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For some people with bile duct cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. You might be relieved to finish treatment, but you might also find it hard not to worry about the cancer coming back. This is a very common concern if you’ve had cancer.

For other people, bile duct cancer might never go away completely. Some people may get regular chemotherapy or other treatments to try and help control the cancer. Learning to live with cancer that doesn't go away can be difficult. But many people find ways to manage their health and maintain a good quality of life.

No matter what your situation is, there are steps you can take to live well, both physically and emotionally.

Follow-up care after bile duct cancer

After finishing treatment for bile duct cancer, you’ll still see your cancer care team regularly. You may have tests to look for signs that the cancer has come back. Let your care team know about any new symptoms or problems, because these could be caused by the bile duct cancer coming back, by a new disease, or by second cancer.

What is a survivorship care plan?

Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan can guide your next steps after treatment, including follow-up appointments and ways to stay healthy.

A survivorship plan might include:

• A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests
• A timeline for other tests, such as screening for other cancers or monitoring for long-term health effects from your cancer or treatment
• A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when to contact your doctor
• Diet and physical activity suggestions

What is the follow-up schedule after bile duct cancer?

If you’ve completed treatment for bile duct cancer, your doctors will still want to watch you closely. It’s very important to go to all your follow-up appointments.

Many doctors recommend follow-up appointments about every 6 months for at least the first couple of years after treatment ends. After that, your doctor will probably want to see you once a year.

During these visits, your cancer care team will ask questions about any problems you may have. They will examine you and may check lab tests or x-rays and scans to look for signs of cancer or treatment side effects.

Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to months, but others can last the rest of your life. Some side effects may not develop until months or even years after treatment has ended. Talk to your cancer care team about any changes or problems you notice and about any questions or concerns you have.

Late or long-term side effects of treatment

One long-term side effect of treatment for bile duct cancer is the development of strictures after surgery to the biliary system. Strictures are noncancerous scars that form slowly. They may narrow the bile ducts, causing symptoms like those of the original bile duct cancer.

Learn more about Late and Long-term Effects of Cancer.

If your cancer does come back (recur), further treatment will depend on where the cancer is, what treatments you’ve had before, and your overall health.

 For more general information on cancer coming back (recurrence), see Understanding Recurrence.

Social and emotional health after cancer

Feeling depressed, anxious, or worried is normal when cancer is a part of your life. Some people say they appreciate life more after a cancer diagnosis, or that they’ve gained a greater acceptance of themselves. Other people become very anxious about their health and uncertain about coping with everyday life. Some people are affected more than others.

As time passes, you might still have feelings of fear and anxiety, but these emotions shouldn’t be a constant part of your daily life. If they persist, be sure to talk with your healthcare team.

Everyone can benefit from help and support, whether it’s from friends, family, religious groups, support groups, professional counselors, or others. Many survivors and people living with cancer find it helpful to join an in-person support group or an online community of survivors. This gives you the chance to talk with people who have had similar first-hand experiences.

Other options for support include talking with a member of your healthcare team, participating in individual counseling, or asking for assistance at the learning resource center where you received treatment.

Learn more about Life After Cancer.