Life after Cancer Treatment
Cancer care doesn’t end when you finish your treatment, in a way it never ends.
No matter what, you will continue visiting with your healthcare team for, "follow-up care." They will watch for signs of the cancer coming back, manage any lingering side effects from treatment, and check your general health.
First Things to Do
While completing cancer treatment is a time to celebrate, it’s also the time for renewed diligence and dedication on the self-care front.
Ways to solidify recovery and reduce recurrence risks:
Stay Adherent to Follow-Up Care: Stick closely to the provider’s recommended schedule for scans, bloodwork and/or exams that surveil for potential recurrence. Report promptly any new/concerning symptoms in between visits as well.- Address Lingering Side Effects: Make sure to get any necessary supportive therapies helping manage side effects that may still linger or arise anew months/years later. Side effects can consist of; fatigue, heart damage, peripheral neuropathy and/or hormones.
- Incorporate Health-Promoting Lifestyle Changes: Double down on positive diet upgrades, daily activity, weight control, and other wellness tactics that fight inflammation and empower immune function.
- Connect with Emotional Health Resources: Seek counseling services if you are struggling internally with difficult emotions like fear of recurrence, depression, or anxiety not alleviated by your efforts over time. Many find connections through survivor networks too.
- Update Providers on New Medications or Issues: Remain vigilant and highlight any new medications, supplements or emerging conditions at visits as some drugs interact with cancer therapy and/or surveillance.
Focus on self-care beyond the acute crisis phase central to your daily lifestyle. This maximizes chances of staying in remission while also enhancing overall wellbeing.
Planning Your Follow-Up Care After Cancer
You and your healthcare team will work together to plan your follow-up care to guide your health for the months and years after treatment.
The follow-up plan will be tailored to meet the medical guidelines for your specific type and stage of cancer. This will be done while keeping your needs and wishes in mind.
A follow-up care plan can help you feel more in control as you go back to everyday life after treatment. When you have a medical support system in place, it can help you feel better both physically and emotionally.
Watching for signs of cancer recurrence or a second cancer
Constant vigilance for signs of cancer is a vital part of follow-up care. Your doctor will check for any signs of recurrence. Cancer may return when exceedingly small areas of cancer cells are still in the body and cannot be seen in test results. These cells may grow until they show up on test results or cause symptoms.
The chances of cancer coming back depend on the specific type of cancer you had along with other factors. Unfortunately, no doctor can be certain if your cancer will or will not return. But a doctor who knows your medical history can talk with you about the risks and suggest ways to lower these risks.
A second cancer is a new, different type of cancer than the one that was originally diagnosed. Your risk of developing a second cancer depends on many factors, but it is important to watch for signs of a second cancer.
During your follow-up visits, your doctor will ask specific questions about your health. You might also have blood tests or imaging tests. Testing depends on several factors:
- The type and stage of cancer originally diagnosed
- The treatment you received
- Whether research shows testing could improve your health lengthen your life
Managing long-term side effects after treatment
You have most likely experienced some side effects during cancer treatment. You may be surprised to continue to experience side-effects after treatment. These are referred to as long-term side effects. Some may not occur for months or even years after your treatment ends – these are referred to as,late effects. Long-term and late effects of cancer and cancer treatment may include physical and emotional changes.
The risk of side-effects depends on the type of cancer you had, the treatment you received, and your overall health. If you had a treatment that is known to cause specific late effects, your follow-up care might include certain tests. Examples include:
- A yearly thyroid gland examination if the patient had radiation therapy to the head, neck, and/or throat.
- Lung function tests if the patient received a drug called bleomycin (Blenoxane) and/or had a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. Lung function tests show how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly air moves in and out of them.
- Regular electrocardiograms (EKGs) if radiation therapy was given to the chest. EKGs are also used when chemotherapy included drugs that can affect how the heart works.
- Regular mammograms if radiation therapy was given to the chest of a younger patient.
- Imaging tests or blood tests to check for signs of cancer coming back.
Our Mission
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, and clinical trial investigators. Together, we deliver cutting-edge, safe, well-coordinated, and supportive care to people with cancer and their families.
We strive to provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials in cancer care. This means providing access to innovative therapies in the community where you live. We feel strongly that state-of-the-art medicine should be easily accessible beyond academic centers.
We always maintain an individualized touch, we will never treat you as just another number or as just another patient.
What We Do
Our clinical practice encompasses various tumor types including, but not limited to:
Breast
Bladder
Lung
Colorectal
Gastric
Kidney
Livers
Esophageal
Pancreatic
Prostate
Testicular
Head and Neck
Genitourinary
Gynecological Malignancies
Houston's Leading Cancer Research Expert
Our patients gain access to trial treatments sponsored by leading medical institutions in Houston and throughout the nation. Our team works hard to connect you with the best possible trial while providing comprehensive care during your treatment.
We identify the best treatments available in oncology with evidence-based alternative treatments for symptom control. In addition, we have in-depth training in Geriatrics. This allows for us to offer tailored cancer care to our elderly patients. This frequently means balancing the benefits of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects in older and vulnerable patients.
The Expertise You Need, The Compassion You Deserve
With years of experience working in cancer research and treatment we bring extensive knowledge and expertise to every patient. Our passion for helping patients find the right clinical trial while providing the care they need is unparalleled. Our team is dedicated to making sure you have access to the best possible cancer treatment options.
The Process
What To Expect
When you partner with Community Clinical Trials you can expect personalized care from highly skilled professionals. Our goal is to provide the highest level of care while ensuring that every patient has access to the best possible cancer treatments.
A brief explanation of the process:
01
Learn about current cancer treatment and prevention trials.
02
Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and options.
03
Begin participating in the trial that is right for you.
04
Receive comprehensive care during your participation in the trial.
Breaking The Barrier to Cancer Care
After years of working with leading research institutions, we have seen first-hand the difficulty many patients had accessing essential cancer treatment and prevention trials. Even when patients were accepted into clinical trials, they often faced additional roadblocks: forced to travel distances (with all the attendant costs), lack of transparency of the treatment process, and difficulty accessing necessary information.
That’s why we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent patients from getting the care they need closer to home. Our team ensures every patient can access comprehensive cancer care. No one will be left behind.
- Access to leading cancer treatment trials
- Personalized care from a highly skilled professional
- Comprehensive support during the trial process
- Transparency and access to necessary information
Start Your Journey to Healing Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with cancer, contact us at our Houston office to learn more about the clinical trials that could help. Our team is committed to giving you access to the best possible care and providing personalized support throughout your journey.
Whether you need a second opinion about a diagnosis or want to learn how to participate in a cancer prevention or clinical trial, our experienced team is here for you.