| Phases of Cancer Treatment & Support |
Cancer is so threatening that its effect is blinding; it is hard for us to grasp its creative potential. In many ways my illness changed my life for the better, and in a way I could never had imagined when I thought I was condemned. --Anticancer, A New Way of Life, David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD
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Phases of Cancer Treatment First Defined
In 1985, cancer survivor Fitzhugh Mullan, MD published an article about his cancer experience called "Seasons of Survival: Reflections of a Physician with Cancer" in the New England Journal of Medicine. He was the first to identify what he called "seasons" of cancer survivorship (see below). Mullan went on to help form the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship which advocates for cancer patients.
- Acute Survivorship: Initial diagnosis and initial treatment (inc. emotions of shock and fear)
- Extended Survivorship: Time of watchful celebration, transition and uncertainty of the future
- Permanent Survivorship: Building gradual sense of confidence for a future free of cancer
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Phases Re-Defined: Survivorship Recognized as Phase of Cancer
In December 2008, Kenneth Miller, MD, director of the Lance Armstrong Foundation Cancer Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute revisited Mullan's definitions above. Miller redefines cancer survivorship as follows:
- Transitional Survivorship: Celebration blended with worry and loss as cancer patient pulls away from treatment team
- Extended Survivorship: All those in remission plus those living with chronic cancer and those in ongoing treatment
- Permanent Survivorship: Cancer patients in full remission along with those with long-term health and psychological problems
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Survivorship Phase Includes Late Effects of Cancer
In 2005 came "From Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor: Lost in Transition", a publication from Institute of Medicine. The executive summary stated that...
"psychological distress, sexual dysfunction, infertility, impaired organ function, cosmetic changes, and limitation of mobility, communication, and cognition are among the problems faced by some cancer patients. The good news is that there is much that can be done to avoid, ameliorate, or arrest these late effects of cancer."
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Understanding the Transitions
Transition has no standard time frame. It is usually considered to be the first year or two after cancer treatment ends. It is a period of realignment. It may involve a variety of physical and emotional adjustments. According to The Office of Cancer Survivorship you may experience the following:
- Anxiety about less medical follow-up
- Sleep issues such as insomnia
- Fear of recurrence
- Fatigue
- Chronic Pain
- Insurance and employment issues
- Difficulties with reintegration with family, friends and normal activities
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Every cell of your body is eaves dropping on your thoughts. --Deepak Chopra, MD
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On the Positive Side of Re-Entry
In the booklet, "Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment", by the National Cancer Institute, it refers to permanent cancer survivorship as a time of reflection. Many cancer survivors say that life after treatment provides an opportunity to re-examine priorities in life. This often results in a new awareness for survivors to choose and direct their energy toward a different and perhaps more fulfilling life.
Recognizing the Hidden Gift of CancerDuring this "re-entry" phase of life many cancer patients recognize a hidden gift in their cancer experience. This is a time of opportunity to let go of old boundaries and re-evaluate what is most important in life. It is a chance to learn and grow and is often described as a journey of awareness. This phase often involves a spiritual element and offers opportunity for releasing past resentments through forgiveness.
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Cancer Support Through the Transitions
Even in later stages of survivorship many cancer patients continue to have emotional and psychological problems (as much as 30 percent according to 2008 American Cancer Society survivorship study). In my work with cancer patients over the last several years I have recognized these problems which often include anxiety, sleeping problems, pain and fatigue.
Cancer Survivorship Challenges AddressedMany of those problems have been addressed in the Cancer Support Program that I have developed. Stress management alone plays a major role in the re-alignment process of cancer survivorship. I can assist you with these tools and you can learn techniques to assist yourself as well.
Look Past Your Frustrations
Please look past your frustrations and know there is help here available to you. Please utilize the cancer support resources available on this website and contact me when you need additional assistance.
Call now
760-908-3166
Gregory P. DeBerry, C.Ht.
Cancer Survivor
Cancer Support Coach
Certified Hypnotherapist
North County Hypnosis San Diego
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Special thanks to research included in the Fall 2009 Cure magazine supplemental issue entitled,
"Surviving Well, When Treatment Ends, Surviving Begins".
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