McLeod Cancer Center

After Cancer Treatment Care Plans April 13, 2011

A group member recently wrote and asked the following question: “In regard to pain management, I read that 40% of breast cancer survivors have pain — should this be a part of our written long-term after cancer treatment follow up care plan?”

The After Cancer Treatment Care Plan attempts to improve/enhance the care a cancer patient receives once active treatment has ended. During treatment, patients are receiving constant care from their health care team. However, after treatment ends, many patients feel like they are in limbo not knowing what to expect next in their follow up care. A Care Plan that addresses post-treatment cancer survivor care “can improve quality of life for the cancer patient.”

You may ask what is a Care Plan? A Care Plan begins with an end of treatment summary, date of diagnosis, type of cancer, stage of cancer, and what your treatment included. The following list includes some things you can do to empower yourself and become an active member of your care team:

• Ask your doctor for an end of treatment summary.
• Ask questions about potential long-term health conditions that can develop throughout your life both in the short-term and long-term.
• What treatment consisted of and the names of your chemotherapies or any therapeutic agents you received.
• What the health risks associated with those treatments could pose to you in the future.
• Symptoms that could potentially indicate recurrence.
• Information regarding how often you might need health screenings and check-ups.
• A personal wellness plan that includes ways to care for your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
• A list of support resources.

To answer the question as to whether you should include the subject of pain in your Care Plan the answer is yes as this would fall under information on both short and long-term effects of cancer. It is also important that as part of your follow up care with your physician you should make him aware of any symptoms that are bothersome or new, including pain. For additional information or to look at samples of After Cancer Treatment Care Plans, you may contact me at rserrano@mcleodhealth.org or call 843-777-5695.

By the way, the next meeting of Shelby’s Group is Thursday, April 21, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the McLeod Resource Room, 927 E. Day Street. Please consider joining us and remember new members are always welcome!

Thanks,

Raquel