Upon completion of liver cancer treatment, you may be relieved and yet stressed at the same time. You may find relief because the treatment has come to an end, but you may be worried about the cancer coming back.
For some patients with liver cancer, the cancer was not completely eradicated, or there might a high risk of return of the cancer in the liver or in another area of the body. Due to these uncertainties, trying to return to a normal life after completing the treatment can still be challenging.
The First Step: What is Normal?
After treatment, one of the hardest things is not knowing what will happen next. Those who have gone through treatment described the first few months as a time of change. It is not about getting back to the old normal. Instead, finding out what is normal for you now is your key focus. You may start to look at things differently now or find life has new meaning, and thus your priorities and pursuits change. Also, you must anticipate that things will continue changing as you start the recovery process.
Follow-Up Care
All cancer survivors should have a comprehensive follow-up care plan. Knowing what to expect following the treatment will assist you and your family to make preparations, adopt changes to your way of life, and consider other crucial decisions. Typical questions you may have include:
- Which doctors should I see post-treatment?
- What are some of the symptoms I should look out for that may indicate a return of the cancer?
- How often should I see my doctor?
- What tests do I need?
- After treatment, what should I do to relieve pain, fatigue, or other problems?
- How long will it take for me to recover and feel more like myself?
- Is there anything I can or should do to prevent cancer from coming back?
- Are there any support groups I can go to?
After your liver cancer treatment, you will receive a follow-up cancer care plan. Follow-up care entails routine doctor visits. Your post-treatment care plan is based on the cancer type and treatment you had, in addition to your overall health. This is different for every person. Generally speaking, a survivor usually visits their doctors once every three to six months during the first two to three years after treatment and once or twice a year thereafter.
During these visits, the specialist doctor will examine you to check for side effects from treatment, and whether your cancer has returned (recurred) or spread (metastasised) to another part of your body. Investigations like blood tests to measure the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver function tests (LFTs) are routinely done. Also, imaging tests, like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans, may be performed as well.
A Survivor’s Wellness Plan
You may have been looking for ways to reduce your chances of liver cancer recurring. You may worry that stress, how you eat, or exposure to chemicals may put you at risk. Consider this a time to look at how you should care for yourself.
When you visit your doctor for follow-up care, you should ask about developing a holistic wellness plan that lists ways to take care of your physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
Changes To Consider
Here are some practical changes you may wish to consider to achieve optimal health post-treatment.
Eat well. Healthy food choices will help to improve your overall health, and that will have a positive impact on reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Consult your doctor or a nutritionist to discover any special dietary needs. The following are general dietary and fitness guidelines that may help reduce cancer risk:
- Consider a plant-based diet (at least five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Try to incorporate beans and whole grains (cereals, bread, and pasta) in your diet several times daily.
- Reduce your fat and salt intake. Avoid processed food and food with preservatives.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking. Research shows that smoking can increase the risk of getting cancer at the same or another organ location.
Reduce your alcohol consumption. Research also shows that drinking alcohol increases your chances of developing certain types of cancers.
Stay active. Some recent reports suggest that staying physically active after cancer can help reduce the risk of recurrence and lead to longer survival. Moderate-intensity exercise (walking, swimming, biking) for at least 30 minutes every day can:
- Improve mood and self-esteem
- Reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression
It is important to start an exercise routine slowly and increase the intensity over time, working hand-in-hand with your doctor or a physical therapist. If you need to stay in bed during recovery, you can do small activities, like moving your arms and legs. It can help you relieve muscle tension and help you stay flexible. Some people may need to take precaution in exercising, so talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Earlier return to physical activities has a positive impact on recovery after surgery, and this is why many surgeons, including us, are moving towards laparoscopic operations, if the conditions are suitable. Laparoscopic surgery allows a person an earlier return to his usual activities, including work, exercise and social events.
Do note that if you had an operation to remove the cancer, to avoid the development of a hernia through the surgical wounds, avoid carrying heavy loads for up to 6 months after the operation.
Conclusion
Worrying about cancer returning is normal, especially during the first year after treatment. Coping with this fear is crucial to your overall well-being. Aside from understanding what you can do for your current health and finding out about the available resources, consulting your liver cancer specialist can give you a greater sense of control for recovering and preventing recurrence.
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