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Life After Cancer

Ringing the “End of Treatment” bell is a moment of triumph, but for many patients, it is also a moment of uncertainty. You have spent months fighting a war, surrounded by doctors and nurses. Suddenly, the active battle is over, and you are left with a quiet question: “What now?”

At Liv Hospital, we believe that Survivorship is a distinct phase of cancer care. It is not just about monitoring for recurrence; it is about rebuilding the body, mind, and spirit that the disease tried to break. We help you navigate the “New Normal,” managing the long-term effects of treatment while empowering you to reclaim your life.

Our Cancer Survivorship Program ensures that you never feel abandoned. Whether you are returning to your home country or staying in Istanbul for rehabilitation, we remain your medical partners for life.

The Surveillance Schedule

The fear of cancer returning (recurrence) is the #1 concern for survivors. We counter this fear with a rigorous, data-driven surveillance plan based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.

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Structured Follow-Up

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Instead of wondering if you should see a doctor, you will have a clear roadmap.

  • Years 1–2: High-intensity monitoring. usually every 3 months.
  • Years 3–5: Moderate intensity, usually every 6 months.
  • Year 5+: Annual “Survivorship Check-Up.”
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Advanced Monitoring Tools

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We use more than just standard exams to ensure your safety:

  • Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA): For high-risk patients (Lung, Colon, Breast), we can monitor “Circulating Tumor DNA” in your blood. This can detect microscopic recurrence months before it shows up on a PET scan, allowing for ultra-early intervention.
  • Low-Dose CT: For lung cancer survivors, we minimize radiation exposure while keeping a close watch on the lungs.
  • Tumor Markers: Regular tracking of blood markers (PSA, CEA, CA-15-3) to spot trends, not just isolated spikes.

Managing Long-Term Side Effects

Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can leave “scars” that persist long after the tumor is gone. We treat these proactively.

Lymphedema Management

If lymph nodes were removed (common in Breast and Melanoma surgery), fluid can build up in the arm or leg.

  • The Therapy: Our specialized physiotherapists teach you Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage and fit you for custom compression garments to prevent swelling.
  • Micro-Surgery: In severe cases, we offer Lymphatic Bypass Surgery to reroute the fluid and restore limb size.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet caused by drugs like Taxol or Cisplatin.

  • The Care: We use physical therapy (balance training), vibration therapy, and specific medications (Gabapentin) to manage symptoms and prevent falls.

Cardio-Oncology

Some cancer drugs (Anthracyclines, Herceptin) can weaken the heart muscle.

  • The Protection: Our Cardio-Oncology unit monitors your heart function (Ejection Fraction) with Echocardiograms throughout your survivorship, ensuring your heart stays strong enough to support your long life.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Cancer treatment is physically exhausting. Our Oncology Rehabilitation team helps you regain what was lost.

  • Physical Therapy: Combatting “Cancer Fatigue.” Paradoxically, rest makes fatigue worse, while graded exercise fixes it. We design safe workout plans to rebuild muscle mass lost during chemo.
  • Cognitive Rehab (“Chemo Brain”): Many patients experience brain fog or memory lapses. Our occupational therapists provide brain-training exercises to sharpen focus and help you return to work.
  • Sexual Health: Cancer can impact intimacy (erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, loss of libido). We offer confidential counseling and medical therapies to restore this vital part of human connection.

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Psycho-Oncology: Healing the Mind

The emotional toll of cancer often hits after treatment ends. “Scanxiety” (fear of upcoming scans) and survivor’s guilt are real and valid.

  • The Support: Liv Hospital’s Psycho-Oncology department specializes in the mental health of cancer survivors.
  • Therapies: We offer individual counseling, support groups (where you can talk to others who “get it”), and techniques like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to lower cortisol levels and improve sleep.
  • Family Support: Cancer affects the whole family. We provide counseling for spouses and children to help them process the trauma and reconnect.
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Nutritional Support

“What should I eat to stay cancer-free?” is the most common question we hear. While no single food cures cancer, diet plays a huge role in prevention.

  • Onco-Dietitians: You will meet with a specialist who creates a personalized “Anti-Inflammatory Diet” plan.
  • The Strategy:
    • Plant-Based Focus: Increasing phytonutrients that repair DNA.
    • Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for recurrence (especially in Breast and Colon cancer). We help you reach a healthy BMI safely, without crash dieting.
    • Gut Health: Restoring the microbiome (good bacteria) that chemotherapy may have destroyed.

