Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You will probably be relieved to finish treatment, yet it is hard not to worry about cancer coming back. (When cancer returns, it is called recurrence.) This is a very common concern among those who have had cancer. For more information on this please refer to the American Cancer Society document, Living with Uncertainty:The Fear of Cancer Recurrence.

It may take a while before your confidence in your own recovery begins to feel real and your fears are somewhat relieved. Even with no recurrences, people who have had cancer learn to live with uncertainty.

Follow-up care

After treatment is completed, it is very important to go to all scheduled follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctors will ask questions about any symptoms and may do physical exams and order lab tests or imaging tests as needed to look for recurrences or side effects. Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to several months, but others can be permanent. You should never hesitate to tell your doctor or other members of your cancer care team about any symptoms or side effects that concern you.

At first, your follow-up appointments will probably be scheduled for every 4 to 6 months. The longer you have been free of cancer, the less often the appointments are needed. After 5 years, they are typically done about once a year. If you had breast-conserving surgery, you will need to continue to have mammograms every year.

If you are taking tamoxifen, you should have yearly pelvic exams because this drug can increase your risk of uterine cancer. Be sure to tell your doctor right away about any abnormal vaginal bleeding you are having. Although this is usually caused by a non-cancerous condition, it may also be the first sign of uterine cancer.

If you are taking an aromatase inhibitor, you may be at increased risk for thinning of the bones. Your doctor will want to monitor your bone health and may consider testing your bone density.

Other tests such as blood tumor marker studies, blood tests of liver function, bone scans, and chest x-rays are not usually needed unless symptoms or physical exam findings suggest it is likely the cancer has recurred. These and other tests may be done as part of evaluating new treatments by clinical trials.

If exams and tests suggest a recurrence, imaging tests such as an x-ray, CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, bone scan, and/or a biopsy may be done. Your doctor may also measure levels of blood tumor markers such as CA-15-3, CA 27-29, or CEA. The blood levels of these substances go up in some women if their cancer has spread to bones or other organs such as the liver. They are not elevated in all women with recurrence, so they aren't always helpful. If they are elevated, they may help your doctor monitor the results of therapy.

If cancer does recur, the treatment will depend on the location of the cancer and what treatments you've had before. It may involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or some combination of these. For more information on how recurrent cancer is treated, see the section "How is breast cancer treated?" For more general information on dealing with a recurrence, you may also want to see the American Cancer Society document, When Your Cancer Comes Back: Cancer Recurrence.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema, or swelling of the arm from buildup of fluid, may occur any time after treatment for breast cancer. Any treatment that involves axillary lymph node dissection or radiation to the axillary lymph nodes carries the risk of lymphedema because normal drainage of lymph fluid from the arm is changed.

One of the first symptoms of lymphedema may be a feeling of tightness in the arm or hand on the same side that was treated for breast cancer. Any swelling, tightness, or injury to the arm or hand should be reported promptly to your doctor or nurse.

There is no good way to predict who will and will not develop lymphedema. It can occur right after surgery, or months, or even years later. The possibility of developing lymphedema remains throughout a woman's lifetime.

With care, lymphedema can often be avoided or, if it develops, kept under control. Injury or infection involving the affected arm or hand can contribute to the development of lymphedema or make existing lymphedema worse, so preventive measures should focus on protecting the arm and hand. Most doctors recommend that women avoid having blood drawn from or blood pressures taken on the arm on the side of the lymph node surgery or radiation.

To learn more, see the American Cancer Society document, Lymphedema: What Every Woman with Breast Cancer Should Know.

Quality of life

Women who have had treatment for breast cancer should be reassured that while they may be left with reminders of their treatment (such as surgical scars), their overall quality of life, once treatment has been completed, can be normal. Extensive studies have shown this. Women who have had chemotherapy may, however, notice a slight decrease in certain areas of function.

