Breast Cancer Survivorship, Recovery and Support

Breast Cancer Survivorship, Recovery and Support at CHRISTUS Health

Managing Long-Term and Late Effects

Transitioning out of active breast cancer treatment is a significant milestone, but it often brings a new set of challenges:

  • long-term side effects (those that persist after treatment ends) and
  • late side effects (those that appear months or even years later).

Being aware of these potential issues is the first step toward managing them effectively and maintaining your quality of life.

Request a Mammogram

Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Fill out this form and a CHRISTUS representative will reach out via phone or email within 1-2 business days.

Common Physical Effects and How to Address Them

  • Fatigue: Persistent fatigue is one of the most frequently reported side effects. "Chemo brain" refers to issues with memory, focus, and thinking that can linger.
    • Management: Prioritize sleep, adopt a healthy diet, and incorporate gentle exercise (like walking or yoga). For chemo brain, try using planners, doing brain games, and practicing mindfulness.
  • Lymphedema: Swelling that can occur in the arm, hand, or chest wall after lymph nodes have been removed or treated with radiation.
    • Management: Early detection is key. Your care team can recommend a lymphedema therapist for manual drainage, compression garments, and specific exercises.
  • Neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, often a lasting effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.
    • Management: Talk to your oncologist or pain specialist. Treatments can range from topical creams and nerve medications to complementary therapies like acupuncture.
  • Bone Health: Treatments that suppress estrogen can increase the risk of bone thinning (osteoporosis).
    • Management: Ensure you get adequate calcium and Vitamin D, engage in weight-bearing exercise (like walking or light strength training), and have regular bone density scans (DEXA scans).
  • Cardiovascular Health: Some chemotherapy and radiation regimens, particularly on the left side, can affect the heart.
    • Management: Regular follow-up with a cardiologist may be recommended. Focus on a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.

The Critical Role of the Nurse Navigator

Remember, you don't have to manage these effects alone. Your Nurse Navigator serves as your dedicated guide in survivorship:

  • They help interpret your Survivorship Care Plan, which outlines your specific risk factors for late effects based on the treatments you received.
  • They provide timely referrals to the correct specialists, such as physical therapists, neurologists, or pain management clinics.

Support and Rehabilitation After Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Support Groups

CHRISTUS Health offers breast cancer support groups at several of its cancer centers across Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. 

Support Groups in Louisiana

Shreveport

  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS Breast Center - 1505 E Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Suite 201, Shreveport, LA 71105
  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS Outpatient Therapy - 4187 Viking Dr, Bossier City, LA 71111

Alexandria

  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center - 3330 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301

Support Groups in Texas

Longview

  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Breast Center - 705 E Marshall Ave Suite 1003, Longview, TX 75601
  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS Spohn Cancer Center at Shoreline - 1415 Santa Fe St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404
  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS St. Michael W. Temple Webber Cancer Center - 2602 St Michael Dr, Texarkana, TX 75503

Support Groups in New Mexico

Santa Fe

  • Meeting location: CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Cancer Center - 455 St Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505