Author: Molly Lindquist
Medically reviewed by Josh Carter, RN on September 6, 2024.
If you've completed your primary treatment for early-stage hormone-positive breast cancer, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. Now, you're entering a new phase called survivorship, which is a new normal. Survivorship means different things to different people. During survivorship care, the focus shifts from active breast cancer treatment to long-term health and wellness.
What is a breast cancer survivorship care plan?
A survivorship care plan is like a roadmap for your health after cancer treatment. It helps you and your doctors keep track of your care. This plan is special because it's made just for you.
Why do you need a breast cancer survivorship care plan?
Having a plan can help you feel more in control. It can also:
- Help you understand what to expect
- Keep track of your follow-up care
- Remind you about important tests
- Help you stay healthy
What's in a survivorship care plan?
Your plan will have important information about your cancer and treatment. It will also include:
- Follow-up schedule: This tells you when to see your doctors and what tests you'll need.
- Side effect management: Some side effects can last after treatment. Your plan will help you manage them..
- Healthy living tips: This includes advice on eating well, exercising, and taking care of your emotional health. This includes body image, sexuality and intimacy, parenting, and relationships.
- Signs to watch for: Your plan will tell you what changes to look out for that might mean the cancer has come back.
- Support resources: Information about support groups and other helpful services.
- Treatment Summary: Details of your cancer diagnosis, treatment history, and treatment provider contact information.
Creating your survivorship care plan
Your cancer care team will help you make your plan. Here are some steps you can take:
- Ask questions: If something isn't clear, speak up. It's important that you understand your plan.
- Share your concerns: Talk about what worries you. Your team can help address these issues in your plan.
- Involve your loved ones: They can help you follow your plan and give you support.
- Keep it updated: As time goes on, your needs might change. Make sure your plan changes too.
Living your new normal
Survivorship is different for everyone. Some days might be tough, and that's okay. Here are some tips for this new phase of your life:
- Be patient with yourself: Healing takes time, both physically and emotionally.
- Stay connected: Keep in touch with your support system, including friends, family, and support groups.
- Focus on wellness: Eat healthy foods, stay active, and get enough rest.
- Manage stress: Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Celebrate milestones: Each day as a survivor is an achievement. Recognize your progress.
Long-term health concerns for cancer survivors
For hormone positive breast cancer, you might need to take hormone therapy for several years. This helps lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Your plan will include information about:
- What medication to take
- How long to take it
- Possible side effects
- How to manage side effects
Regular check-ups are also important. Your doctor will examine you and may order tests to make sure you're staying healthy.
Some other articles on breast cancer survivorship and life after breast cancer:
- Life After Early Stage Breast Cancer: What To Expect 5 and 10 Years Af…
- Cancer Journey: Setting Up Your Team
- How to Deal With Cancer Survivor's Guilt
Emotional health for cancer survivorship
Your feelings are just as important as your physical health. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions after cancer treatment. You might feel:
- Happy and relieved
- Worried about the cancer coming back
- Sad or anxious
- Different from how you felt before cancer
Your survivorship care plan should include ways to take care of your emotional health. This might mean talking to a counselor or joining a support group.
We’ve been there. We get it.
The Manta Cares team is composed of cancer survivors, caregivers and oncologists - so we truly understand the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis because we’ve been there. We are here to walk with you as you go through your own cancer experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are even developing disease-specific step-by-step maps to show you all the paths you might face during your cancer experience and connect you with relevant support and resources. Sign up for access to our Manta Maps here.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and check out our free resources like our Chemotherapy Checklist for Caregivers, Financial Checklist for Cancer Treatment and more. We also put out a bi-weekly podcast called the Patient from Hell to educate, empower and hopefully inspire you as you go through this crappy experience. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Dealing with cancer as a patient or caregiver can feel really lonely. Just know that you are not alone in this experience.
Also Read:
- Why Diet and Nutrition Are Important for Cancer Patients
- Understanding Pulmonary Toxicity in Cancer Treatment: A Patient's Guide
- Life After Early Stage Breast Cancer: What To Expect 5 and 10 Years After Treatment
- Should You Work Out During Cancer Treatment?
- Taking Care of Your Body After a Cancer Diagnosis
FAQs for breast cancer survivorship care plan
Q: What is a survivorship care plan?
Ans - A survivorship care plan is a personalized roadmap for your health after cancer treatment. It helps you and your doctors keep track of your care, including follow-up appointments, tests, and long-term health management strategies.
Q: Why do I need a survivorship care plan?
Ans - A survivorship care plan helps you feel more in control of your health. It helps you understand what to expect, keeps track of your follow-up care, reminds you about important tests, and provides guidance on staying healthy.
Q: What information is included in a survivorship care plan?
Ans - A typical survivorship care plan includes your treatment summary, follow-up schedule, side effect management strategies, healthy living tips, signs to watch for potential cancer recurrence, and support resources.
Q: Who creates my survivorship care plan?
Ans - Your cancer care team will help you create your survivorship care plan. It's a collaborative effort, and you should actively participate in its development by asking questions and sharing your concerns.
Q: How long will I need to take hormone therapy after treatment?
Ans - The duration of hormone therapy varies for each individual. Your survivorship care plan will include specific information about what medication to take, how long to take it, and how to manage potential side effects.
Q: What kind of follow-up tests will I need after finishing breast cancer treatment?
Ans - Your follow-up tests will depend on your specific situation. Your survivorship care plan will outline the schedule for check-ups and any necessary tests to monitor your health and check for potential cancer recurrence.
Q: How can I manage the emotional challenges of being a cancer survivor?
Ans - Your survivorship care plan should include strategies for emotional health, such as counseling or support groups. Remember that it's normal to experience a range of emotions, and seeking support is an important part of your overall health.
Q: Can I make changes to my breast cancer survivorship care plan?
Ans - Yes, your survivorship care plan should be updated as your needs change over time. Regularly discuss any new concerns or changes in your health with your healthcare team to keep your plan current.
Q: What lifestyle changes should I make during survivorship?
Ans - Your plan will likely include recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting enough rest, and managing stress. These changes can help improve your overall health and well-being.
Disclaimer: All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.