Some studies suggest that younger women, who represent about 1 out of 4 breast cancer survivors, tend to have more problems adjusting to the stresses of breast cancer and its treatment. They may have more trouble with emotional and social functioning. Some can feel isolated. For some women, chemotherapy may have caused early menopause, which can be very distressing on its own. There may also be sexual difficulties. These issues may be helped with counseling and support groups directed to younger breast cancer survivors.

Emotional aspects of breast cancer

It is important that your focus on tests and treatments does not prevent you from considering your emotional, psychological, and spiritual health as well. Once your treatment ends, you may find yourself overwhelmed by emotions. This happens to a lot of people. You may have been going through so much during treatment that you could only focus on getting through your treatment.

Now you may find that you think about the potential of your own death, or the effect of your cancer on your family, friends, and career. You may also begin to re-evaluate your relationship with your spouse or partner. Unexpected issues may also cause concern -- for instance, as you become healthier and have fewer doctor visits, you will see your health care team less often. That can be a source of anxiety for some.

This is an ideal time to seek out emotional and social support. You need people you can turn to for strength and comfort. Support can come in many forms: family, friends, cancer support groups, church or spiritual groups, online support communities, or individual counselors.

Almost everyone who has been through cancer can benefit from getting some type of support. What's best for you depends on your situation and personality. Some people feel safe in peer-support groups or education groups. Others would rather talk in an informal setting, such as church. Others may feel more at ease talking one-on-one with a trusted friend or counselor. Whatever your source of strength or comfort, make sure you have a place to go with your concerns.

The cancer journey can feel very lonely. It is not necessary or realistic to go it all by yourself. And your friends and family may feel shut out if you decide not to include them. Let them in -- and let in anyone else who you feel may help. If you aren't sure who can help, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and we can put you in touch with an appropriate group or resource.

Body image

Along with having to cope with the emotional stress that cancer and its treatment can cause, many women with breast cancer also find themselves dealing with changes in their appearance as a result of their treatment.

Some changes may be short term, such as hair loss. But even short-term changes can have a profound effect on how a woman feels about herself. A number of options are available to help women cope with hair loss, including wigs, hats, scarves, and other accessories. (For a list of some companies that sell wigs and other hair accessories, see Breast Prostheses and Hair Loss Accessories List.) Alternatively, some women may choose to use their baldness as a way to identify themselves as breast cancer survivors.

Other changes that result from breast cancer treatment may be more permanent, such as the loss of part or all of a breast (or breasts) after surgery. Some women may choose reconstructive surgery to address this, while others may opt for a breast form (see the next section).

Regardless of the changes you may experience, it's important to know that there is advice and support out there to help you cope with these changes. Speaking with your doctor or other members of your health care team is often a good starting point. There are also many support groups available, such as the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program. Call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about programs in your area.

Breast forms and bras vs. breast reconstruction

Following a mastectomy (or breast-conserving surgery in some cases), a woman may consider having the breast mound rebuilt, or reconstructed. This is usually something that is discussed before surgery to treat the cancer. Decisions about the type of reconstruction and when it will be done depend on each woman's medical situation and personal preferences. There are several types of reconstructive surgery available. Some use saline (salt water) or silicone implants, while others use tissues from other parts of your body.

For a discussion of the different breast reconstruction options, see the separate American Cancer Society document, Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.

A breast form is a prosthesis (artificial body part) worn either inside a bra or attached to the body to simulate the appearance and feel of a natural breast. For women who have had a mastectomy, breast forms can be an important alternative to breast reconstruction. Some women may not want further surgery, knowing that breast reconstruction can sometimes require several procedures to complete.

If you are planning on using a breast form, your doctor will tell you when you have healed enough to be fitted for a permanent breast form or prosthesis. Most of these forms are made from materials that mimic the movement, feel, and weight of natural tissue. A properly weighted form provides the balance your body needs for correct posture and anchors your bra, keeping it from riding up.

