Liver Cancer
Survivorship
People define survivorship differently. Some people consider themselves survivors upon receiving a cancer diagnosis. Others take on the role once they have moved past active treatment. Still others prefer no label at all. Either way, survivorship will bring about change in many areas of your life.
According to the Surveillance Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, the number of cancer survivors is increasing. Advances in early detection, innovations in treatment options and improvements in side effect management can be credited with this promising news.
Your Survivorship Plan
Managing your health in this stage of your journey will be easier when you know how to proceed. You will work closely with your doctor to develop a survivorship plan that includes pertinent information about your care, such as your medical history and ongoing medications; a list of health care team members with contact information; your specific diagnosis, including type, subtype, stage, any known biomarkers and date of diagnosis; pathology and consultation notes; and a treatment summary.
You and your doctor will then customize your plan around your expectations for the future. Your plan will likely include the following:
- A schedule for follow-up tests and exams
- The symptoms that should prompt you to call the doctor
- Reminders for appointments with other health care providers
- Referral(s) for cancer rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy
- Information about your risk of a recurrence, screenings for second cancer, long-term treatment-related side effects and late effects
- Goals for a healthier lifestyle
Prepare for Follow-up Care
Follow-up care is key in a survivorship plan because for many people, all cancer-related effects don’t disappear when treatment ends. And recovery from the physical, emotional and mental aspects of cancer may take more time than many survivors and their families expect. Before you resume care with your primary care physician, ask your oncologist to set up a long-term follow-up care plan.
Once you have the plan, be sure to use it. Making and keeping follow-up appointments allows your health care team to keep a close eye on your health, manage any side effects, help you feel your best and check for cancer spread or recurrence. These appointments also give you the opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns and get one-on-one assistance from your doctor, oncologist, rehabilitation therapist and others.
For some people, the liver cancer may never go away completely, or it might come back in another part of the body. This can be difficult and stressful. Follow-up visits are also important for keeping in touch with a social worker, mental health counselor, nutritionist and palliative care clinicians.
Prioritize Making Smart Choices
Focusing on your long-term health in the following ways may help you better cope with your cancer and treatment and also improve your quality of life.
Lead a smart lifestyle that includes both a nutritious diet and regular exercise. A nutritionist can help you create a strategy that includes colorful fruits and vegetables and limits foods thought to increase cancer risk. Moving your body in general can lead to better physical functioning and an overall better quality of life. Even 10 minutes of walking each day can increase your energy level, improve your mood and relieve fatigue. These changes may help improve other conditions you may have, such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to cancer.
Stay on schedule with medications. Take the right dose as prescribed by your doctor at the right time, every time. Use the many tools available, such as alarms, smartphone apps and notes, to remind you to stay on schedule. If you experience side effects that make you want to stop your medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away. Cutting back on doses reduces the effectiveness of your cancer drugs. Never make a change without the direction of your medical team.
Listen to your body and track any changes or symptoms you experience, even if they seem small or unimportant. Don’t, however, do an inventory of your body every day. Keep your medical team informed of anything that is concerning.
Be diligent about scheduling and completing regular follow-up appointments and tests such as exams, blood work, imaging tests and biomarker tests.
Address how you feel mentally and emotionally, including discussing the following:
- Cognitive (thinking-related) symptoms, such as difficulties with memory, concentration, processing information, word finding or completing tasks.
- Emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, fear, anger, grief, hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed or other concerns.
- Any visits to the emergency room, urgent care or other doctors.
- New medications, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, supplements or herbs, including homeopathic or naturopathic therapies. Always talk with your medical team or pharmacist before beginning these.
Survivorship Support
As a survivor, you will have access to many types of support. These may include your cancer center, survivorship clinics, support groups, cancer advocacy organizations and other local or area resources. Survivor phone buddies and peer-to-peer matching, and online survivorship support groups and communities are more options.
If your doctor doesn't give you a survivorship plan, download and print a copy at PatientResource.com/SurvivorshipPlan. Then, request copies of all your test and biopsy results, surgeries, pathology reports and consultation notes from your doctor’s office to fill in what you can before meeting with your doctor.
