Many people feel quite unsettled after their breast cancer treatment is complete. Some may still be experiencing side effects and many will worry that the treatment might not have worked and that the breast cancer will come back.

Everyone recovers at their own pace, and therefore some of the issues discussed here, such as going back to work, will be early priorities for some people, while for others they will not become important until much later. Because of this, we deal with several topics which talks about living with cancer in the longer term.

TREATMENT

Will I feel better immediately after treatment?

You may feel that your health has improved in the weeks following treatment but sometimes it takes longer to recover from the effects of therapy itself. You may continue on treatment for five years if you are taking hormone therapy. There may also be later effects of treatment that make you feel you are not getting better as quickly as you would like.

Progress is often gradual. You can’t recover overnight from a major operation or a course of intensive radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Some days you may think you are back to normal while on others you may feel depressed and tired. This is not unusual.

Will I have to go back to hospital for check-ups?

Yes. You may be seen a bit more frequently at first while you recover from your treatment but after this you may only need to visit once or twice a year. This routine follow-up will be an outpatient appointment, during which the doctor or nurse can examine you, check if you have any new symptoms or problems and observe how you are and how you are adapting to life after your treatment. You are unlikely to need regular tests except a mammogram every one to two years but you may have other tests if you develop a new symptom that needs investigating.

Many people feel anxious when their follow-up appointment is getting close. It is natural to worry about what might be found and you might find it helpful to talk to the staff at the hospital or to someone from a cancer support group or organization about how you are feeling.

Will I be able to stop going back for check-ups?

This is quite likely. Many people are discharged from attending outpatient appointments after a few years of follow-up, although you will still need to have mammograms. If you have been discharged, your GP can always refer you back to your hospital team if any new symptoms appear, or you can contact your breast care nurse directly.

While I was going to hospital regularly for treatment, I had hospital transport provided. Can I continue with this?

Possibly. You should talk to your doctor about it. An ambulance or hospital car is only provided if it is necessary on medical grounds. You may find that once treatment is completed and you start to feel better, you can make your own way to and from the hospital by public transport or by driving yourself.

I feel well enough to travel to the hospital but the fares are quite expensive. Can I get any help with them?

Yes, you may be able to get help with your fares. You can visit your local benefits office for advice, or contact your breast care nurse. Your Hospital can also advise you regarding fares, a refund of parking fees or, the congestion charge.

If I need new breast prosthesis, do I have to pay?

Probably not. Each prosthesis has a guarantee, usually for two to three years so you can get it replaced after normal wear and tear and sooner if you accidentally damage it (providing this does not happen too often). You may also be re-fitted for a new product if your shape or weight change and your existing prosthesis no longer fits you. If you have been discharged from routine follow-up appointments, your doctor may need to refer you back to the hospital to get your replacement.

If I am continuing to take hormone therapy for five years do I have to pay prescription charges each time?

Not necessarily; it depends on whether or not you receive any benefits. Discuss this with your doctor or the pharmacy staff. You may be eligible for exemption from prescription charges or you may benefit from buying a pre-paid prescription card as this can save money over the long term.