At first, these forms may feel too heavy, but in time they will feel natural. Prices vary considerably. High price doesn't necessarily mean that the product is the best for you. Take time to shop for a good fit, comfort, and an attractive, natural appearance in the bra and under clothing. Your clothes should fit the way they did before surgery.

The right bra for you may very well be the one you have always worn. It may or may not need adjustments. If there is tenderness during healing, a bra extender can help by increasing the circumference of the bra so that it does not bind the chest too tightly. Heavy-breasted women can relieve pressure on shoulder straps by slipping a bra shoulder pad under one or both straps.

If you decide to wear your breast form in a pocket in your bra, you can have your regular bra adapted. There are also special mastectomy bras with the pockets already sewn in. If the breast form causes any kind of skin irritation, use a bra with a pocket. If your bra has underwires, you may be able to wear it, but be sure to clear this with your doctor.

You might want to wear your prosthesis under nightgowns but would like something more comfortable than a regular bra. Most department stores carry a soft bra, sometimes called a leisure or night bra.

For a list of companies that sell breast prostheses and other accessories, see Breast Prostheses and Hair Loss Accessories List.

Insurance coverage of breast prostheses can vary. Be sure to read your insurance policy to see what is covered and how you must submit claims. Also, ask your doctor to write prescriptions for your prosthesis and for any special mastectomy bras. When purchasing bras or breast forms, mark the bills and any checks you write "surgical." Medicare and Medicaid can be used to pay for some of these expenses if you are eligible. The cost of breast forms and bras with pockets may be tax deductible, as may the cost if you have a bra altered. Keep careful records of all related expenses.

Be aware that some insurance companies will not cover both a breast prosthesis and reconstructive surgery. That can mean that if you submit a claim for a prosthesis or bra to your insurance company, in some cases the company will not cover reconstruction, should you choose this procedure in the future. Make sure you get all the facts before submitting any insurance claims.

Be sure to call your local ACS Reach to Recovery volunteer about any questions you have. She will give you suggestions, additional reading material, and advice. Remember that she's been there and will probably understand.

Sexuality

Concerns about sexuality are often very worrisome to a woman with breast cancer. Several factors may place a woman at higher risk for sexual problems after breast cancer. Physical changes (such as those after surgery) may make a woman less comfortable with her body. Some treatments for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, can change a woman's hormone levels and may negatively affect sexual interest and/or response. A diagnosis of breast cancer when a woman is in her 20s or 30s can be especially difficult because choosing a partner and childbearing are often very important during this period.

Suggestions that may help a woman adjust to changes in her body image include looking at and touching herself; seeking the support of others, preferably before surgery; involving her partner as soon as possible after surgery; and openly communicating feelings, needs, and wants created by her changed image.

Sexual impact of surgery and radiation

The most common sexual side effects stem from damage to a woman's feelings of attractiveness. In our culture, we are taught to view breasts as a basic part of beauty and femininity. If her breast has been removed, a woman may be insecure about whether her partner will accept her and find her sexually pleasing.

The breasts and nipples are also sources of sexual pleasure for many women. Touching the breasts is a common part of foreplay in our culture. For many women, breast stimulation adds to sexual excitement.

Treatment for breast cancer can interfere with pleasure from breast caressing. After a mastectomy, the whole breast is gone. Some women still enjoy being stroked around the area of the healed scar. Others dislike being touched there and may no longer even enjoy being touched on the remaining breast and nipple. Some women who have had a mastectomy may feel self-conscious in sex positions where the area of the missing breast is more visible.

Breast surgery or radiation to the breasts does not physically decrease a woman's sexual desire. Nor does it decrease her ability to have vaginal lubrication or normal genital feelings, or to reach orgasm. Some good news from recent research is that within a year after their surgery, most women with early stage breast cancer have good emotional adjustment and sexual satisfaction. They report a quality of life similar to women who never had cancer.

A few women have chronic pain in their chests and shoulders after radical mastectomy. During intercourse, supporting these areas with pillows and avoiding positions where your weight rests on your chest or arms may help.

