Survivorship

Side Effects After Cancer Treatment

Remember that your body needs time to heal and adjust.

After Treatment Side Effects A Word About Fatigue Contact Us

After Treatment

Many cancer survivors are surprised to learn that side effects don’t magically disappear as soon as their treatment has ended. Remember that your body needs time to heal and adjust. It is normal for some side effects to last a year or more. It is also common for new side effects to appear after treatment is over, even months or years later. Talk to your treatment team about managing them.

Side Effects

Physical side effects may include:

Fatigue.
Pain.
Poor appetite or difficulty eating.
Neuropathy.
Memory/concentration difficulties.
Bladder or bowel control problems.
Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.

Psychosocial and other issues:

Fear of recurrence.
Depression.
Anger or irritability.
Confusion.
Changes in body image.
Difficulties with sexual intimacy or functioning.
Worry about returning to work/activities.

For questions about life after cancer treatment, please call our Survivorship Nurse Navigator at 302-623-4866.

A Word About Fatigue

In particular, cancer survivors may experience ongoing fatigue, sometimes for years after their treatment has ended. Exercise has been found to be the best way to help manage fatigue. If you experience persistent fatigue, speak with your oncologist about a referral to our Rehabilitation Program, where professionals can create a customized program to help you regain function and improve endurance.