Embracing your cancer survivorship journey with hope
From the moment of diagnosis and throughout the course of treatment and beyond, you are a cancer survivor. This also extends to include family, friends and caregivers who share in the journey of survival.
While surviving cancer is a significant milestone to celebrate, your cancer journey does not end after your last treatment. In fact, it marks a new chapter in your life, which may come with feelings of joy and relief as well as fear and uncertainty about what the future holds.
Cancer reshapes your healthcare needs and leaves a lasting impact on your life. But together, you and your care team will develop a cancer survivorship plan personalized to you and your specific needs. A plan that addresses you as a whole person—mind, body and spirit.
Thriving after cancer: Your survivorship plan
Your cancer is unique, and so is your road to recovery.
As you begin life as a cancer survivor, your cancer care team will work with you and your caregivers or loved ones to ensure you have the resources readily available to address your current and future needs. A cancer survivorship plan helps you navigate the physical, mental, social, spiritual and financial aspects of a cancer diagnosis after your treatment ends.
Your cancer survivorship plan may include strategies and actions to manage treatment-related challenges and support your overall quality of life, such as:
- Long-term side effects
- Mental health struggles
- Overall physical well-being
- Screenings or genetic counseling for you or family members
- Secondary or recurrent cancers
Additionally, your nurse navigator can help you navigate family concerns, financial worries and additional medical questions.
It is also important to include caregivers in your cancer survivorship plan. They may be experiencing their own challenges after caring for you as you recover from cancer treatment. Ensure there are tools and resources in place to support them after your treatment ends.
Caring for your body, mind and spirit after cancer
Cancer can impact you for many years after a diagnosis. Your survivorship plan can help address physical, mental and spiritual needs that are likely different from the concerns you had before or just after you were diagnosed.
Your cancer survivorship plan outlines the follow-up care and treatments needed once your cancer treatment ends. While the transition to your “new normal” is a key step in your survivor journey, keep a watchful eye on your physical and mental health and notify your healthcare team about any new symptoms, unusual changes or concerning feelings.
Physical wellness
After a cancer diagnosis, your doctor and other care team members may recommend lifestyle changes to protect your future health and lower the risk of your cancer returning. Your plan may include changes such as:
- Improving or changing your diet
- Increasing your physical activity levels
- Limiting sun exposure
- Quitting tobacco
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Stress management
Mental and emotional well-being
A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience. While hearing the words “you have cancer” most likely took an emotional toll on you and your loved ones, it also can be difficult to emotionally adjust to life after cancer. You may worry about your cancer returning or feel anxious, depressed or unsure about what comes next in life. Rest assured that these feelings are normal.
Your care team is here to support you every step of the way. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Share your feelings or discuss any concerns or unsettling feelings with your doctors. Consider joining a cancer survivor’s support group or connecting with other cancer survivors.
Spiritual healing
Spiritual well-being can play a significant role in life after cancer, offering you a sense of purpose, connection and hope. For many, surviving cancer can initiate a reassessment of priorities and values, inspiring a deeper exploration of meaning and faith. Whether it’s through counseling with a chaplain or other spiritual provider, or other methods like meditation, prayer, connecting with nature, journaling or engaging in supportive communities, spiritual practices can provide solace and resilience, helping you navigate emotional challenges and uncertainty as a cancer survivor.
Inspiring stories from cancer survivors
Uplifting firsthand accounts of strength, hope, and resilience from cancer survivors.Helpful resources
Navigating your next steps-
College StationBaylor Scott & White Cancer Center – College Station
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DallasBaylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Dallas
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Fort WorthBaylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth
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GrapevineBaylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine
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IrvingBaylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Irving
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McKinneyBaylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney
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PlanoBaylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano
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Round RockBaylor Scott & White Cancer Center – Round Rock
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RowlettBaylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe
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TempleBaylor Scott & White Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center
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WacoBaylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest
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WaxahachieBaylor Scott & White Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center – Waxahachie