For International Patients: Continuing Care at Home

Most of our international patients return home once their acute treatment is finished. We bridge the distance.

  • Tele-Oncology: You don’t need to fly to Istanbul for every check-up. You can have your blood tests and scans done in your home country and upload them to our secure portal. Your Liv Hospital Oncologist will review them and have a video call with you to discuss the results.
  • “Fit to Fly” Assessments: We ensure you are medically safe to travel, managing issues like clot risk (DVT) or oxygen needs before you board the plane.
  • Medication Supply: If you are on long-term oral maintenance therapy (like Tamoxifen or Targeted Therapy pills), we can help you procure a supply to take home or coordinate with local pharmacies.

The "Living Well" Philosophy

Survivorship is not just about not dying; it’s about truly living. We encourage our patients to:

  • Quit Smoking: It is never too late. Quitting doubles the success rate of treatment for many cancers.
  • Sun Safety: Vital for all survivors, as chemo can make skin more sensitive to UV rays.
  • Vaccinations: Re-immunizing after treatments (like Stem Cell Transplant) that wipe out immune memory.

Returning to Work and Routine

Returning to work signifies a return to normalcy for many. However, stamina may be lower than before.

Phased return-to-work plans are helpful. This might involve starting with part-time hours or lighter duties.

Legal protections require employers to make reasonable accommodations. Open dialogue with employers about needs and limitations is key.

  • Phased return to work schedules
  • Workplace accommodations for fatigue
  • Understanding legal rights and protections
  • Managing cognitive load and stress
  • Balancing follow-up appointments with work

Prevention of Secondary Cancers

Survivors are at a higher risk of developing a second, unrelated cancer. This makes lifestyle modifications even more critical.

Sun protection is non-negotiable for everyone, especially those who have had radiation. Smoking cessation is imperative.

Weight management through diet and exercise significantly lowers the risk of second malignancies.

  • Strict sun protection behaviors
  • Smoking cessation programs
  • Weight management and obesity prevention
  • Limited alcohol consumption
  • Continued adherence to screening guidelines

Family and Caregiver Support

Cancer affects the whole family. Caregivers often experience burnout and need their own support system.

Educating family members about the long-term effects of treatment helps them provide better support.

Respite care options allow caregivers to take necessary breaks. Family counseling can help resolve shifts in family dynamics.

  • Caregiver burnout resources
  • Family counseling and education
  • Respite care services
  • Communication training for families
  • Support for children of patients

Financial and Logistical Navigation

The cost of long-term care can be a burden. Social workers and financial navigators help patients manage the logistics.

This includes finding assistance programs for medication costs or transportation to follow-up visits.

Understanding the administrative side of survivorship reduces stress and ensures continuity of care.

  • Navigation of pharmacy benefits
  • Transportation assistance programs
  • Connection to charitable foundations
  • Management of medical records
  • Advocacy for patient needs

30 Years of
Excellence

Trusted Worldwide

With patients from across the globe, we bring over three decades of medical

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is "Chemo Brain," and does it go away?

“Chemo Brain” (Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment) is a real side effect causing forgetfulness and trouble multitasking. For most patients, it improves significantly within 6–12 months after treatment. Cognitive exercises, sleep hygiene, and staying active help speed up recovery.

It depends on your treatment and age. If you preserved eggs/sperm before treatment (Onco-Fertility), your chances are good. For natural conception, we usually recommend waiting 6–12 months after chemo to ensure eggs/sperm are healthy. We will refer you to our IVF department for a fertility assessment.

Fear is normal, especially before a scan. We recommend: 1) Sticking to your follow-up schedule (action reduces anxiety), 2) Limiting “Dr. Google” searches, and 3) Speaking to our psycho-oncologist if the fear stops you from sleeping or enjoying life.

Yes, but “slow and steady” is best. Fatigue can persist for months. We can provide a “Return to Work” letter for your employer, recommending a phased return (e.g., part-time at first) or light duties to help you adjust.

We provide you with a detailed “Discharge Summary” in English (and your native language if needed) that explains your exact diagnosis, treatment, and medications. You should give this to your local GP or emergency doctor so they know your full history immediately.

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