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If my oncologist suggests a "wait and see" treatment plan, how do I deal with the fear that I am doing nothing to prevent recurrence?
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annwax (Nurse (Verified) ) - 06 / 30 / 2012
You used the word “If”. It appears that you are speculating regarding what your oncologist is going to say to you before the conversation starts. Furthermore, by thinking about what your oncologist is going to say regarding the “about wait and see” approach you are increasing your fear level which in turn is not conducive for healing.
Most oncologists after you have finished treatments will monitor you with regular checkups, blood tests, and scans to make sure that the cancer is not present in your body.
If you are uncomfortable with your oncologist “wait and see” approach for reoccurrence, you can always go for different options from oncologist to see how they feel with this approach. Always keep in mind that you must do what you feel is the most comfortable and best approach for you in managing your cancer disease process.
On your part for reducing the risk of reoccurrence of cancer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, have good friends, family around you, find fulfillment with your career, and your choices. Satisfaction within your everyday life is a healing tool to “finding your bliss in cancer”. Which in turn will help to promote healing from within and helps the immune system to keep cancer from reoccurring.
Most oncologists after you have finished treatments will monitor you with regular checkups, blood tests, and scans to make sure that the cancer is not present in your body.
If you are uncomfortable with your oncologist “wait and see” approach for reoccurrence, you can always go for different options from oncologist to see how they feel with this approach. Always keep in mind that you must do what you feel is the most comfortable and best approach for you in managing your cancer disease process.
On your part for reducing the risk of reoccurrence of cancer is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, have good friends, family around you, find fulfillment with your career, and your choices. Satisfaction within your everyday life is a healing tool to “finding your bliss in cancer”. Which in turn will help to promote healing from within and helps the immune system to keep cancer from reoccurring.
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member9808 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 07 / 04 / 2012
Hello:
This question is ambiguous since you have not fully described your situation. Survivorship can be difficult, especially since all of wonder if our cancer will return in the future. Please make sure your oncologist knows that you feel anxious, and ascertain that your treatment is "the standard of care." Try to be aware of your health and keep an eye out for any persistent symptoms that are unusual. However, your periodic check-ups will give your doctor the chance to make sure that all is well. And, most importantly, continue the relationship with your oncologist, even as the next several years go by. He or she is a powerful partner in keeping you aware of new research, medications, and your overall well-being.<br/>Finding a support group can be helpful as well. Learning how others deal with their own fear may help you to find stategies for yourself. Many of us deal with these feelings at the end of treatment. Chemo and radiation therapy are powerful tools to stop cancer, so you may already have completed everything that has been recommended. As hard as it may sound, put one foot in front of the other, enjoy your life and--with luck--your fears will fade as time marches on.<br/>If you find you are not feeling safe or moving forward in a few months, make sure to consult a professional to help you sort things out. It takes time, but I feel sure you will find a new normal in the weeks and months to come.
This question is ambiguous since you have not fully described your situation. Survivorship can be difficult, especially since all of wonder if our cancer will return in the future. Please make sure your oncologist knows that you feel anxious, and ascertain that your treatment is "the standard of care." Try to be aware of your health and keep an eye out for any persistent symptoms that are unusual. However, your periodic check-ups will give your doctor the chance to make sure that all is well. And, most importantly, continue the relationship with your oncologist, even as the next several years go by. He or she is a powerful partner in keeping you aware of new research, medications, and your overall well-being.<br/>Finding a support group can be helpful as well. Learning how others deal with their own fear may help you to find stategies for yourself. Many of us deal with these feelings at the end of treatment. Chemo and radiation therapy are powerful tools to stop cancer, so you may already have completed everything that has been recommended. As hard as it may sound, put one foot in front of the other, enjoy your life and--with luck--your fears will fade as time marches on.<br/>If you find you are not feeling safe or moving forward in a few months, make sure to consult a professional to help you sort things out. It takes time, but I feel sure you will find a new normal in the weeks and months to come.
member4487 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 07 / 02 / 2012
Your question doesn’t tell me what your precise situation is. But if you feel your oncologist is not being aggressive enough, you may want to get a second opinion. In many cases, however, “wait and see” is the only recommended post-treatment regimen. Typically, that means follow-up visits two to four times a year for the first few years. However, it can be extremely stressful watching and waiting—and worrying! These suggestions may help:
1. Write down any new symptom, along with the date and circumstances of its appearance. If the symptom is still there and still worrisome in two weeks, a call to the doctor is reasonable.
2. Join a support group. It can be reassuring to network with other women who are undergoing similar stresses. Other breast-cancer survivors can not only provide emotional support but also help you brainstorm and strategize. And you may be able to help them too.
3. Do what you can to eliminate bad health habits—smoking, overeating, alcohol abuse—and replace them with good habits, like eating a well-rounded diet and getting plenty of exercise.
The initial months after completing treatment are often the most difficult, because you feel as if you’re no longer fighting the disease. You may even feel abandoned by your medical team. And your family and friends may not be able to understand why you’re not relieved and happy to be done. But time really is your friend. As the months go by, the anxiety is likely to lift. If it doesn’t, speaking with a trained social worker or other mental-health counselor can help you manage your fears while maintaining a healthy vigilance.
With best wishes and warmest regards, Viva
1. Write down any new symptom, along with the date and circumstances of its appearance. If the symptom is still there and still worrisome in two weeks, a call to the doctor is reasonable.
2. Join a support group. It can be reassuring to network with other women who are undergoing similar stresses. Other breast-cancer survivors can not only provide emotional support but also help you brainstorm and strategize. And you may be able to help them too.
3. Do what you can to eliminate bad health habits—smoking, overeating, alcohol abuse—and replace them with good habits, like eating a well-rounded diet and getting plenty of exercise.
The initial months after completing treatment are often the most difficult, because you feel as if you’re no longer fighting the disease. You may even feel abandoned by your medical team. And your family and friends may not be able to understand why you’re not relieved and happy to be done. But time really is your friend. As the months go by, the anxiety is likely to lift. If it doesn’t, speaking with a trained social worker or other mental-health counselor can help you manage your fears while maintaining a healthy vigilance.
With best wishes and warmest regards, Viva
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