The demands of college, trades and training programs can be hard to handle. You are wise to plan up front and give yourself the best chance of success.  As a result of your cancer and treatments, you may find changes in your body such as fatigue (low energy), muscle weakness, or changes in vision, hearing or movement. Some people may have changes in thinking and attending to information or memorizing things.   

You may also feel less able to cope with the stress of a full course load. If your problem is mainly fatigue, it can be helpful to return to school part time, to allow yourself to adjust to school demands and finish your healing. It is worth speaking to your school counseling department for advice and support about housing, so you can be successful in your learning.   

If your changes go beyond fatigue ask your doctor if this is expected, whether this will get better or not and whether you would benefit from medical, rehabilitation and psychological support.   

Vocational rehabilitation counselling and group support is on hand at BC Cancer to help those who would like explore ways to stay at school or return to school but are coping with cancer care and healing. 

Vocational rehabilitation assessment is also available to those who would like to explore career choices before committing to a training program.