Cancer Survivorship Resources

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Cancer treatment can have a major impact on you, both physically and mentally. You may experience changes to your body, a decrease in your immunity, challenges to your mental health, and concerns about relationships and intimacy. Before, during and after treatment, it is important to stay mindful of these issues and take action when needed to maintain or improve your health-related quality of life.

At The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy, we understand that this can be a difficult and often overwhelming time for you and your loved ones. In addition to providing treatment, our team is here to comfort you during tough moments, celebrate your triumphs, address concerns about your physical, mental and sexual health, and provide resources.

Physical Health Tips

Cancer treatment can cause numerous physical side effects, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Diminished cognitive function
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Reduced muscle strength
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Lowered immunity

By eating healthy, exercising and taking precautions against infectious illnesses, you can alleviate these potential complications.

Nutrition

  • If your appetite decreases during treatment, try eating smaller, more frequent meals (five to six a day) to keep your weight stable and prevent malnourishment. 
  • Incorporate protein—including plant-based protein like beans and lentils—into your diet, as well as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 
  • Snack on calorie-dense foods, such as avocado, nuts, hummus, granola, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. 
  • Try to limit highly processed foods, red meat, sugary drinks and alcohol.
  • If you experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (which may lead to dehydration), try eating bland, starchy foods, as well as foods high in potassium.
  • Consider taking a daily multivitamin to ensure you get the nutrients you need.

*More information about cancer survivorship and nutrition

Physical Activity

  • Talk to your health care team before starting an exercise routine.
  • Try to incorporate both strength training and cardio exercise, such as walking, running, swimming and biking. 
  • Start slow and gradually build up based on your prior activity and treatment status. 
  • Stay motivated by keeping an activity log, setting goals, choosing exercises that you enjoy, and exercising with a partner.
  • Reduce your exercise intensity if:
    • You recently underwent surgery.
    • Your fatigue gets worse after activity.
    • You feel an increase in pain after a strength training session that does not resolve itself within one day.
    • You have a fever and/or other sign(s) of infection.
Physical Activity Resources

*More information about cancer survivorship and physical activity

Infection Prevention

  • Talk to your health care team about how your treatment could impact your immune system. We may recommend preventative medications, such as antiviral, antifungal or antibacterial drugs.
  • Reduce your chances of infection by:
    • Washing your hands regularly
    • Avoiding crowded places and contact with people who are sick
    • Not sharing food or utensils
    • Washing raw fruits and vegetables before eating
    • Wearing gloves when gardening or disposing of animal waste
    • Cleaning your teeth with a soft toothbrush
    • Keeping your household surfaces clean
    • Getting the seasonal flu shot as soon as it is available
  • Tell your health care team if, while on chemotherapy, you experience:
    • Fever
    • Chills and sweats
    • Sore throat
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nasal congestion
    • Stiff neck
    • New onset of pain
    • Discomfort with urination
    • Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation
    • Redness, soreness and swelling in any area of the body, including sites of surgical wounds or chemo ports

*More information about cancer survivorship and infection prevention

Mental Health Tips

Getting a cancer diagnosis and receiving treatment can be emotionally taxing. During and after treatment, you may experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Fear of reoccurrence
  • Survivor’s guilt
  • Social isolation
  • Body image issues
  • Financial worries
  • Challenges to spirituality/religion

If you have feelings that overwhelm or concern you, or that last for more than two weeks, talk to your health care team. We can refer you to professionals and resources that can help you navigate these emotional challenges.

Mental Health Resources

*More information about cancer survivorship and mental health

Sexual Health Tips

Some cancer treatments may cause changes to the body that affect intimacy and sexual health. This can include:

  • Pain
  • An inability to get or maintain an erection
  • Loss of sensation
  • Loss of fertility
  • Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal tightness and dryness
  • Body image struggles 
  • Concerns that your partner won’t find you attractive anymore

If you are experiencing these symptoms or concerns, talk to your health care team. We can refer you to programs or professionals who specialize in sexual intimacy counseling for people with cancer.

If you are concerned about fertility, it’s best to talk to your health care team before treatment begins.

*More information about cancer survivorship and sexual health

Services at Mercy

Mercy offers numerous services to our patients with cancer to help relieve their stress and improve their well-being.

Mercy’s Patient Navigator

The goal of Mercy’s patient navigator is to ensure you have access to comprehensive and varied cancer care services. They provide assistance and resources regarding financial concerns, insurance questions, emotional support, transportation and survivor retreats. To reach a patient navigator, contact the appropriate department or center below.

*More about cancer survivorship and patient navigation at Mercy

Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care for anyone living with a serious illness. It can be provided alongside curative treatment as an extra layer of support to relieve symptoms and stress. 

Your multi-disciplinary palliative care team will be comprised of healthcare professionals certified in palliative care who work in partnership with oncologists, primary care physicians, social workers, chaplains, dieticians, and physical and occupational therapists. When you meet with your palliative care team, they will assess your physical, emotional, social, spiritual and practical needs, then coordinate your care with the necessary specialists. The care plan is based on your needs, not your prognosis; the goal is to improve quality of life for you and your loved ones.

If you suffer from pain, stress or other symptoms from a serious illness, palliative care may be right for you. It is appropriate for all ages at any stage of illness and can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospital or at an outpatient clinic. Most insurance plans cover palliative care, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Talk to your health care team if you are interested in receiving palliative care.

*More information about cancer survivorship and palliative care

The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy offers treatment for a wide range of cancers, relying on advanced technologies, compassionate care, leading edge research, clinical trials, and demonstrated medical expertise to provide some of the best treatment options available to fight cancer and restore hope and vitality.