Hester Hill Schnipper Photo courtesy of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
ALMOST ANYONE WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS who receives treatment for extended time periods longs for some reprieve from the ports, infusions and pills that may become all too familiar. Treatment breaks may not always be wise, but in some situations, physicians do consider giving patients treatment holidays, which are planned and voluntary pauses from the rigors of treatment.
The motivation for treatment holidays can be varied. Perhaps a person with cancer is looking to travel for a once‑in-a-lifetime trip. Or maybe the time away from treatment can give someone a chance to build back their strength. Sometimes, even a physician will recommend a short pause between treatments to help patients build back reserves before starting another round.
People with cancer will have different views on whether they want a treatment holiday, but if you are considering pausing treatment for any reason, these points can help you weigh the pros and cons of the decision with your health care team.
1) Ask your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of stopping treatment and how much time you might safely take away from treatment.
2) Be clear about your reasons for needing a break. Doctors may be able to address concerns, such as side effects and scheduling, by adjusting the intensity of your treatment regimen.
3) If members of your care team believe taking a break is unwise, they will tell you so. Listen carefully, and ask them to be as frank as possible.
4) No one can predict with certainty what will happen once you stop treatment. Factor in your ability to live with a certain amount of anxiety when you consider these benefits and risks.
5) Keep in mind that cancer is full of unknowns. It may help to think about making this educated decision as just one more uncertainty.
6) If you take time away from treatment, you might find yourself rethinking that choice. Try to remind yourself why you decided to take a break and put your worry aside.
7) If you decide to take a treatment holiday, plan a trip or vacation. Even short trips can help remind you of the larger world beyond cancer.
8) Remember that you can always shorten a planned treatment break if, for any reason, you decide you would prefer to return to treatment sooner.
9) Keep communication lines with your care team open. You can still schedule appointments and scans, and you can check in with your doctor about any concerns.
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