Though the end of active cancer treatment is certainly cause for celebration, many patients report experiencing complex emotions as they transition back to their pre-cancer lives. There are feelings of anxiety and the challenges that come with lingering side effects.

Lidia Schapira, associate professor of oncology and director of the Cancer Survivorship Program at Stanford, describes some of the concerns brought to her by her patients regarding returning to work. The patient was feeling distraught and anxious about returning to work, worrying that she wouldn't be able to keep up with the fast pace and multi-tasking she'd been doing before treatment. Schapira suggests the importance of creating a support system for patients who are in this situation, finishing treatment and preparing to go back to their "before" life, but feeling stressed over the idea of it. 

Using a multi-specialty team of oncologists, nurses, social workers and other specialists together, the Survivorship Program helps develop a post-treatment plan to cope with issues such as financial anxiety, altered body image, confidence and intimacy. 

For more on the ways Stanford is addressing post-treatment needs, click here.