THE POST-CANCER BLACK HOLE
From the moment you receive the diagnosis until your treatments are completed, you’re closely guided by the hospital. Afterward, there are still a number of follow-up checks, and from that point on, you have to pick up your life independently. But that’s not as simple as it sounds.

You try to get back on track to become your old self again, but it doesn’t go as expected. It can be difficult to resume where you left off. The “post-cancer black hole” is a well-known phenomenon.
The treatments have resulted in decreased endurance and strength, making you feel less fit. You might be more emotionally sensitive than you’re used to, and sometimes people around you assume you’re “better” because your treatments are over.1, 2

So, it’s not unusual that you feel exhausted, wonder how long this will last, and whether it will ever get better. You might even start believing that this is the new normal.

“I was convinced that I wouldn’t fall into that black hole everyone talks about. But after the whirlwind of treatments, it turned out that recovering was much harder and took much more time than I had expected. When I received help from Janneke, that’s when I truly started making progress in my recovery.”

FATIGUE
Feeling tired is very normal. During or after cancer treatment, 60% to 90% of people experience extreme fatigue. Fatigue after cancer is different from ordinary tiredness; most people describe it as extreme exhaustion. Some experience it constantly, while others go through periods of high and low energy. Fatigue often takes you by surprise. Its intensity can significantly limit your daily life. Sometimes even the smallest effort feels overwhelming.

So, it’s not unusual to feel incredibly tired after the intensive treatment process. The effects of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery don’t immediately dissipate. You might even continue to receive immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormonal treatment for some time, all of which can contribute to fatigue. About 20% to 40% of cancer survivors continue to experience long-lasting and extreme fatigue.

THE WAY FORWARD
For years now, we’ve seen a trend where more and more people are surviving cancer. While a significant portion of people (1 in 3) is affected by this disease, a large number fortunately survives. The period after treatment is becoming increasingly crucial. Becoming active again is important to reduce the chance of the disease coming back.

The human body has remarkable healing abilities. The feeling of fatigue and decreased fitness doesn’t have to be a lasting reminder of the disease. What’s essential is applying the right stimulus at the right time. And that’s where I’ll assist you.