Surviving cancer is often thought of as a huge triumph. That’s true, and we should celebrate the wins at every stage of the cancer experience. But “survivorship” is much more than just surviving. So, what is survivorship?

Texas Oncology’s definition of “survivorship” aligns with the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. According to the National Cancer Institute, “In cancer, survivorship focuses on the health and well-being of a person with cancer from the time of diagnosis until the end of life. This includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer that begin at diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. The survivorship experience also includes issues related to follow-up care (including regular health and wellness checkups), late effects of treatment, cancer recurrence, second cancers, and quality of life.” Those living with metastatic cancer are also survivors.

Understanding Survivorship

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, when people refer to cancer survivorship, they typically mean “navigating their life experiences and challenges resulting from a cancer diagnosis.” Survivorship can look different from person to person because of the specific cancer, type of treatment, any need for ongoing treatment, long-term side effects, and approach to coping and adapting to life after a diagnosis.

Some people have a natural anxiety about cancer recurrence, especially as tests or anniversary dates near. Some people find they have a completely different outlook toward their life and those around them. Personal relationships and work or activities may change as well. The important thing to remember is that it takes time and patience to navigate the changes you may experience. Talking with your healthcare provider about challenges you are facing can help you find helpful strategies to navigate your post-cancer life.

Transitioning from Active Treatment

Either after or during treatment, survivors and their caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend a Survivorship Care Plan Visit, a one-on-one session with an advance practice provider. Because every person is different, a Survivorship Care Plan is customized with a record of the patient’s cancer history and recommendations for follow-up care. This can include schedules for follow-up visits and testing, ongoing care, and recommendations for early detection and how to manage treatment-related effects. Texas Oncology patients receive a Survivorship Toolkit that covers a wide range of topics and guidance after treatment.

Survivorship Care

Specialized care for someone experiencing cancer evolves. Acute care takes place during active treatment. Survivorship care continues after initial treatment. While periodic doctor’s visits and tests play a part, self-care and living a healthy lifestyle are vital. Addressing latent and long-term side effects is a key area of survivorship care, and may include:

• Cognitive health, sometimes referred to as “chemobrain”
• Sound sleep
• Good nutrition
• Physical activity
• Sexual health

Your healthcare provider can help guide you on addressing your specific needs.

No matter where you are in your cancer experience, you are a survivor. Your care team is there with you, for the long term, to support, guide, and encourage you.

Learn more about Texas Oncology Foundation’s educational and support programs for those impacted by cancer, including survivors and their caregivers.

A cancer diagnosis is challenging in many ways. Focusing on fighting cancer should be your priority. Transportation is definitely not top of mind. The last thing a patient or caregiver wants to think about is how to get to and from the many medical appointments. Let’s face it, for many, the logistics of attending frequent physician and clinic appointments can be daunting.

Through our partnership with American Cancer Society, Texas Oncology Foundation provides Texas Oncology patients with transportation to and from treatment appointments that they otherwise would be unable to attend. Patients share just how impactful it can be:

“It was such a lifeline! When you are dealing with cancer and going to 100 different doctors all the time, having this resource available was huge. It was so reliable and took so much pressure off me. Knowing I didn’t have to struggle to find a ride was a big impact on my treatment and my healing.” (Austin, TX)

“I have a side effect of not remembering things, like where I lived. I spoke to my social worker about it, and the next day I started receiving LYFT drivers every day. She made me feel listened to, and confident in being able to receive the medical care I needed. Thank you!” (Wichita Falls, TX)

Funds are restricted by community. If you or a loved one could benefit from this service, please ask your local Texas Oncology social worker to find out if you qualify and get more details on how the program works.

Texas Oncology Foundation recognizes the need to provide transportation is great. If you’d like to help cancer patients keep their treatment on track, please consider giving to Texas Oncology Foundation. You can designate funds specifically for transportation assistance.

Caregivers are the unsung heroes of cancer care. It can be an exhausting job, both physically and mentally. Connecting with others who know firsthand what you are going through can be a lifeline when someone you love has a cancer diagnosis.

Texas Oncology Foundation offers Caregiver Connections. This free, ongoing virtual support group is open to caregivers only, to offer a safe space to connect with others. Because it’s for caregivers only, the focus is solely on your needs, with both emotional and practical support. It’s a place to speak openly and honestly, to share experiences, ways of coping and helpful resources.

Facilitated by masters-level social workers, the group meets twice a month. If you can’t come every session, that’s ok. Come back to the next session. Connecting with others with shared experiences can be both valuable and comforting.

First and Third Thursdays

10:00 am to 11:00 am CT

Via Zoom

Get more information and Sign Up Here

This year’s Texas Oncology Foundation Golf Classic, held at Lantana Golf Club on April 22, grossed more than $85,000. Proceeds from the event will be restricted for patient and caregiver education and financial assistance in the Dallas area.

This annual event features a highly anticipated helicopter ball drop, a four-person scramble and celebration dinner post play.

Fundraisers like this tournament in Dallas, wine tastings and 5K walks are a great way for participants to come together and support their neighbors. All the money raised in a community always stays in that community. Upcoming Texas Oncology fundraising events, held across Texas, can be found here.

Texas Oncology was the presenting sponsor, and the dinner sponsor was Meridian. The Cooling Stations Sponsor was Pharmacosmos Therapeutics. Strength sponsors included:  USI/Texas Medical Liability Trust; Gilead; and Celltrion Healthcare. Hope Sponsors were Cottonwood Development; Caris Life Sciences; Daiichi Sankyo; and BeiGene. Friend sponsors Wilson Bauhaus Interiors; Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Heron Therapeutics; and Avyx Pharma, LLC.