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Meg Berte Owen, a 13-year survivor of Hodgkin's disease, shares her philosophy on life after cancer. Presented at the 2008 Survivorship Celebration
Run Time: 10 minutes |
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In some patients, lymphoma and its treatment can lead to problems later in life. Because of the risk of complications of some earlier lymphoma treatments, physicians at Memorial Sloan-Kettering have moved away from those therapies whenever possible, replacing them with treatments shown to have fewer long-term adverse effects.
Follow-Up Care
After the completion of treatment for lymphoma, patients should see their physicians for frequent follow-up exams, and should be monitored life-long for any complications. Doctors will watch for any side effects of treatment and for signs of the recurrence of disease. During these check-ups, patients may have tests including a physical exam, blood tests, bone marrow aspirates, biopsies, and x-rays.
Patients who experience any new symptoms should contact their physicians right away. The sooner these symptoms are evaluated and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Medical treatments for hematologic malignancies can decrease patients' strength and endurance and increase their fatigue. Patients may find it difficult to complete basic daily activities such as taking a shower or getting dressed. Walking or maintaining an active lifestyle may become a burden.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering's physical and occupational therapists are knowledgeable about the medical treatments provided to patients with hematologic malignancies. They can help patients combat the side effects of treatment and of cancer by teaching them specific therapeutic exercises and energy conservation techniques aimed at maintaining strength and endurance while decreasing fatigue in everyday life.
See Rehabilitation for further information about our services, including appointment information.
Other Aspects of Survivorship
To help patients manage some of the other issues that may come up in survivorship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs for cancer survivors, including the following:
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling sessions to help cancer survivors and their families address the problems that they may encounter in adjusting to life during and after treatment.
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Living Beyond Cancer
People facing the challenges of cancer survivorship can access a variety of support services through the Living Beyond Cancer section of our Web site. This section includes information about professionally led support groups and counseling; survivorship clinics to manage late effects of cancer and treatment; recommendations about screening and healthy living; and specialized services to address sexual and reproductive health. We also offer a range of resources to help survivors, families, and friends better understand the complex emotional and social issues following treatment.
Additional services are offered through our Post-Treatment Resource Program, which provides a full range of educational support services, including individual and family counseling, periodic lectures or workshops to provide medical updates, and practical guidance on employment and insurance issues.
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Integrative Medicine Service
Our Integrative Medicine Service is designed to enhance quality of life through healing regimens that address the body, mind, and spirit. Beneficial complementary therapies include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization and other mind-body therapies, music therapy, and nutritional counseling, as well as classes such as yoga, t'ai chi, and chair aerobics. Patients may benefit from some of these services in the hospital, while others are better suited to recovering or recovered patients after discharge.
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Sexual Health
Sexuality can be affected by cancer and its treatment. Memorial Sloan-Kettering has many physicians, nurses, social workers, and psychologists who are familiar with sexual health problems as they relate to cancer treatment and can help you address your concerns. For more information, visit Sexual Health.
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Help for the Older Cancer Patient
A diagnosis of cancer is difficult at any age, but older patients face unique challenges. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to providing cancer patients aged 65 and older with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers the services of a multidisciplinary geriatric team, which includes physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, as well as members of the Pain and Palliative Care Department and the Integrative Medicine Service. The programs and care the team provides focus on the needs of elderly cancer patients.
For more information about our services for older patients as well as for their family and friends, visit the Help for the Older Patient section of our Web site.
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Screening & Wellness
Memorial Sloan-Kettering provides numerous prevention, screening, and wellness services. Information about these services; up-to-date information on cancer screening tests and guidelines; step-by-step instructions for a variety of self-exams; guidance on how to stop smoking; and how to follow a healthy diet can be found on our Web site in the Prevention & Screening section.