If surgery removed only the tumor (segmental mastectomy or lumpectomy) and was followed by radiation therapy, the breast may be scarred. It also may be a different shape or size. During radiation therapy, the skin may become red and swollen. The breast also may be a little tender. Feeling in the breast and nipple, however, should return to normal.

Sexual impact of breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction restores the shape of the breast, but it cannot restore normal breast sensation. The nerve that supplies feeling to the nipple runs through the deep breast tissue, and it gets disconnected during surgery. In a reconstructed breast, the feeling of pleasure from touching the nipple is lost. A rebuilt nipple has much less feeling.

In time, the skin on the reconstructed breast will regain some sensitivity but probably will not give the same kind of pleasure as before mastectomy. Breast reconstruction often makes women more comfortable with their bodies, however, and helps them feel more attractive.

Effect on your partner

Relationship issues are also important because the cancer diagnosis can be very distressing for the partner, as well as the patient. Partners are usually concerned about how to express their love physically and emotionally after treatment, especially surgery. Breast cancer can be a growth experience for couples under certain circumstances. The relationship may be enhanced if the partner takes part in decision making and accompanies the woman to surgery and other treatments.

Pregnancy after breast cancer

Because of the well-established link between estrogen levels and growth of breast cancer cells, many doctors have advised breast cancer survivors not to become pregnant for at least 2 years after treatment. This would allow any early return of the cancer to be diagnosed, which in turn could affect a woman's decision to become pregnant. But this 2-year wait period is not based on strong scientific evidence, and earlier pregnancy may not be harmful. Although few studies have been done, nearly all have found that pregnancy does not increase the risk of recurrence after successful treatment of breast cancer.

Women are advised to discuss their risk of recurrence with their doctors. In some cases, counseling can help women with the complex issues and uncertainties about motherhood and breast cancer survivorship.

Post-menopausal hormone therapy after breast cancer

The known link between estrogen levels and breast cancer growth has discouraged many women and their doctors from choosing or recommending post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT), also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), to help relieve menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, many women experience menopausal symptoms after treatment for breast cancer. This can occur naturally, as a result of post-menopausal women stopping PHT, or in pre-menopausal women as a result of chemotherapy or ovarian ablation. Tamoxifen can also cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

In the past, doctors have offered PHT after breast cancer treatment to women suffering from severe symptoms because early studies had shown no harm. However, a well-designed clinical trial (the HABITS study) found that breast cancer survivors taking PHT were much more likely to develop a new or recurrent breast cancer than women who were not taking the drugs. For this reason, most doctors now feel that for women previously treated for breast cancer, taking PHT would be unwise.

Women may want to discuss with their doctors alternatives to PHT to help with specific menopausal symptoms. Some doctors have suggested that phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances from certain plant sources, such as soy products) may be safer than the estrogens used in PHT. However, there is not enough information available on phytoestrogens to fully evaluate their safety for breast cancer survivors.

Drugs without hormonal properties that may be somewhat effective in treating hot flashes include the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor^®), the blood pressure drug clonidine, and the nerve drug gabapentin (Neurontin^®). For women taking tamoxifen, it's important to note that some antidepressants, known as SSRIs, may interact with tamoxifen and make it less effective. Ask your doctor about any possible interactions between tamoxifen and any drugs you may be taking.

Seeing a new doctor

At some point after your cancer diagnosis and treatment, you may find yourself in the office of a new doctor. Your original doctor may have moved or retired, or you may have moved or changed doctors for some reason. It is important that you be able to give your new doctor the exact details of your diagnosis and treatment. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• a copy of your pathology report(s) from any biopsy or surgery
• if you had surgery, a copy of your operative report(s)
• if you were hospitalized, a copy of the discharge summary that doctors must prepare when patients are sent home
• if you had radiation therapy, a summary of the type and dose of radiation and when and where it was given
• if you had systemic therapy (hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies), a list of your drugs, drug doses, and when you took them

It is also important to keep medical insurance. Even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back, it is always a possibility. If it happens, the last thing you want is to have to worry about paying for treatment.

