After cancer treatment
You’re done with treatment. Now what? You’ve worked hard to get to this point, so it is very important to continue to take good care of yourself.
It is very important for all members of your health care team and any others not directly related to your cancer care to be aware of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements and any other medical issues you may have. There is always a chance that certain medicines, or medical or dental procedures, could interact and affect the outcome of additional medical treatments. Keep a list of current prescriptions, surgeries, etc., to provide as needed.
Use your Allina Health account to help manage your care and stay organized.
Follow-up care
Your specialty doctors will let you know how often you need to follow up with them. Each person and cancer diagnosis will have a different follow-up schedule. Your goal is to remain cancer free. Continue regular visits as directed by each of your specialists.
Medical oncologist
If you've received chemotherapy or targeted therapies, your medical oncologist will coordinate your ongoing follow-up care. You may have additional blood tests and imaging, if needed.
Surgical oncologist
Your surgeon will let you know how often to be seen for follow-up care. Every person is different so every follow-up plan will vary. Please do not hesitate to follow up if you have any questions or concerns.
Radiation oncologist
You may see your radiation oncologist for follow-up after completing radiation therapy. You may have additional imaging, if needed.
Pharmacy
When you choose one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions - both for your cancer care and general health - pharmacists can track possible medical interactions. Make sure to ask questions when you pick up new prescriptions and read the medicine insert.
Dentist
Oral care can be affected by cancer treatment. At your regular dental appointment, let your dentist know about your cancer treatment, any and all medicine changes, and any teeth, gum or tongue changes.
Primary care provider
Your primary care provider continues to play an important role supporting your overall health and wellbeing. It’s important to stay on track with your annual physicals.
Be physically active
Exercise has many benefits that help your body, mind and spirit. It can help you recover from treatment side effects, help prevent long-term effects and may reduce the risk that cancer returns.
Getting regular exercise (150 to 300 minutes each week) will help lower your pain and fatigue and help improve your mood. Walking is a great way to start exercising.
If you have a condition that limits your ability to exercise, or you feel too weak or tired to be active, talk with a member of your cancer care team.
Benefits for your body
Getting regular exercise will:
- help you maintain or improve your physical abilities
- help you feel better from side effects of cancer treatment such as muscle and joint pain, nausea (upset stomach) and feeling tired (fatigue)
- help you keep a healthy weight
- lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, blood clots, certain types of cancers or recurrence of cancer and osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones)
- strengthen your immune system
Benefits for your well-being
Getting regular exercise may also:
- improve your self-esteem
- improve your thinking skills
- improve your ability to participate in social or work activities
- lower your risk of being anxious or depressed
- help you stay active with family members and friends
- improve your quality of life
Cancer rehabilitation
Rehabilitation can help you regain function, decrease fatigue and build strength.
Your treatment may include connecting you to resources for concerns with fitness and wellness, life and work activities, food, stress and anxiety. Together, you and your cancer rehabilitation care team will make a safe and appropriate therapy plan.
Learn more about cancer rehabilitation at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
Eat well
Good nutrition is important to help you feel better and stronger. Eating well-balanced meals and snacks can help you recover quickly and help you feel your best.
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Vary your protein routine.
- Limit processed foods and sugar.
Visit myplate.gov for more information about nutrition.
Life after cancer treatment
Clinical treatment is just one of the ways we provide expert care for people and families living with cancer. From money matters to holistic healing programs, our team is committed to serving you as a whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Counseling
Sometimes people need to talk with a licensed, skilled professional about the emotional impact of being diagnosed with cancer and receive support and guidance in addressing individual concerns. Counselors are available to meet with you alone, as well as with your spouse, partner or family members.
Support groups
Support groups are designed for people and families affected by cancer. These groups provide a place to connect with others and share thoughts, feelings and ask questions. Groups are usually led by a trained oncology professional and open to anyone. They often include talk about general topics such as adjustment and coping.
Social Work
A social worker is available to support you and your family during your treatment and recovery. Services include providing individual and family counseling to help you and your family cope with the emotional side of cancer, along with talking about any concerns that may come up during treatment such as financial, employment or transportation.
Get compassionate help at every step
Each cancer experience comes with its own unique twists and turns. Through it all, our teams are here to help address every question and concern you might have — from food to finances, pain management to mental health, and everything in between.
Financial services
Patient account representatives can answer your questions about hospital bills or insurance coverage. They also can help you access Allina Health Financial Assistance Services.
Nurse navigators
A nurse navigator is a registered nurse who will support, educate and guide you through your course of treatment.
Penny George® Institute for Health and Healing
The Penny George Institute helps you improve your well-being by focusing on your whole being—mind, body and spirit.
Learn more about the Penny George® Institute for Health and Healing
Advance care planning
Advance care planning is the process of giving information to others about your health care choices in case illness or injury prevents you from telling them yourself.
Know what to expect
A cancer diagnosis can change your life in an instant. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, confused or anxious about what to do next. That’s why we make it easy to find the information and resources you need at this difficult time.
