Life is not the same once you have breast cancer. Undergoing tests and treatments and juggling between friends, work and family seem difficult.

It doesn’t mean you won’t ever live a normal healthy life. There are many women survivors who are living a healthy life and working and enjoying the companionship of their friends and families. 

The Initial Turmoil

The initial months after the surgery can be quite depressing. Emotions such as grief, fear, shock, anger and resentment are bound to overwhelm you for some time after the treatment is over. Changes to your appearance can lower your self-confidence. You might also fear the reaction of your partner, which can affect your sexual life till the time you overcome the changes or your partner accepts them. While you’re in the hospital, you can prepare yourself and your partner for how the scar will look after the surgery. This might help you accept the changes more easily.

Getting on With Life

As time goes by, the difficulties and the emotions you felt in the beginning lessen. The swelling goes down, the bruising fades, and the scars slowly become less obvious. As you become more used to your new look, confidence comes back.

However, the healing process is not the same for each woman. Some women can put their cancer behind with help and support from their friends, families and the hospital staff and move ahead in their lives. While some take a little more time to get used to it. Some women may even get paranoid over simple body aches or pains, assuming the cancer has come back. After treatment you may feel emotionally and physically drained, therefore allow yourself plenty of time to recover.

Follow-up After Treatment

Once your treatment is over, the doctor asks you to come for regular checkups at frequent intervals. During the follow-up appointments he checks how you’re recovering both physically and emotionally. Although there are regular appointments, they’re less frequent than they were before treatment. You can always contact your doctor if you’re concerned about anything.

Relationships

Talking about cancer, especially with your friends and family, is not easy even after treatment. It’s possible that some people might find it awkward being with you or around you, while some might avoid you. Being open about your feelings and letting your family and friends know how they can help you overcome the situation will put them at ease. And in case you need some alone time for yourself, let them know about that too. It’s perfectly all right to take some time off and focus on just yourself if that’s what you need. As you gradually come to terms with the changes in your body, everything gets easier.

Working After Treatment

Although cancer treatments can have lasting effects on your mind and body, you can still work efficiently. Adjusting to the changes and the things you’ve been through can take some time. It’s normal to feel tired for several months even after the treatment is over. Therefore, take some time to recover before you get back to your previous work. If you’re not comfortable going back to your old workplace, you can look for a new job or even consider working from home. Take your time before you come to a decision.

The different feelings you experience during your recovery period will subside gradually, and you can enjoy your life again.