After treatment
It can be a difficult time after the treatment phase, especially
when initial diagnosis was quite speedy and some treatments
very intensive.
With the aid of It's in the Bag we offer a range of supportive
activities to help you after your treatment.
A diagnosis of cancer is devastating at any age and whilst
we understand that Testicular Cancer is in the most part
curable, we do not underestimate the effect of surgery,
treatment and surveillance on your physical, emotional,
social, spiritual and sexual well being.
The link below has some helpful hints on getting back on
track.
Holistic Needs Clinic
All patients should be offered an appointment in the Holistic
Needs Clinic. This clinic is run by the Germ Cell CNS and gives you
time to talk about your concerns after treatment. You will be asked
to complete a concerns checklist and then given an opportunity to
discuss your concerns with the nurse. The nurse may recommend some
lifestyle changes, helpful signposts to information and support,
information on current support activities called It's in the
Banter.
Get into your NEW PANTS!
N - Now what?
The majority of men diagnosed with Testicular Cancer will live
long and healthy lives, however it is in your best interests to
attend hospital visits to check if the tumour has come back.
Sometimes you may feel that it is a waste of your time
and you are unsure why you need to continue to
be seen. Because Testicular Cancer is so treatable, if it was
to come back it needs to be treated immediately, but you can help
the doctor too. If you experience new back or abdominal pain,
shortness of breath not associated with
infection and/or discovers a new lump in your remaining
testicle let the team know and we will arrange a sooner
appointment. The BTCS is there to provide clinical care and help
steer you in the right direction for support, however here are a
few tips to help your recovery.
E - Emotional health
Some men describe the time after treatment as the most difficult
as the emotional support from the clinical team appears not so
available. This is a time of change and adapting to your new life.
You may have found your friends and relationships have changed and
those who you believed would be there for you have found your
diagnosis difficult too. The fear of the cancer coming back is to
be expected and as you get further away from your initial diagnosis
these feelings will diminish, however if these feelings become
difficult please contact a member of the BTCS and we will arrange
some support for you.
W - Work and education
Getting back to work or restarting your studies is a challenging
time and you may need support to do this. Do
not underestimate the effect of treatment by agreeing to do
more than you are able to. Start with shorter days and rest
regularly. You may find your employer/tutor very understanding when
you explain your situation, however they may require written
information regarding your needs and abilities. The BTCS will
be happy to provide this for you.
P - Physical
It is important for all of us to take regular exercise, however
we do know that after intensive treatment men often experience
severe fatigue which can impact on all areas of health and well
being. This may be the time to take up a new sport, get back to
regular exercise or even get a personal trainer. A gradual build up
of physical activity is advised, with specific goals. Some men find
it a challenge to get back to their former fitness and the speed of
recovery frustrating, be patient and your fitness level will
return, albeit slower than you expect.
A - Alter your diet
www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Goodfood/Pages/Goodfoodhome.aspx
N - No to smoking
Now is the time to give up smoking, want help? SMOKE FREE
T - Trim back the alcohol and give up recreational drugs
www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx
S - Sex and relationships
Testicular Cancer and its treatment can have an impact on your
sexuality and relationships. We also understand that some men find
having an orchidectomy impacts on body image, being male and new
relationships. Talking about these issues is paramount and needs to
be with someone who you are comfortable with; this could be your
partner, close friend, doctor or your clinical nurse
specialist. The main advice is to be patient and your sexual desire
and function will return to normal, but in the event this does not
happen there are simple methods and support to help you,
so let the team know at your next visit. Chemotherapy and abdominal
surgery may impact on your fertility and men worry about their
ability to be a father in the future, while we
offer pre-treatment advice and sperm storage, we also have
good links with Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine if
there are issues you would like to discuss or arrange for sperm
analysis please let us know.
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexualhealthtopics/Pages/Sexual-health-hub.aspx
Survivorship Toolkit
The Bristol Testicular Cancer
Service and It's in the Bag have developed a Surviorship Toolkit
for men diagnosed with Testicular Cancer (Germ Cell) They are a
combination of day courses and more in depth weekend personal
development courses to get you on the route
to recovery and living a full and
healthy life.
Cancer can affect your life in so many ways. The toolkit
encourages you to explore the meaning of cancer in your life with
people who understand the impact of the journey. Share your
experience with other men in similar situations, and think
about what steps you could take now to help you. This course has
been specifically designed for men with testicular cancer and Germ
Cell cancer.
The course includes information and discussion on healthy
eating, exercise, understanding the impact of cancer on your
emotions and relationships and sharing practical tips. These
courses are seen as being integral to your care and we strongly
recommend that all men attend at least the day course.
You can now change your outpatient appointments by clicking
here.
