Information about breast cancer

Life after breast cancer

Is the black hole beckoning? For many breast cancer patients, the end of medical treatment does not feel like liberation, but rather like emptiness. While the outside world often thinks that someone is "done" and can simply pick up the thread of life again, many women (and men) experience the opposite.

During the treatment phase, there is structure. There are fixed appointments, check-ups, doctors, and nurses who monitor and provide guidance. Despite everything, this medical support offers a form of certainty. When treatment ends, that structure largely disappears. It is precisely at that moment that the real recovery begins, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Many breast cancer patients find this a difficult period. The relief that the treatments are over often gives way to unexpected emotions such as sadness, fear, or confusion. Everything that was suppressed during treatment comes to the surface. Without frequent check-ups, many patients feel less secure. Every little ache or pain can cause anxiety about a recurrence. In addition, many struggle with persistent fatigue and concentration problems. The body needs time to recover. Fatigue, memory and concentration problems (often referred to as chemo brain) can last for months or even years.

Identity questions

After a serious illness, existential questions arise: Who am I now? What have I been through? How do I pick up my life again? The old sense of normality has often disappeared. For family, friends, and colleagues, the crisis seems to be over. Expectations to function 'normally' again clash with the reality of someone who does not yet feel fully recovered. This sometimes leads to a lack of understanding. As a result, many patients feel abandoned after treatment.

Not everyone experiences it this way. Some people actually feel calm, relieved, and renewed after treatment. They can resume their lives and feel stronger than before. However, they are in the minority.

What can you do?

There are ways to make the black hole less deep or even prevent it once treatment is complete. You can participate in a rehabilitation program, for example, seek psychological support, or regularly visit a drop-in center for a moment of rest and a chat. The impact of cancer often only really becomes apparent once the medical storm has subsided. Attention to this phase is essential, so that no one has to feel alone after their final treatment.

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Reading: the breast cancer handbook - Anna van Wittenberghe

In 2019, Dutch writer and translator Anna van Wittenberghe received her breast cancer diagnosis. Because the book she was looking for did not exist, she took matters into her own hands. She turned that unfindable book into reality. Earlier this year, she released The Breast Cancer Handbook, a guide for those facing the terrible disease. Annette Van Hoof (65), also a fellow sufferer and bosom friend of Pink Ribbon, has read the book and gives us her personal view.
Aftercare
Work resumption
Work resumption
Actions & projects
Testimonial

Pink Monday: Ann Staels

Ann Staels works as an oncopsychologist in the breast clinic at UZ Leuven. She is part of the team of nurses, social assistants and psychologists who counsel women with breast cancer during and after treatment.
Aftercare
Work resumption
Work resumption

Returning to work after breast cancer

Thanks to initiatives like Pink Monday and organizations like Cohezio, there is a growing awareness among employees and employers of the importance of well-framed reintegration into the workplace after cancer. In times when many vacancies go unfilled, this is no unnecessary luxury.

Find out how you can support Pink Ribbon .

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