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CCMB's Patient & Family  Newsletter

Related Reading We recommend you read the National Cancer Institute's Facing Forward Series publication: • Life After Cancer Treatment which covers post-treatment issues such as follow-up medical care, physical and emotional changes, changes in social relationships, and workplace issues.

When the day finally comes when you have finished treatment, you may experience a confusing mixture of feelings.

There is a great sense of relief that the hardships and life disruptions that treatment brings are over. At the same time, there is often an unsettling return of fear and anxiety, specifically about whether the cancer will come back and what to do after treatment.

You may find that all your emotional and physical energy has gone into getting through your treatments. You may feel exhausted.

But now that you have some energy for it, the emotional impact of your illness (and trying to sort out the meaning of this experience in your life) begins to surface.

Actually, it is at this very time that many people with cancer seek support for the emotional, psychological and spiritual impact of their cancer on both themselves and their loved ones. It can be helpful to talk with others who have been through or are going through some of the same things as you (see our support group listing) or to meet with one of our counselors.

Fatigue is one of the common symptoms that people struggle with during and after treatment. Others may find it difficult to understand this kind of fatigue.

The Patient and Family Resource Centre and the Breast Cancer Centre of Hope have information on how to cope with fatigue. In addition, we have regular information sessions on coping with fatigue presented by a nurse specializing in this area.

In addition, there is new evidence to suggest that exercise decreases fatigue in people with cancer. Look for the Cancer Management Exercise Program, Making Waves, Chemo Savvy, and the Cancer Wellness Program on our Current Programs page for more information.