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Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects connective tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, or cartilage. However, with advancements in medicine and cancer treatment, survival rates are now as high as 81%, with many survivors embracing a new chapter of life filled with hope and vitality.
This blog explores the journey of survivorship, with a focus on the quality of life after sarcoma treatment, the challenges faced by survivors, and strategies for living a full and rewarding life.
Embracing Life After Sarcoma
Survivorship starts the moment you are diagnosed and continues throughout treatment and beyond. It covers every aspect of life, from physical and emotional well-being to social connections and financial stability. The goal of survivorship care is to help you lead a fulfilling and vibrant life after a diagnosis.
Physical Health and Rehabilitation
- Energy and Strength: Most patients go through post-treatment fatigue, but regular exercise or movement, a balanced diet, and necessary rest can help regain energy and strength. Some gentle exercises you can consider are walking, yoga, and swimming.
- Pain Relief: Some effective strategies for pain management include medications, physiotherapy, acupuncture and massage. These can bring down pain and increase feelings of comfort and ease.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an integral part of rehabilitation during and after treatment. It helps rebuild strength, improve movement, and reduce the risk of lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph fluid build-up).
- Occupational Therapy: This helps you perform everyday activities independently and comfortably, thus making your quality of life better.
Emotional and Mental Health
- Support and Connection: Support groups serve as a great source of connection and community for survivors. Here, you can meet fellow survivors and heal over shared experiences. Professional counselling and therapy also help during these challenging times.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises are some practices that can reduce stress and improve emotional wellness.
- Gratitude and Reflection: Keeping a gratitude journal and noting positive experiences can help you maintain a hopeful and resilient mindset.
Social and Financial Well-being
- Relationships: Family and friends are your biggest sources of of support during your journey. Right from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, having people who can hold your hand during these difficult times makes all the difference.
- Social Activities: Try to participate in hobbies, volunteer for causes that make you feel aligned, join clubs, and meet new people.
- Managing Expenses: Sarcoma treatment as with any other type of cancer treatment can be expensive but effective. This is why it is important to plan your finances, consider your insurance options and seek support from cancer support organizations as per your needs.
- Returning to Work: Returning to work will prove to be a fulfilling change and a positive step as well. Discuss flexible hours or accommodations with your employer to balance work with ongoing health needs.
Long-Term Health Monitoring
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare providers are essential for monitoring your health and catching any potential issues early.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol can support your long-term well-being.
- Screenings and Vaccinations: Regular screenings for other cancers and staying up-to-date with vaccinations can help protect your health.
- Preventive Measures: Engaging in preventive health measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress, can enhance your overall quality of life.
A sarcoma diagnosis is not a full stop in the sentence of your life. In today’s medically and technologically advanced world, it is a mere blip in the journey of life. With help from doctors, family, friends, and cancer support groups, and by taking care of yourself, a happy and fulfilling life awaits you. Your journey is special, and your strength and determination will lead you to a bright and hopeful future.
Contact Details
Corporate office:
Shafee Mohammed Road, Chennai 600 006, India.
Contact Details
Corporate office:
Shafee Mohammed Road, Chennai 600 006, India.