CAR T-cell therapy can be an emotionally challenging experience for both you and your family.
You may worry about:
- how you will feel while going through treatment
- potential short- and long-term side effects
- how long it will take to recover
- whether you will be able to go back to work or school
- whether CAR T-cell therapy will prolong or improve your quality of life
- how you and your family will be able to manage your household and financial obligations
It’s normal to feel worried, sad, or anxious. You may also feel conflicting emotions such as excitement and fear. If you constantly worry or feel down more days than not, it may be a sign that you should seek additional support.
Talk about Your Feelings
It’s important not to ignore or downplay your feelings. Finding an outlet to express and process your feelings can decrease stress, facilitate problem-solving and help you move forward in a healthy manner.
Some people find that talking with a supportive friend, journaling, or blogging helps them relieve stress.
Talking with a social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or pastoral counselor at the hospital often helps. If none is available, consult BMT InfoNet’s Directory of Mental Health Providers to a mental health provider near you.
It can also help to talk with others who have been through CAR T-cell therapy. They can share information about what to expect and strategies they found useful while undergoing treatment. BMT InfoNet’s Caring Connection Program can connect you with someone who has been through CAR T-cell therapy.
Meditation and Relaxation
Many people find that self-help measures like meditation, relaxation programs, and/or exercise relieve anxiety. Explore whether your hospital or a local cancer wellness center offers classes to teach these techniques.
You can also try some apps to help relieve stress. Calm.com , Headspace.com and the Breathe2relax app are worth exploring.
If you’re still feeling stressed, ask your doctor whether medication to reduce anxiety would be appropriate. Short-term use of these drugs does not lead to long-term dependence for most people.
You can also ask your CAR T-cell team to refer you to a palliative care specialist who can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Palliative care specialists not only help people near the end of life, but also help patients who are recovering from a serious illness and need help with issues such as pain and managing emotional challenges.
Next: The Role of the Caregiver
Updated November 2024