Lifestyle changes to consider during and after treatment

You can't change the fact that you have had cancer. What you can change is how you live the rest of your life -- making healthy choices and feeling as well as possible, physically and emotionally. Having cancer and dealing with treatment can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, but it can also be a time to look at your life in new ways. Maybe you are thinking about how to improve your health over the long term. Some people even begin this process during cancer treatment.

Make healthier choices

Think about your life before you learned you had cancer. Were there things you did that might have made you less healthy? Maybe you drank too much alcohol, or ate more than you needed, or smoked, or didn't exercise very often. Emotionally, maybe you kept your feelings bottled up, or maybe you let stressful situations go on too long.

Now is not the time to feel guilty or to blame yourself. However, you can start making changes today that can have positive effects for the rest of your life. Not only will you feel better but you will also be healthier. What better time than now to take advantage of the motivation you have as a result of going through a life-changing experience like having cancer?

You can start by working on those things that you feel most concerned about. Get help with those that are harder for you. For instance, if you are thinking about quitting smoking and need help, call the American Cancer Society's Quitline^® tobacco cessation program at 1-800-227-2345.

Diet and nutrition

Eating right can be a challenge for anyone, but it can get even tougher during and after cancer treatment. For instance, treatment often may change your sense of taste. Nausea can be a problem. You may lose your appetite for a while and lose weight when you don't want to. On the other hand, some people gain weight even without eating more. This can be frustrating, too.

If you are losing weight or have taste problems during treatment, do the best you can with eating and remember that these problems usually improve over time. You may want to ask your cancer team for a referral to a dietitian, an expert in nutrition who can give you ideas on how to fight some of the side effects of your treatment. You may also find it helps to eat small portions every 2 to 3 hours until you feel better and can go back to a more normal schedule.

One of the best things you can do after treatment is to put healthy eating habits into place. You will be surprised at the long-term benefits of some simple changes, like increasing the variety of healthy foods you eat. Try to eat 5 or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Choose whole grain foods instead of white flour and sugars. Try to limit meats that are high in fat. Cut back on processed meats like hot dogs, bologna, and bacon. Get rid of them altogether if you can. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to 1 or 2 drinks a day at the most. And don't forget to get some type of regular exercise. The combination of a good diet and regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep you feeling more energetic.

Weight

For a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, achieving or maintaining a desirable weight may be one of the most important things you can do. Most studies have found that women who are overweight or obese when they are first diagnosed are more likely to have their disease recur and are more likely to die from breast cancer. Overweight women should be encouraged to lose weight after treatment. In some cases, a modest weight loss program may even be started during treatment, if the doctor approves.

Study results have been mixed as to how strongly weight gain affects breast cancer recurrence or survival. Some studies have found that those who gained significant amounts of weight after diagnosis were more likely to relapse and more likely to die than were women who gained less weight. However, other recent studies have not found that weight gain affected prognosis.

Rest, fatigue, work, and exercise

Fatigue is a very common symptom in people being treated for cancer. This is often not an ordinary type of tiredness but a "bone-weary" exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest. For some, this fatigue lasts a long time after treatment, and can discourage them from physical activity.

However, exercise can actually help you reduce fatigue. Studies have shown that patients who follow an exercise program tailored to their personal needs feel physically and emotionally improved and can cope better.

If you are ill and need to be on bed rest during treatment, it is normal to expect your fitness, endurance, and muscle strength to decline some. Physical therapy can help you maintain strength and range of motion in your muscles, which can help fight fatigue and the sense of depression that sometimes comes with feeling so tired.

Any program of physical activity should fit your own situation. An older person who has never exercised will not be able to take on the same amount of exercise as a 20-year-old who plays tennis 3 times a week. If you haven't exercised in a few years but can still get around, you may want to think about taking short walks.

