We don’t need to tell you that a long cancer treatment often feels a lot like quarantine: you’re tired, more vulnerable to illness, less active and less social. No wonder you look forward to the time after treatment, when you can finally enjoy a coffee on a terrace, go on outings and pick up hobbies again. But then suddenly the coronavirus strikes and the whole world goes into lockdown. How does that feel after months of ‘cancer quarantine’? We asked two of our clients: Anja from Ghent and Marjan from Assendelft.

No visitors allowed in the hospital

Anja (48) from Ghent was supposed to finish an intensive chemotherapy course during the Easter holidays for her very rare and aggressive cancer. “I was so looking forward to that period and had planned plenty of things: starting rehab with fresh energy, spending a week at the seaside, and visiting Reims.

But during the last week of my treatment, the coronavirus crisis hit. That was incredibly hard because I wasn’t allowed any visitors in the hospital – every chemo session meant staying there for six days.” Being so ill from the chemo while not being able to see anyone for comfort was emotionally very heavy for Anja.

And her cancer journey had already been a rollercoaster: what didn’t seem more serious than a fibroid in December 2018 turned out to be a malignant tumor near the ovaries by the end of the following year. “Right after the surgery, the doctors told me it was probably benign. Only on New Year’s Eve, once all tests were completed, did I get the news it was cancer after all.”

Extra vulnerable after breast cancer

Marjan (50) from Assendelft learned last summer that she had breast cancer in her left breast. By February this year she had finished her chemotherapy, and in mid-March she underwent surgery. “Because of a complication I needed a second surgery. When I left the hospital afterwards, the world suddenly looked completely different.” Due to COVID-19, everyday life had stopped and everyone was suddenly isolated.

When Marjan had a fever not long ago, she was immediately tested for coronavirus. “Thankfully the test was negative. But you know you’re more vulnerable after cancer treatment, so I’m careful. Visitors stay at the door, and my partner’s son, who usually stays with us on weekends, isn’t coming over for now.” Anja shares the same story: she also keeps her bubble very small.

Social life on hold

Marjan had pictured her social life quite differently this spring. “Because of my treatment it was already much quieter than usual, but I still went to a walk-in center and joined OncoFit, a special health program for cancer patients. Now that’s all on hold, and the contact with friends and colleagues has fallen away.” It isn’t easy, but Marjan stays positive. “I’m not lonely. I have my partner, and I still see my mother and sister at a safe distance.”

A sunny trip before her next surgery in the fall may not happen, but Marjan has something else to look forward to. “Our new home is being built right now. We’re enjoying choosing finishes and details, and we’re sprucing up our current house to prepare it for sale. I help where I can and I’m doing a big clear-out in the meantime. That creates mental space too.”

Peace in the bubble

Anja has also adjusted her expectations for this summer. “I was really looking forward to going for coffee, sitting on a terrace, just getting out for a bit. That will have to wait. We’ve booked a week in the Dordogne in August, and I hope with all my heart it will happen. A little vacation would be such a welcome change to get out of the routine and out of my head.

Now that my treatments are finished, I feel mostly peaceful. By the end, I couldn’t stand the sight of the hospital anymore.” Home is better now, with her husband and sons. “I’m slowly regaining energy. I go for walks every day with my husband. I have to hold myself back sometimes because I tend to want to do too much at once” (she laughs). Her grueling chemotherapy took its toll, but Anja is eager to face the future.

Enjoying life’s little things after cancer

Marjan’s treatment isn’t over just yet, but soon she’ll also finish her course of radiotherapy. “Not having to go to the hospital as often feels like letting go, and that’s a bit scary. But it will do me good.” In the meantime, Marjan dreams of life after both cancer and corona. “I want to enjoy the little things again: go shopping, have dinner out, catch a movie.”

Marjan: “I actually feel quite good, apart from some stiffness and physical side effects. I’m not back to where I was before, but I try to take good care of myself. I use the exercise bike, go to acupuncture, eat healthy. And I’m happy my hair is growing back.” She has already packed away her chemo hats. “But I loved them. They were so comfortable and I got compliment after compliment wearing them.”

Curious for more inspiring stories like this interview with Anja and Marjan? Discover them all in our Personal Stories section >>