Cancer Survivors Follow Up Care For the Body, Mind and Soul
There’s a popular saying in the U.S., “That which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.”
And while that’s wise advice, cancer survivors don’t always feel that much stronger after a long, painful experience with cancer care. So what happens after you leave the cancer center? How can you care for your body and mind after cancer treatments? What kind of follow up health care will you require?
Quality Healthcare for Cancer Survivors: Constant Vigilance
Even after the most successful treatments, cancer survivors will need regular medical checkups. These appointments will serve two purposes. First, to monitor your body’s general health and fitness following an intense illness, and also to check for signs that the cancer has returned, called recurrence, or spread to other parts of your body, called metastasizing.
Cancer specialists will perform things like endoscopies, blood work, and imaging methods to ensure the cancer is still in remittance. In addition, cancer survivors should let their doctor know if they experience the return of past symptoms like unexplained pain, fatigue, weight change, depression, insomnia, and any other symptom that disrupts your quality of life. These follow up appointments should continue for the rest of your life.
But in addition to caring for your body, it’s also so important for cancer survivors to tend to their mind as well. Not only are there a number of support groups for cancer survivors, but many people also seek counseling from a therapist or psychiatrist. While people have no qualms about seeking vital cancer care for their physical ailments, too many people are reluctant to seek help for psychological issues like depression.
Surviving cancer can be a traumatic experience, even for your close friends and family. If you experience depression, anxiety, or lingering trauma from your experiences with cancer, please do not hesitate to seek support. You deserve it.
It’s also important to remember that there are many forms of cancer, and everyone’s body will react in unique ways. It’s crucial that you work with your doctor to develop a specific after care plan once you finish treatments at your local cancer center or hospital. Usually, doctors will recommend a specific treatment plan, as well as advice for eating and exercising without overwhelming your body.
Finally, we’ve talked about ways to heal the body and mind, but what about the soul? So many cancer survivors have found comfort and strength through the power of prayer. Others tout the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, or even yoga. No matter what religion or spirituality you practice, it’s crucial that you try to heal your body, mind, and soul.