Sometimes cancer can return after successful treatment, this is what doctors call cancer recurrence. The cancer recurrence might come back at the same place, or it may attack somewhere else in the body. When cancer strikes a new part of the body, it is still named after the part of the body where it first started. For example, if you had been treated with breast cancer, but after a period of remission, it came back, but this time in the bones, doctors will still consider it breast cancer. If cancer recurs, the doctor will conduct various tests to see if you have the same cancer or if a new type has developed.

Why does cancer recur?

Cancer usually recurs if the previous treatment did not destroy all cancer cells in your body. If tiny clusters of cancer cells were left behind during surgery, these cells could grow larger over time. However, that does not mean that your oncologist was not good enough or you got the wrong treatment. Eliminating all cancer cells is sometimes tricky. Some clusters of cancer cells can hold on to your body even after aggressive cancer treatment.

Can cancer recurrence be treated?

It depends on the type of recurrence and when it was detected. If the recurrence is regional or local, then it can be treated and cured if caught early. If a cure is not possible, your doctor may issue treatment to slow down the growth of cancer. When under remission, it is essential to check for signs and symptoms that might signal cancer recurrence.

How to cope up with cancer recurrence

When the doctor breaks that devastating news of relapse, many of the same emotions that you had when you were first diagnosed with cancer will resurface, and this time, they might be stronger. Why me? Did I do something wrong to trigger the recurrence? These are some of the questions that will run through your mind. It is understandable to be upset that your cancer has come back. You had started living another life and then all over sudden you are told that the cancer is back. It is indeed sad news for you and people close to you. But just become cancer is back does not mean that everything is lost. There are various things that you can do to cope with cancer recurrence as discussed below.

Use your previous knowledge

As a recurrent cancer patient, you know about cancer, cancer treatment, the medical system, and how to manage the side effects of cancer treatments. This knowledge is invaluable and can help you cope with cancer recurrence. The fact that you have fought cancer before should give you the confidence that you can fight it again. Use your previous knowledge to help cope with cancer recurrence.

Seek emotional support from family and close friends

Dealing with cancer recurrence is not easy. It is, therefore, not wise to go through this journey alone. Seek help from people you trust the most. This includes your family, close friends, and your medical team. You can also join local support groups. Walking through this difficult journey with people who genuinely care about you will help make the recovery process smooth. Remember that you can only win this battle if you are physically and emotionally stable. Having people that you trust close by your side will help you overcome any challenge that you might face.

Seek professional help

Feeling emotionally distressed after a diagnosis of recurrent cancer is normal. However, if the distress persists to a point where it interferes with your typical day to day tasks, then you should seek professional help. Counseling can help you in several ways, including learning how to manage the side effects of cancer treatment, how to cope with painful emotional feelings among many others. Talk to your family about the need to seek professional help and let them help you choose a professional counselor who will help you overcome your emotional distress.

Reduce stress and anxiety

The news of cancer recurrence can bring stress and anxiety. Finding ways to cope up with these feeling is crucial. The best way to reduce stress and anxiety is by doing things that you love. For instance, if you like playing football, then this is the time to pursue that hobby. Don’t just sit in your house feeling sorry about yourself. This will only make things worse. Get out there and pursue things that you love.

Re-establish trust with your medical team

Before you move forward with your treatment plan, you need to re-establish trust with your medical team. One of the best ways to do this is by asking your medical team questions that concern your treatment. Some of the questions to ask include: Where is the recurrence? What treatment options are available? What are the known side effects of the treatment? And much more. If you still have questions even after speaking to your medical team, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Your medical team will play a crucial role in your recovery process. You, therefore, need to ensure that you are all reading on the same page.

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