In my experience, finishing cancer treatment can be one of the hardest transitions for people to navigate. During treatment, there's a plan, a structure - appointments, regular contact with clinical teams, and a sense of actively 'doing something.' And then, suddenly, it stops. It can feel like the safety net has disappeared, and you’re left figuring out the next stage on your own. For some, this is a time of healing and moving forward. For others, the end of treatment brings uncertainty or difficult emotions about what lies ahead. However you are feeling, you are not alone.
People I have worked with have described it like this:
"It felt like I was free-falling"
"I left the safety ‘cocoon’ of treatment"
"The staff became like extended family, and now I won’t see them anymore"
"I went into a big black hole"
"It was like falling off a cliff edge"
This is a huge emotional adjustment. Side effects from treatment can linger, and some may never fully go away. On top of that, there's the question of what life looks like now. Are you going back to work? How will that feel? Do you have young children or elderly parents who need you? Life keeps going, but now you're carrying all of this, too.
There can also be grief for how life was before cancer, and fear about the future - including whether cancer might come back.
You may have had a lot of support during treatment, but now that it’s over, people might assume you’re ‘back to normal.’ The reality? You might need their support now more than ever.
The Path of Healing Isn’t Linear
Some days will feel better than others. You might have a good day and then, for no obvious reason, a really tough one. People often ask me, "What did I do wrong?" The answer? Absolutely nothing and this is normal. Healing isn’t a straight road - it’s a back-and-forth process, and there’s no set timeline. It happens in its own way, at its own pace.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Recovery is deeply personal. Your experience will depend on so many things - like your age, general health, the type of cancer, and the treatments you’ve had. But many people find it helpful to allow themselves a calendar year to get a sense of their ‘new normal.’ That might sound like a long time, but your body and mind have been through so much. Healing doesn’t happen overnight.
People might look at you and say, "You look great!"- which can make it even harder to explain that you are still recovering. Like your need for recovery is invisible. It helps to let people know that even though treatment has finished, your healing is still very much a work in progress.
Many people tell me they were supported so well by family and friends during treatment, but that unless you've had cancer yourself, you don’t truly understand what this feels like. It reminds me of grief. I’ve always been an extremely empathetic person, but when I lost my dad, I finally understood just how life-changing grief is. I get it now.
Pacing Yourself and Prioritising What Matters
Trying to do too much too soon can leave you feeling drained to the bottom of the tank. You might find yourself taking one step forward and two steps back. Setting realistic goals and pacing yourself is key. Prioritise what truly needs to be done and be honest about your energy levels. Some days will be more productive than others - that’s okay.
Recovery isn’t just about what you do - it’s also about how you support yourself along the way. Don’t overfill your days. Make space for a proper lunch. Leave extra time so you’re not rushing between commitments. Take the kettle off the boil where you can.
Giving Yourself Grace
Above all, be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself the way you would to someone you care about. Healing isn’t just physical - it’s every bit about emotional needs too. For some people, the end of treatment is a time to embrace change and optimism, like what changes they can make to their diet and physical activity. For others, it feels completely overwhelming and uncertain. There is no ‘right’ way to feel at this stage. What can help is focusing on what nourishes, sustains, and supports you - and, as much as possible, letting go of what drains you.
Life Beyond Treatment: Understanding Long-Term and Late Effects
Cancer treatments can be incredible and life-saving, but they can also leave lasting effects on your body and mind. These effects are often grouped into two categories: long-term effects and late effects.
Long-term effects are side effects that start during treatment and continue for some time afterward. These might include things like ongoing fatigue or changes in how your body feels or functions.
Late effects, on the other hand, are side effects that may not appear until months or even years after treatment has finished.
Not everyone will experience these challenges, and the type of effects you might face depends on the treatments you’ve had. Every person’s experience is unique.
Many people I work with feel hesitant to speak up about any challenges they're experiencing because they don’t want to seem like they are “complaining.” But seeking support isn’t complaining - it’s an essential part of your recovery. If something doesn’t feel right - whether it’s a lingering symptom or something new – let your healthcare team know. These issues aren’t something you just have to "put up with." Your team is there to support you through this stage and help you feel as well as possible.
Treatment doesn’t end on the last day of chemo, radiotherapy, or surgery - it’s an ongoing process, and support is important every step of the way.
Finishing Cancer Treatment: Focusing on What Nourishes You
Many people I have supported have found these things helpful:
Keeping a routine. A little structure can bring steadiness to uncertain days. Our bodies thrive on routine - especially when it comes to sleep and energy levels.
Moving your body. This doesn’t mean hitting the gym hard - even gentle movement like walking or stretching can help with energy levels and mood. Think of this as part of your rehabilitation and recovery. My physiotherapy colleagues have put together some brilliant resources to help you incorporate exercise into your routine here.
Getting out in nature. Even a short walk outside can be incredibly grounding and will lift your spirits. If you can’t get out, sitting by an open window can still help.
Nourishing yourself. Nutrition plays a big role in healing and rebuilding energy levels after cancer treatment. Eating balanced meals with protein, beneficial fats, and fibre can support recovery. Planning meals so you have something comforting and nutritious to eat can make a difference in how you feel. You don’t have to plan every meal - just focus on the trickiest one. If you struggle with snacks, start there. You might find my meal planning article helpful.
Finding the right support.
Peer support can be brilliant - you see your experience reflected in others, pick up ideas, and feel less alone. Speak with your Clinical Nurse Specialist about local groups, explore Cancer Care Map, and there are lots of excellent cancer charities that also host groups and workshops.
CAN-EMPOWER is a free online resource designed to support people with the emotional challenges of living with cancer. It offers coping techniques and activities tailored to your needs.
One-to-one talking therapy can be hugely beneficial. If you think it might help, speak with your treatment team for signposting. There are often options available at cancer charities too.
Some people find social media forums helpful; others don’t. If they don’t feel helpful, step away.
Making time for things that bring you happiness. What lights you up? Write down three or four things and build them into your week.
Putting your own oxygen mask on first. This can be hard when you have responsibilities but looking after yourself is essential. If you’re running on empty, it’s even harder to support others.
Avoiding comparison. A wonderful cancer psychologist I work with often reminds people, “Don’t compare your inside to somebody else’s outside.” It’s easy to look at others and assume they’re doing okay or better than you, but only your own shoes pinch - and that looks different for everybody. Focus on your needs.
Staying in the moment. It sounds cliché, but if thinking beyond the next hour feels overwhelming, just focus on that hour.
You are the expert in you. It’s great to take inspiration from others - whether it’s nutrition advice or lifestyle tips - but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Trust yourself.
However you are feeling right now, know that it’s valid. There’s no ‘right’ way to move through this stage - only what works for you. Be patient with yourself, bolster up the support you find helpful, and give yourself the space to heal.
If you or a loved one would like personalised nutrition support from a cancer dietitian to help during treatment and recovery, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Email: info@thecancerdietitian.com
Telephone: 020 8064 2865
Appointments: book here
Whether you’re feeling stronger each day or still adjusting to what life looks like now, healing takes time - and it’s okay to move at your own pace.
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalised nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for personalised advice and guidance regarding your specific medical condition or dietary needs.
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