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Medical Management

There are several things to consider when you have finished your cancer treatments: follow-up care, survivorship care plans, and how to best take care of yourself.

Follow-up care

Follow-up care marks the transition from active treatment to post-cancer surveillance.

You may want to ask your oncology team the following:

  • How often are my appointments?
  • What will be done at these appointments?
  • Who will be providing my follow up care?
  • How long do I need to be seen?
  • When am I considered cured?
  • What are the possible short-term and long-term effects of my cancer care?

Knowing this information will help you be prepared for your appointments and hopefully reduce anxiety because you will know what to expect.

Effects from cancer treatment

Some common short-term effects from your cancer treatments can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive changes
  • Neuropathy (nerve pain)
  • Pain
  • Lymphedema (swelling)
  • Weight changes
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Psychological struggles

There are also long-term effects that may not show up for several years after finishing treatment, such as:

  • Hearing loss
  • Heart disease
  • Hormonal problems
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Bone loss
  • Thyroid issues
  • Kidney issues
  • Changes in your breathing

Please feel free to talk with your oncology team if you are experiencing any of these issues and have concerns that have not been addressed.

Survivorship care plans

Survivorship care plans are given after treatment is completed and cover the following: your treatment summary, your follow up schedule, information on healthy eating, information on exercise, the importance of avoiding tobacco products, possible late effects from your treatment, helpful resources, and support services.

If you have not received a survivorship care plan, feel free to ask someone from your oncology team.

Taking care of yourself after completing cancer treatments is very important. This includes managing all of your other health problems, meeting with your primary care provider regularly, making sure that your blood pressure is staying in a healthy range, controlling your cholesterol, making healthy life-style changes, and quitting tobacco.

Resources at UNC

Additional resources