Many people look forward to the end of their treatment as they can start to try and get life back to normal. Others find this a difficult time as it often means that you will have less contact with hospital staff and other patients. You may be confident that your cancer has been treated and feel able to move on with life. It may be helpful to try thinking carefully about your priorities and start by setting yourself small achievable goals, working upwards. It can be helpful to begin by taking each day as it comes, then each week, month and year after that.
Many people go back to work soon after treatment ends, whilst others may feel unable to return to the work they did previously. Some people are able to arrange a more flexible working arrangement, such as fewer working hours/days or less physically/emotionally demanding workload.
It is also normal to be concerned about your cancer returning. Many people who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer, report that this concern may become part of everyday life. Often, a new ache or pain may trigger worries that your cancer has come back. It is important to discuss any concerns with your lung cancer nurse specialist or doctor and remind yourself that many aches have nothing to do with cancer.
I've been told that my cancer can't be treated, how will I cope?
Sometimes, for many different medical reasons, people cannot be treated for lung cancer. It maybe the case that the
Multi Disciplinary Team felt that the treatment interventions maybe too risky for you and that to monitor the disease is the right option. This maybe an exceptionally difficult time for you and your family. Many people become preoccupied with thoughts about treatments and why there is no treatment suitable for them. Sometimes joining the
Lung Cancer Support Group can help.
However, all patients should have access to a Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist and if needed access to community and hospital based palliative care and district nursing teams. Remember, even though your cancer can't be treated you may be able to live with your disease enjoying a good quality of life.
If you have questions about your care, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. There are many professionals who will be able to help you and your carers through this difficult time.