Posted 4 days ago
What is Survivorship?
Survivorship begins the moment cancer is diagnosed and continues throughout treatment and beyond. Many cancer survivors share that while they felt they had much information and support during their illness, once treatment ended, they were surprised at the new world that they entered.
For many, the term “survivor” symbolizes victory over the disease, a testament to strength and endurance through one of life’s most daunting challenges. However, survivorship is also complex and multifaceted, affecting the emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of a person. Sometimes there are unexpected emotions one may experience:
– Guilt – Known as “survivor’s guilt,” some individuals feel guilty about surviving when others did not. This can be particularly intense if they lost friends or acquaintances to cancer during their own journey.
– Loneliness – Despite surviving, many feel isolated. The intense focus of treatment ends, and the support network might dwindle, leaving survivors feeling alone as they navigate life post-treatment.
– Fear of Recurrence – Even after being declared cancer-free, the fear of cancer returning can be pervasive and unsettling, affecting the survivor’s peace of mind and outlook on the future.
– Identity Confusion – Cancer can become a significant part of one’s identity. Post-treatment, survivors may struggle to redefine themselves outside the patient role, leading to confusion and a sense of loss.
– Unexpected Joy – Amidst the challenges, many survivors report a profound sense of joy and gratitude. They often develop a heightened appreciation for life’s small pleasures and a renewed focus on what truly matters.
– Anger and Frustration – Some survivors feel anger about the disruption cancer caused in their lives. This can include frustration over lingering side effects and the time lost to treatment.
– Physical and Emotional Fatigue – Even after treatment, many survivors deal with persistent fatigue and emotional exhaustion, which can be surprising and disheartening when they expect to feel better.
Ironwood’s Supportive Care Services team is here to assist you in all the phases of survivorship. We highly recommend our free online 5-Week Survivorship series that is starting Thurs. Sept 19th from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm. In each weekly class, a member of our team will cover a variety of topics such as stress management, nutrition, sleep hygiene, fear of recurrence and other information which may be helpful to you in the post treatment chapter of your life. To obtain more information or to RSVP for the class, email: wellness@ironwoodcrc.com.
Jodi Puhalla, BSW
Social Worker for East Valley Offices
Jodi Puhalla obtained her social work degree from MN State University/Moorhead in 1990. She has spent most of her career as a medical social worker in hospitals, long term care facilities and hospice care.
Jodi is a native of Minnesota and moved to the Phoenix area in 2020. She has a passion for holistic healing and meditation. She likes to explore ancient practices for stress management in the modern world. She enjoys supporting others through difficult transitions in their lives.