After treatment for breast cancer
Some side effects of treatment for breast cancer can be long lasting. Long-term side effects may be physical, such as lymphedema, early menopause or infertility. Side effects may also be emotional, such as changes to your self-image or sexuality.
Women who have had lymph nodes removed from under their arm may notice some hand and arm swelling and numbness on the side of their surgery. This is called lymphedema.
Menopause and infertility
Menopause is the end of menstruation. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone and pregnancy is no longer possible.
Some drug treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, can damage the ovaries and cause symptoms of menopause. These symptoms usually stop once treatment is over. Sometimes, depending on your age, the type of drugs or the dose you are taking, your periods may not return and menopause will be permanent. When the ovaries are removed, menopause happens right away. The side effects are often more severe than those caused by natural menopause. Your healthcare team can suggest ways to cope with these side effects.
Self-image and sexuality
For some women, their breasts are a very important part of their self-image as a woman, a mother or a partner. Having either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy may change how you feel about your body and your sexuality. You may wish to talk to your doctor about a breast prosthesis (a breast form that fits inside your bra and matches the size and shape of your breast) or breast reconstruction (surgery to rebuild the breast).
Perhaps you are worried about being intimate with your partner or that your partner may reject you. It may help to talk about feelings with your partner, a close family member or friend. Your doctor can also refer you to specialists and counsellors who can help you and your partner with the emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment.
After treatment
Follow-up care helps you and your healthcare team monitor your progress and your recovery from treatment. At first, your follow-up care may be managed by one of the specialists from your healthcare team. Later on it may be managed by your family doctor. The schedule of follow-up visits is different for each person. You might see your doctor more often in the first three years after treatment, and less often after that.
The end of cancer treatment may bring mixed emotions. You may be glad the treatments are over and look forward to returning to your normal activities. But you could feel anxious as well. If you are worried about your treatment ending, talk to your healthcare team. They are there to help you through this transition period.
More about nutrition and breast cancer
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Last modified on:
10 February 2010
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