Coping With Cancer Recurrence
If hearing the words, “You have cancer,” is a devastating experience, hearing the words, “Your cancer has returned,” may be worse. Cancer recurrence, when cancer returns after treatment has finished, is a common and expected fear among cancer patients and the people who love them. Coping with cancer recurrence can be difficult, but it may help to understand common responses.
If your cancer does return, any feeling you have is justified. Some of the most common feelings or reactions experienced are:
Sadness
Hopelessness
Distress
Anger
Fear of death
Dread
Fatigue
Withdrawal
Shock
Self-doubt
Guilt
Blaming of self or treatment team
Vulnerability
Asking, “Why me?”
People who have experienced cancer recurrence understand that a second diagnosis can be more upsetting than the original diagnosis. With that in mind, it is important to understand that every cancer is unique, including recurrent cancer.
Srilita Gundala, MD, a hematologist/oncologist and founder of Hope & Healing Care Centers in Lombard and Hinsdale, Illinois knows how difficult it can be, “As an oncologist, the last thing we want is for initial treatments not to have the desired goal – to eliminate cancer entirely. If recurrence occurs it can be scary and confusing, but there are almost always options to try and other tools to use against recurrent cancer. The best outcome involves patients and doctors working together, speaking honestly, and moving forward cooperatively.”
Given the range of reactions listed above, if cancer recurrence occurs, it is particularly important for a patient to speak openly and honestly with their treatment team. Sharing fears, hopelessness, blame or the wish to retreat or withdraw is crucial information for a treatment team to have, as many of the common reactions to recurrence can negatively impact treatment. And while these kinds of conversations may be difficult or uncomfortable, they are necessary for the trusting relationship that is so important between doctor and patient. If getting a second opinion would provide clarity or restore trust, that is an option that should be explored.
Resources
Every cancer patient who experiences a recurrence has some resources available to them that were not there during the initial diagnosis. These resources can help restore a sense of balance that seems to go out the window when you first hear the news of cancer recurrence, but once that shock wears off, they can be relied upon to bring a sense of strength and comfort in a challenging time.
Knowing the Landscape – because you have gone through cancer treatment before, you know the general landscape i.e., where the medical offices are located, what pharmacies you will need, where the labs are and when they will be needed
You’ve Built Relationships – rely on the people you know and the relationships you have developed. Confide in your nurses and doctors about your fears or uncertainties, reach out to other patients you have met who have also experienced recurrences.
Previous Experiences – use your previous experiences to decrease your anxiety and increase your sense of control. Talk yourself through the scary parts by reminding yourself what comes next and that even when things are uncomfortable, the discomfort often passes
Learned Vocabulary – having been through cancer once, you have learned a new vocabulary that can help you feel more at ease during treatment and become a more active participant in your care
Quality of Life – you have juggled treatment with life before, but it is always smart to remind yourself about the importance of balance. You can do that HERE.
Recurrent cancers do not always respond to treatment in the same way as initial cancers, but just like initial cancers, they can be cured. People live rich, full lives after receiving a second cancer diagnosis. Some will live with cancer for years and years, much like other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, and others will experience a cure and never experience cancer again. Work with your healthcare providers to understand your treatment goals, ask questions, share your worries, and strengthen trust.
If you need more information about cancer recurrence, the American Cancer Society has resource information that can be found HERE.
Written By: Sheila Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
