← Back
After treatment and remission

New plans

After treatment, many people rethink their priorities and set new goals. This topic explains how to plan for the future in a realistic and flexible way.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A row of seedlings under the sun.
Figure 1.New plans taking root.

01Short answer

Leukaemia treatment “pauses” life for a while: plans are put off and daily life revolves around hospital and tests. When treatment ends, it is time to look at the future again. Some people want to return to their old life; others change their priorities — more time for family, a new job, study, travel, hobbies or volunteering. The NCI calls this the “new normal”. At the same time, planning ahead can be hard: fear of relapse (topic “Fear on test day”), fatigue and uncertainty raise the question “is it worth making long-term plans?”. Approaches that help: first think about what matters to you; start with near, small and realistic goals — for example, for one month or three months; also write down long-term dreams, as they give direction; keep plans flexible and change them if needed; and share your plans with loved ones. Make big decisions (changing jobs, moving, starting a family, having a child) without rushing; some need medical advice — for example, planning a pregnancy (topics “Late effects are individual” and “Fertility after childhood treatment”) or a long-distance trip (topic “Travelling again”). Noting small achievements keeps motivation going. New plans do not replace check-ups and medical advice — they are part of your “long-term health” plan (topic “Long-term health”).

02Simple explanation

After treatment priorities may change.

Start with small, realistic goals.

Keep plans flexible.

Make big decisions without rushing.

Note small achievements.

03Scientific explanation

New normal: the NCI notes that many people rethink their values and priorities after treatment.

The future: the NCI’s “Facing Forward” says that planning ahead in small steps helps adjustment.

Feelings: the NCI and CRUK say that uncertainty and fear are normal and that there are ways to cope with them.

Planning: according to the NCI, forward-looking goals can help improve quality of life.

04What happens in the body?

Why do priorities change?

A serious illness makes people think about what really matters.

An open door of light in a meadow.
Figure 2.New possibilities — New plans

Small goals

Start with realistic goals for one or three months. They build confidence and motivation.

Long-term dreams

Write these down too: they give direction. Near and far goals together form a road map.

A map with small flags.
Figure 3.Near and far goals — New plans

Flexibility

Health and energy can change. Changing a plan is not failure.

Medical advice

Discuss plans such as pregnancy, long-distance travel or heavy physical work with your doctor.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05New plans

Steps.

Reflect — What matters?1ReflectWhat matters?
Small goal — A near goal.2Small goalA near goal.
Flexible — Flexible plans.3FlexibleFlexible plans.
Share — Share with loved ones.4ShareShare with loved ones.
GoalsGoals become clearer.
PathA path to the future opens.
MeaningMeaning returns.

06An example of planning (simplified)

Time frameExample goal
1 monthA daily walk
3 monthsA phased return to work
1 yearA course or a trip
Long termDreams and big decisions

* Choose goals that suit your situation.

07Key terms

New normal
Changed life after treatment.
Priority
What matters most to you.
Short-term goal
A near, small goal.
Long-term goal
A distant dream.
Uncertainty
The feeling that the future is unknown.
Motivation
The wish to act.

08Key points

  • Think about what matters.
  • Start with small goals.
  • Write down your dreams too.
  • Be flexible.
  • Don’t rush big decisions.
  • Note your achievements.

09Frequently asked questions

Is it worth making long-term plans?

Yes; they give direction, as long as they stay flexible.

Fear gets in the way of planning.

Talk with your doctor or a psychologist (topic “Fear on test day”).

Can I plan a pregnancy?

Discuss it with your doctor first (topic “Late effects are individual”).

I don’t feel like doing anything.

If this goes on, it may be a sign of depression (topic “Traumatic memories”).

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is it worth making long-term plans?

  2. Fear gets in the way of planning.

  3. Can I plan a pregnancy?

  4. I don’t feel like doing anything.

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Survivorship: the new normal
  2. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer emotionally
  5. National Cancer Institute. Coping: survivorship
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →