Health Information
References
"Getting Back on Track" Breast Cancer Survivorship Booklet
Chapter Outlines
Chapter 1: Working With Your New Health Care Team
- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- You and Your New Health Care Team
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Getting Back to a Health Care Routine
- Charting Your Course: Seeking Information
- What to Expect Over the Next Few Years
This chapter looks at changes in how you relate to your doctors, nurses and other health professionals now that you have completed your treatment for breast cancer.
We consider your health care needs now and over the next few years so that you will know what to expect and when you should seek help if you need it. We also provide useful tips to help you work effectively with your health care team.
Chapter 2: After Treatment Is Over: Ongoing Physical Side Effects- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- Short-Term Physical Symptoms and Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
- Aches and Pains
- Arm and Shoulder Problems
- Fatigue
- Breast Problems
- Hair Regrowth
- Dry Eyes
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Treatment Related Menopause
- Osteoporosis and Cardiovascular Disease
- What to Expect Over the Next Few Years
- Long-Term Physical Symptoms and Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
This chapter covers some of the physical side effects you may experience after your treatment is over. If you watch for early warning signs, some of these problems can be treated before they get worse. By knowing what to expect, you will find it easier to get help if you need it.
Chapter 3: Healthy Living After Breast Cancer Treatment
- What You May be Feeling Now
- Getting Back to Your Normal Weight
- What You Need to Know Now
- Healthy Eating After Treatment for Breast Cancer
- Developing a New Fitness Routine
This chapter stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle as you recover from your treatment for breast cancer. We look at ways that you can eat well and adopt a healthy fitness routine that will work for you.
Chapter 4: Looking Within — Your Emotional Needs- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- Doctor, Am I Cured?
- Living with the Fear Your Cancer Will Come Back
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Adjusting to the Loss of Your Breast
- Depression
- Your Sexuality
- Memory and Attention Problems
- Cancer and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- What to Expect Over the Next Few Years
- Creating a "New Normal"
- Spirituality/Faith Issues
This chapter examines some of the emotional, spiritual and social needs you may have as your breast cancer treatment ends and your life continues. We look at some issues you may face and how you may work through them on your own or with support.
Chapter 5: Reaching Out — Your Social Needs
- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Your Relationship with Your Partner
- If You are Single
- Support Groups: Are They for You?
- What to Expect Over the Next Few Years
- Stepping Back onto the Path of Life
This chapter covers some of the changes that may affect your relationships now that you have completed your treatment for breast cancer. We provide tips that might help you relate to your friends, family and co-workers in the best possible way.
Chapter 6: Returning To Everyday Life
- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Help with Medical Expenses
- Returning to Work
- Finding a New Job
- Income Replacement in Ontario
- Life Insurance
- What to Expect Over the Next Few Years
- Financial Planning
- Legal Help
This chapter looks at some of the practical and financial issues that you may face as you return to your everyday life. We provide useful information about making the transition back into the working world and how to plan for the future after your breast cancer experience.
Chapter 7: Dealing With Current Cancer-Related Issues- What You May be Feeling Now
- What You Need to Know Now
- What to Expect During the Coming Year
- Dealing with Media Reports
- The Research Process
- Complementary Therapies
This chapter provides tips on how to deal with current cancer-related issues you may come across in the newspaper, on radio, TV, or the Web. We take a look at how the media present health care issues and research information and provide you with some tools that will help you judge when the information is relevant to you.
Appendix: Resources For Breast Cancer Survivors
This appendix includes the major organizations and websites that provide information, services and support to people with breast cancer. We have focused on groups and websites that provide information on the wider range of resources that exist in the community.
Download "Appendix 1: Resources" PDF
References:
- Organizations that Provide Information, Services and Support to Breast Cancer Survivors
- Useful Websites for Breast Cancer Survivors
This section provides information on the books, articles and web-based resources that were consulted in the preparation of this booklet. These are just a few of the many resources that are available. Other sources such as support groups, libraries and other agencies may have these and other materials.
This project has been fully funded by
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
and developed in partnership by
the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
and Princess Margaret Hospital.
