Stomach Cancer Information
Recovery & Follow Up
Rehabilitation and followup care is an important part of the overall stomach cancer treatment process. The goal of stomach cancer rehabilitation is to improve a person's quality of life. The medical team, which may include doctors, nurses, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, or a social worker, develops a stomach cancer rehabilitation plan to meet each patient's physical and emotional needs, helping the patient return to normal activities as soon as possible.
Cancer patients and their families may need to work with an occupational therapist to overcome any difficulty in eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, or other activities. Physical therapy may be needed to regain strength in muscles and to prevent stiffness and swelling. Physical therapy may also be necessary if an arm or leg is weak or paralyzed, or if a patient has trouble with balance.
It is important for people who have had stomach cancer to continue to have examinations regularly after their stomach cancer treatment is over. Followup care ensures that any changes in health are identified, and if there is a recurrence of stomach cancer, it can be treated as soon as possible. Checkups may include a careful physical exam, imaging procedures, endoscopy, or lab tests.
Between scheduled appointments, people who have had stomach cancer should report any health problems to their doctor as soon as they appear.
