.
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Understanding the dynamics of survivorship relationships.
At the same time that you are physically and emotionally recovering from the roller coaster of melanoma, your family is also adjusting. Loved ones are still coping with the stress and changes that the cancer journey took everyone on. They too need time to understand what they went through, and what support they may need as caregivers. It may be hard for family and friends to express feelings or know how to talk about what each person went through. It’s important to ask for help from a professional if your family or friends feel they need outside support. Ask your doctor to refer you to a counselor or expert on family concerns after cancer.
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Related resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: The information on the Save Your Skin website is not intended to replace the medical advice of a doctor or healthcare provider. While we make every effort to ensure that the information on our site is as current as possible, please note that information and statistics are subject to change as new research and studies are published.