Survivorship Care

Baptist MD Anderson connects you with a dedicated oncology advanced practice provider and nurse navigator who will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan during your initial visit that will include:

• Monitoring for cancer recurrence following active treatment for cancer with a comprehensive review of medical history and symptoms and a complete physical exam (including pelvic exam for gynecologic cancers)
• Detecting and managing any side effects from cancer or its treatment
• A written summary with the cancer diagnosis, treatment history, follow up surveillance plan after active treatment, and signs and symptoms that would be concerning for cancer recurrence
• Providing health education to survivors regarding common cancer survivor issues that may include:
  • Potential late and long-term effects of treatment
  • Fear of recurrence
  • Financial and or employment issues/concerns
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Lymphedema
  • Neuropathy
  • Bone loss
  • Cardiovascular risks
  • Memory issues
  • Future cancer risks and risk reduction
• Providing a personalized risk assessment and preventive screening guidelines for monitoring for secondary cancers
• Facilitating a familial genetic risk assessment (if appropriate)
• Providing referrals to specialists, resources, and services as needed
• Health education regarding prevention of medical problems to promote and sustain a healthy lifestyle
• Communication with patients, the primary care provider and the treatment team

Clinic appointments are available at the downtown Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center and at Baptist South. This clinic is open to breast cancer survivors who are no longer on active treatment (except endocrine therapy) and are referred by their oncology or primary care provider.

Clinic appointments are available at the downtown Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center five days a week. This clinic is open to gynecologic cancer survivors who are no longer on active treatment and are referred by their oncology or primary care provider.

The Life After Cancer patient education series offers a FREE monthly presentation covering various survivorship and wellness topics. The presentations are presented by Baptist MD Anderson’s staff as well as community-based oncology specialists and advocates. We believe that taking an active role in learning more about your cancer and ways to manage stress, side effects and daily living can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Fourth Tuesday of each month at noon

Surviving cancer is a lifelong commitment. Completing cancer treatment can bring happiness and joy but it can also bring uncertainty. It’s common for survivors to be concerned about cancer recurrence, financial issues, long term physical and emotional effects, among other issues. The Life After Cancer support group provides a safe space for cancer survivors to share their experiences. This forum gives the participants the support and strength to move forward together, rather than on their own. Many times members of the group will have similar issues and they can support each other with suggesting new ways to address the issues. Even if you are not yet ready to share your own feelings, it can be helpful simply listening to others speak about their feelings. It’s often comforting to know that your experiences as you transition from patient to survivor are common.

RSVP: Shari Dowd, LMHC, CCM 904.202.7309 or shari.dowd@bmcjax.com

Research has shown that regular exercise speeds recovery for cancer survivors, promotes the effectiveness of other parts of treatment, and can significantly deter recurrence rates. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has issued exercise recommendations for cancer survivors. The recommendations state that cancer survivors should participate in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise 3-5 times per week and strength training 2-3 times per week.

As part of its L.I.F.E. Survivorship Program, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a Cancer Exercise Program that helps cancer survivors reengage in physical activity and exercise after a cancer diagnosis. The program customizes a personalized exercise plan that is designed for each patient’s needs, abilities and interests based on surgeries, type of cancer, and underlying and associated medical conditions.

For further information and referral to this program please discuss with your Baptist MD Anderson oncology team.

The Baptist Community Wellness Centers offer wellness coaching and meal planning to our cancer survivors at the community YMCAs courtesy of Baptist Health. Membership to the YMCA is not required.

Health coaching is a partnership. Throughout the partnership, your health coach will be a supportive mentor, motivating you to make positive health choices that will impact your overall wellbeing intended to help you move from where you are to where you want to be.

What does a health coach do?

• Nutrition & Lifestyle Guidance: Your health coach will teach you how to make better health and lifestyle decisions through goal-setting, educating and implementing a plan.
• Facilitates Sustainable Changes: Change, even for the better, is often difficult to achieve. We will work together to determine the best way to make the changes needed to meet your goals.
• Provides Motivation and Support: Communication, motivation and support will keep you on track and get you past the obstacles and challenges that arise.
• Helps You Develop Your Strengths and Abilities: Everyone is good at something and we will use your “something” to your advantage.
• Assists You in Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging when the rest of the world seems to be embracing unhealthy foods and habits.

For further information and referral to this program please discuss with your Baptist MD Anderson oncology team.