When treatment ends, many times patients and families are not prepared for what comes next.  Typically recovery takes longer than treatment did.  This recovery time can cause disappointment, worry and fear.  As a result of cancer, the way a family used to function may not work any more so a "new normal" needs to be developed and navigated.  When treatment has ended the support that you used to receive may end, even if the need is still there.  For instance, things that you used to be able to do like cut the grass or maintenance around the house may still be too much for you to handle.

So how do you cope with these issues?

• Communicate with family and friends what you can do while you are continuing to heal and adjust to this "new normal"
• Give yourself time.  Make sure to be open with your family and friends to ensure that needs are being met
• Be honest with your children, speaking directly and openly as possible so they know what to expect.  Allow them to be a part of the recovery process by spending extra time with them. 

 
         National Cancer Institute (2012).  Facing forward: life after cancer treatment.    
         
                   Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/life-after-

                   treatment/page7