5 Ways to Make a Post-Treatment Plan
1. Make the most of your cancer care team
A lot of cancer centers have “navigators,” social workers and other staff members who help you coordinate absolutely everything during treatment, when your life is a blur. But they also can point you to resources — from counseling to drug information — for those long times between your last treatment and your first follow-up.
2. Know your side effects
This is easier said than done when your brain isn’t working quite right and the list of info that comes with each medication reads like a foreign language. But if you ask, those same people mentioned above can help put those side effects into clear, plain language and help you know what to expect.
3. Set realistic goals
Your body’s not going to feel or look like it used to after treatment ends. Step one is recognizing that’s normal. Step two is making little goals for yourself — but also being reasonable about them. If you are a fitness buff, for example, know that those first workouts are going to feel like a struggle, and set your goals accordingly. Don’t think about rushing to get back to “normal” — think of it as reconstructing.
4. Ask for help
There are so many chances to do this. Ask a partner or friend to help you listen to a doctor explain the side effects of medication. Ask for a recommendation for a good counselor — and know that mental health help is a common, normal need after treatment. Ask a nutritionist about food to improve your energy. Ask a trainer to set up a tailored workout plan for you, or seek help from friends you used to exercise with.
5. Search for free resources
For example, the American Cancer Society offers a tool to find local programs, including support groups. Also, many local health departments or departments of social services offer counseling — either for free or for minimal cost — for those in need of financial assistance.
