Survivorship
Commonwealth Hematology-Oncology is one of the few private practices in the country to offer a survivorship program, which helps patients in the crucial time after the end of treatment, a period when patients often feel abandoned and without hope.
The goal is to help patients deal with the long term effects of Chemo and Radiation therapy. These effects include but are not limited to:
- cardiovascular toxicity/dysfunction
- pulmonary toxicity
- endocrine disorders
- cognitive dysfunction (aka “chemo brain”)
- renal insufficiency
- second malignancies
- infertility and reproductive issues
- neuropathy
- hematological malignancies
- fatigue
- sexual concerns
Another concern with survivorship is fertility issues, especially when younger patients are being treated. It’s taking the time to talk about fertility issues up front that is crucial, but often overlooked. For men, it is ‘sperm banking,’ and for women, it is suppressing the menstrual cycle to protect the eggs. It’s case by case, but it’s an area that must be addressed.
How Does It Work?
A patient will have a transition visit with a Nurse Practitioner (NP) before survivorship starts. The transition visit will be scheduled two to three weeks after his/her last treatment. The NP will review and inform the patient on next steps and what to expect after that point. It will allow the NP to work with the patient to develop a plan to transition back to work, home, and towards the new “normal” which he/she must now adjust.
Once a survivor, everything else is buried under the previous diagnosis. One of the procedures being implemented by the CHO Survivorship team is that forms will be sent to the patient’s PCP and a copy will be given to the patient as well. This form will summarize the patient’s treatment, follow-up tests needed and when to administer them,as well as a list of potential long term consequences of therapy.
If the patient moves, he/she will have the information to ensure a smooth transition outside of the Oncology office. It will also provide crucial information to ER Clinicians when the patient presents for treatment there.