Talk with your health care team before starting, and get their opinion about your exercise plans. Then, try to get an exercise buddy so that you're not doing it alone. Having family or friends involved when starting a new exercise program can give you that extra boost of support to keep you going when the push just isn't there.

If you are very tired, though, you will need to balance activity with rest. It is okay to rest when you need to. It is really hard for some people to allow themselves to do that when they are used to working all day or taking care of a household. Exercise can improve your physical and emotional health.

• It improves your cardiovascular (heart and circulation) fitness.
• It strengthens your muscles.
• It reduces fatigue.
• It lowers anxiety and depression.
• It makes you feel generally happier.
• It helps you feel better about yourself.

And long term, we know that exercise plays a role in preventing some cancers. The American Cancer Society, in its guidelines on physical activity for cancer prevention, recommends that to reduce the risk for developing breast cancer, women should take part in moderate to vigorous physical activity for 45 to 60 minutes on 5 or more days of the week. Moderate activities are those that take about as much effort as a brisk walk. Vigorous activities use larger muscle groups, make you sweat, and cause a noticeable increase in heart rate and breathing.

The role of physical activity in reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence is less well-defined, although several recent studies suggest that breast cancer survivors who are physically active may have lower rates of recurrence and death than those who are inactive.

What happens if treatment is no longer working?

If cancer continues to grow after one kind of treatment, or if it returns, it is often possible to try another treatment plan that might still cure the cancer, or at least shrink the tumors enough to help you live longer and feel better. On the other hand, when a person has received several different medical treatments and the cancer has not been cured, over time the cancer tends to become resistant to all treatment. At this time it's important to weigh the possible limited benefit of a new treatment against the possible downsides, including continued doctor visits and treatment side effects.

Everyone has his or her own way of looking at this. Some people may want to focus on remaining comfortable during their limited time left.

This is likely to be the most difficult time in your battle with cancer -- when you have tried everything medically within reason and it's just not working anymore. Although your doctor may offer you new treatment, you need to consider that at some point, continuing treatment is not likely to improve your health or change your prognosis or survival.

If you want to continue treatment to fight your cancer as long as you can, you still need to consider the odds of more treatment having any benefit. In many cases, your doctor can estimate the response rate for the treatment you are considering. Some people are tempted to try more chemotherapy or radiation, for example, even when their doctors say that the odds of benefit are less than 1%. In this situation, you need to think about and understand your reasons for choosing this plan.

No matter what you decide to do, it is important that you be as comfortable as possible. Make sure you are asking for and getting treatment for any symptoms you might have, such as pain. This type of treatment is called palliative treatment.

Palliative treatment helps relieve these symptoms, but is not expected to cure the disease; its main purpose is to improve your quality of life. Sometimes, the treatments you get to control your symptoms are similar to the treatments used to treat cancer. For example, radiation therapy might be given to help relieve bone pain from bone metastasis. Or chemotherapy might be given to help shrink a tumor and keep it from causing a bowel obstruction. But this is not the same as receiving treatment to try to cure the cancer.

At some point, you may benefit from hospice care. Most of the time, this is given at home. Your cancer may be causing symptoms or problems that need attention, and hospice focuses on your comfort. You should know that receiving hospice care doesn't mean you can't have treatment for the problems caused by your cancer or other health conditions. It just means that the focus of your care is on living life as fully as possible and feeling as well as you can at this difficult stage of your cancer.

Remember also that maintaining hope is important. Your hope for a cure may not be as bright, but there is still hope for good times with family and friends -- times that are filled with happiness and meaning. In a way, pausing at this time in your cancer treatment is an opportunity to refocus on the most important things in your life. This is the time to do some things you've always wanted to do and to stop doing the things you no longer want to do.

Last Medical Review: 09/18/2009
Last Revised: 09/18/2009