Life After Cancer Treatment
After cancer treatment ends, it becomes a time that some people refer to as “finding a new normal” as you navigate your survivorship experience. And when facing the trauma and fear of recurrence that accompanies post-treatment life, it comes down to who each individual is since we are all very different. As oncology and survivorship nurse practitioner Kristie Howlett, MS, CNS, NP-C, AOCNP states, "it is important to address who they are, what their triggers are, is there fear of recurrence, and how do we manage that within the realm of what is going on with them."
Fear of recurrence is the most common symptom amongst survivors after treatment ends. Though fear can be defined and explained as “a natural emotion and a survival mechanism. When we confront a perceived threat, our bodies respond in specific ways. Physical reactions to fear include sweating, increased heart rate, and high adrenaline levels that make us extremely alert. This physical response is also known as the “fight or flight” response, with which your body prepares itself to either enter combat or run away. This biochemical reaction is likely an evolutionary development. It's an automatic response that is crucial to our survival.”
So if fear of recurrence is prevalent, how can one address this fear and/or find a new “normal” that is not rooted in fear? There is no cookie-cutter approach to dealing with fear of recurrence or walking through survivorship. But as Kristie Howlett asks her clients, “What do you think caused your cancer”?, the most common response tends to be stress. It is ultimately up to the individual to managing stress and fear, as it is based on what works and feels right for them.
Here are some recommended techniques:
Practice mindfulness meditation
Start a daily gratitude journal
Incorporate regular exercise (try Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, Dance)
Partake in expressive arts such as painting, poetry, or music
Seek a counselor, therapist, or support group
Try Earthing/Grounding (walk barefoot, lay on the ground, hike in nature)
Practice breathing techniques such as Dr. Andrew Weil's, "4-7-8 Method"
To learn more, listen to Wellness Within Podcast episodes discussing Survivorship, Fear of Recurrence, and Life After Treatment by click the links below:
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References:
Oschman, James L et al. “The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.” Journal of inflammation research vol. 8 83-96. 24 Mar. 2015, doi:10.2147/JIR.S69656
“Fear of Recurrence with Kristie Howlett, MS, CNS, NP-C, AOCNP.” Wellness Within Cancer Support Services, season 5, episode 11, 31 May 2021.
Fritscher, Lisa. “The Psychology behind Fear.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 19 June 2020, https://www.verywellmind.com/the-psychology-of-fear-2671696.
“Cancer Survivors: Managing Your Emotions after Treatment.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Oct. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-survivor/art-20047129.