Getting diagnosed with liver cancer is a major event in anyone's life. We tend to focus so much on having a successful liver cancer treatment so we can return to how our lives used to be. But can we truly return to a normal lifestyle after such a harrowing experience?
Your liver cancer specialist will do their best to ensure that you survive your illness. What comes afterwards is up to you.
What Does Survivorship Mean?
Survivorship holds different meanings for different people. For some, it simply means you no longer have any symptoms of cancer.
But for others, survivorship means living with and beyond cancer. Every cancer patient's journey with survivorship differs from one another. Some find it easy to celebrate and return to their normal lives. However, others can easily get triggered by fear and trauma.
Ways to Cope As a Liver Cancer Survivor
Life in recovery after liver cancer is not easy to deal with, especially since you just finished your fight with a very aggressive disease. Here are some tips to help you cope if you struggle to regain a sense of normalcy.
Have Follow-up Check-Ups
Even if the liver cancer specialist declares that you are in remission, it does not mean you do not need to see them anymore. Liver cancer treatments can make you experience side effects such as fatigue or nausea even when you are considered cancer-free.
By following your scheduled appointments, the doctor can monitor your progress more closely and develop care plans to improve your health.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
It is easier to cope with the side effects and reduce your risk of having cancer again if you change your lifestyle instead of returning to your old ways -- which likely contributed to your liver cancer. For instance, besides quitting alcohol and smoking, you could start exercising regularly. Why not try a new sport or s
Undergo Counselling
Remember that survivorship goes beyond coping with the physical effects after the liver cancer treatment. Caring for your mental and emotional welfare is an essential aspect too.
There is no need to be ashamed of how you feel as a cancer survivor. If you need someone besides a loved one to talk to, try meeting with a counsellor or therapist. They can help manage your anxiety or depression and walk with you through your trauma. You can also explore healthier coping mechanisms with them.
Seek Help From Support Systems
If you need more help beyond talking to a counsellor, do not hesitate to seek out a professional rehabilitation programme. Your liver cancer specialist can refer you to some groups if you are interested.
There are programmes available here, like those by the Singapore Cancer Society, that offer various types of support. These include access to support groups, physical therapy, and psychological therapy. They may also help you find work again if you lost a job due to liver cancer.
Can Your Cancer Still Come Back?
Like all cancers, there is always the risk of your liver cancer returning even if you have improved your lifestyle.
If you do notice signs of a recurrence, see your liver cancer specialist as soon as possible for testing. They can help determine if your cancer has truly returned or if you have a different medical problem.
But remember that just because your liver cancer might come back does not mean it cannot be treated successfully again. So never lose hope.
Conclusion
Life after your liver cancer treatment can be a daunting prospect. But instead of approaching it with fear, consider it an opportunity to start anew. You do not have to face your challenges alone either--there are people and resources available that can help you cope better. Go and live your best, a day at a time!
References:
- https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/liver-cancer/survivorship
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html
- https://iconcancercentre.sg/en/patients-and-families/life-after-cancer/
- https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/recovery
- https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-help/cancer-survivor/join-a-support-group.html
- https://www.ncis.com.sg/Cancer-Information/Caregiver-Information/Pages/After-Cancer.aspx
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/adjusting-to-life-with-cancer.html