Maintaining Quality of Life When You Have Cancer
Recovering from cancer is not a simple process. First you have to follow your prescribed course of treatment. Then, there are follow-up appointments and other aftercare. It can take a while to get back to your normal activities. To help you make the transition back to your precancer lifestyle, ask your doctor and other specialists to design a rehabilitation program for you. Its goal should be to strengthen you both physically and mentally. Here are some specific items you might want to discuss:
Where you can get in touch with other people who have had a similar type of cancer who are willing to share their experiences, hopes, and fears
How you can actively eliminate as many factors that increase your risk of the cancer coming back or developing a new cancer as possible
Where you can find counseling for you and your family to help you keep healthy relationships during your care and as you transition back to your routine
Where you can get help paying your medical bills
Who can help you understand your rights at work and about keeping your job
What kinds of physical activity are safe for you to do
