How do I take care of myself if I have fibrosarcoma?
Many times cancer makes people feel as if they’ve lost control of their lives. Committing to self-care is one way to overcome those feelings. Here are some things you can do during and after your treatment for fibrosarcoma:
- If you’ll need cancer surgery, ask your healthcare provider what to expect immediately after surgery and any follow-up treatment. Knowing what to expect will help you focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t control.
- Chemotherapy treatments might affect your appetite. Try to eat a healthy diet, and talk to a nutritionist if you’re having trouble eating.
- Radiation therapy can leave you feeling exhausted. Plan to rest as much as possible during your treatment.
- You’ll probably need or want help while you’re going through treatment. Your friends and family likely are anxious to do what they can. Let them know how they can help you.
- After treatment, you’ll have regular checkups and tests to see if your cancer has returned. That might make you feel as if you’re living from checkup to checkup and not able to live your life. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re feeling anxious. They might have ideas for managing that anxiety.
- Cancer is stressful. You might find that activities such as meditation, relaxation exercises or deep breathing exercises can help to ease your stress.
When should I see my healthcare provider if I have fibrosarcoma?
Generally speaking, you’ll see your provider every three months for the first two years after you finish treatment and then at longer intervals until four or five years after your treatment.
You should always contact your provider any time you notice new lumps or have new pain. Fibrosarcoma can come back after treatment or metastasize (spread to another area your body). While lumps and pain might not be cancer, you should see your provider so they can evaluate your symptoms.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Many cancer treatments affect your immune system, increasing your chance of developing infections. Symptoms that might require an emergency room visit during treatment include:
- Fever of 100.4 ֯ Fahrenheit (38.3 ֯ Celsius) and above.
- Chills.
- Productive or “wet” cough.
- Stomach pain.
- Persistent diarrhea.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Fibrosarcoma is a rare form of cancer. You might have questions about a cancer that few people know about. Here are basic questions you might want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What kind of cancer is fibrosarcoma?
- Why did I develop this cancer?
- Can fibrosarcoma be cured?
- What are treatment options for fibrosarcoma?
- Will I have a single treatment or more than one kind of treatment?
- What is the success rate for these treatments?
- What are the side effects of each treatment?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Learning you have a rare form cancer might launch a flood of emotions, from feeling afraid and anxious to feeling angry. Think about giving yourself some time to let those feelings flow. Doing that might help you to move on to next steps, such as helping your friends and family understand your diagnosis and how they can support you. If you’re feeling stuck or trapped in an emotional riptide, ask your healthcare provider for help. They understand what you’re going through and will be able to help you stay focused on your health.
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