Who is considered a long-term survivor?
The LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center defines long-term survivor as someone who is at least five years from diagnosis and has completed all cancer therapy at least two years ago.
Can any long-term survivor come to the LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center?
Yes. It is important for survivors to be familiar with their treatment and to understand how that treatment may have the potential for long-term complications. In addition, survivors should know how to keep themselves as healthy as possible. We can help make a plan for lifetime follow-up.
What will happen on the day of my visit?
Before the visit, the team will review all of a patient’s treatment records and construct a concise summary of treatment from day of diagnosis to present. Using this information, we are able to develop a list of all possible long-term side effects. The team will also develop risk-based guidelines for maintaining good health. Using the Children’s Oncology Group long-term follow up guidelines (http://www.survivorshipguidelines.org/), we will develop a plan for routine health screening and management of any actual or potential late effects.
At the clinic visit, survivors meet with either a Pediatric Oncologist or a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in the care of childhood cancer survivors for a complete physical exam and any required laboratory or diagnostic testing. Survivors also have visits from a Child Life Specialist as well as a Social Worker dedicated to working with our long-term survivors.
We will review with the patient potential long-term effects of their cancer and its treatment. The team also will provide guidance on ways to improve quality of life and future health.
Above all, we will spend as much time as needed to answer questions and help develop a lifetime plan for wellness.