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For most cancer patients, remission is a time of renewal. With treatment behind them, they can ease back into the life they knew. But with survivorship can come a new fear: the fear of cancer returning.
When cancer comes back, it’s considered a recurrence. It happens when some cancer cells — no matter how aggressively they were targeted — never truly go away.
They can grow in the same spot or spread. And sadly, they aren’t always easy to detect. Some appear in routine follow-up scans. Some make their appearance through symptoms that are achingly familiar. But one thing is for certain: The news is never easy to hear.
Sometimes, a second primary cancer — a new cancer unrelated to a previous diagnosis — develops. This can be caused by a previous treatment (like chemotherapy or radiation) or risk factors like genetics or smoking. It can be the same cancer as before or affect an entirely different organ or area of the body.
Emotionally, a cancer diagnosis can be harder the second time around, according to Linda Hutkin-Slade, a clinical oncology social worker at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.
“Many of the emotions are the same, like disbelief and fear, and some patients feel a sense of anger or resignation," she says. "They can be angry that they must deal with decision-making and treatment again. They may doubt their previous treatment decisions, or even experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress."
These, Hutkin-Slade emphasizes, are all very normal responses.
If you’re facing a cancer recurrence or a second primary cancer, it’s important to remember that your previous experience will better prepare you for the challenges ahead. Cancer care is constantly changing, and treatment won’t necessarily be the same. But your strength and resilience are still very much there.
Hutkin-Slade offers the following to help you push through:
1
Learn about your cancer.
Knowledge can help reduce fear and anxiety about the unknown and make you feel like you have some control.
2
Lean on your team.
Rely on your relationship with your medical team of navigators, doctors, nurses and social workers. They are your first line of support and information.
3
Review what worked last time.
Revisit strategies that helped you the first time around, especially those related to reducing side effects. It can help to take an inventory of your medications, note how they affected you, and stock up on supplies to help ease any nausea or constipation.
4
Gather your support system.
Family, friends and faith communities can help provide emotional support. Seek out therapists with experience in cancer-related concerns and stay connected to your medical team. Sharp offers a range of cancer classes and support groups — safe, supportive spaces for you to meet others with similar stories. There are groups for men or women; groups for your kids or partners; and classes to help you eat right, stay active and quiet your mind.
5
Practice relaxation.
Stress management looks different for everyone, but it’s important to find a relaxation technique that works for you. Try deep breathing, meditation, progressive relaxation, yoga, walking on the beach or spending time with friends.
“Many people live a long time with recurrent or advanced cancer,” says Hutkin-Slade. “The trick is not getting stuck in one place mentally, so you can keep living your life. Cancer brings with it fear, anxiety and worry for the future. But it also brings silver linings — the understanding of what is important and valuing the gifts of community and love.”
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