Why Effective Survivorship Plans are Critical
Surviving cancer is a momentous accomplishment, but it is not the end of the journey. After treatment ends, many patients are given a survivorship plan to guide them toward optimal health. However, these plans can sometimes fall short, leaving patients feeling lost and alone.
In this article, we will explore what happens when survivorship plans don’t work and provide guidance for navigating the next steps.
What Are Survivorship Plans and How Do They Work?
Survivorship plans are comprehensive care plans that help cancer survivors manage their long-term health and well-being after treatment. They typically include information about the patient’s diagnosis and treatment, as well as recommendations for follow-up care, surveillance, and screening. However, survivorship plans don’t always work as intended, and patients may face challenges when trying to implement them.
For example, they may struggle to find healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about survivorship care or who accept their insurance. They may also encounter financial barriers, such as high out-of-pocket costs for follow-up care or medication. Additionally, survivorship plans may not address all of the patient’s needs, such as mental health support, lifestyle changes, or social support.
To overcome these challenges, patients and their caregivers may need to advocate for themselves and seek out additional resources, such as support groups or financial assistance programs.
Common Obstacles to Effective Survivorship Planning
Despite the potential benefits of survivorship plans, there are several common obstacles that can hinder their effectiveness. One of the main challenges is a lack of awareness or education among healthcare providers about survivorship care.
Many providers may not be familiar with the latest guidelines for survivorship care. Or may not have the time or resources to provide comprehensive follow-up care. Another barrier is the high cost of care, which can make it difficult for patients to access the necessary services and medication.
Patients may also face emotional or psychological challenges, such as anxiety or depression, that can affect their ability to manage their health and adhere to their survivorship plan. Finally, survivors may struggle to navigate the complex healthcare system and may not know where to turn for support or resources.
Strategies for Overcoming Survivorship Planning Challenges
There are several strategies that cancer survivors can use to overcome the challenges associated with survivorship planning. One approach is to become an active participant in their care and to communicate openly and honestly with their healthcare team. Patients can also seek out resources and support from organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the ever-growing Cancer Support Community.
Additionally, patients can make lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and processed meats which can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Finally, patients can advocate for themselves and others by sharing their stories and experiences with policymakers and healthcare providers, and by raising awareness about the importance of survivorship care.
The Role of Social Support in Survivorship Care
Social support can play a critical role in survivorship care by providing emotional, practical, and informational assistance to cancer survivors. This support can come from family members, friends, support groups, or online communities.
Social support can help survivors cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer and can improve their quality of life. It can also provide practical assistance, such as transportation to medical appointments or help with household chores. I can’t begin to share just how important the practicality of simple forms of generosity has made in my own survivorship journey.
Finally, social support can offer information and guidance about survivorship care, such as tips for managing side effects or navigating the healthcare system. Healthcare providers can also play a role in facilitating social support by connecting survivors with appropriate resources and support groups.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Survivorship Care
Self-advocacy is an essential skill for cancer survivors who want to take an active role in their care and ensure that their needs are met. Self-advocacy involves speaking up for oneself, asking questions, and seeking out information and resources. It also involves being an active participant in one’s care, such as keeping track of appointments and medications and following up with healthcare providers. Self-advocacy can empower survivors to take control of their health and ensure they receive the care they need.
By understanding the challenges associated with survivorship care, cancer survivors can better prepare themselves for the journey ahead. By utilizing strategies such as self-advocacy, social support, and lifestyle changes, survivors can become proactive in their care and gain a greater sense of control and well-being. Survivorship care can be a daunting task, but by seeking out resources and support, cancer survivors can find the strength to overcome the challenges associated with their care.
This is one of my BIG WHYs for Internal Architect and sharing my story, journey, and thoughts on survivorship.
How can individuals cope when survivorship plans don’t work?
When a survivorship plan doesn’t work, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for individuals. Coping with such a situation can be difficult, but there are some things that people can do to help themselves.
Another potential drawback of survivorship plans is that they may not account for unexpected events or changes in circumstances. For example, a patient may experience a recurrence of their cancer, which could require a different treatment plan. And subsequently, a new survivorship plan. Additionally, life circumstances may change, such as a job loss or family illness. This can easily impact a patient’s ability to follow their survivorship plan.
One of the most important things is to acknowledge their emotions and not suppress them! It’s normal to feel sad, angry, or frustrated when a plan doesn’t work. But most importantly, it’s essential to allow oneself to experience these emotions fully.
Support Comes in Many Forms
Another helpful coping mechanism is to seek support from loved ones or a support group. Sharing one’s feelings and experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can be incredibly beneficial. Additionally, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide a safe and supportive environment. Helping work through one’s emotions and develop coping strategies.
Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies can also help manage stress and improve mental health. Finally, it’s essential to recognize that healing takes time and that there may be setbacks along the way. Being patient with oneself and staying committed to the process can lead to eventual healing and growth.
How can healthcare professionals better support patients when survivorship plans don’t work?
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in supporting patients when survivorship plans don’t work. One of the most crucial things healthcare professionals can do is to listen and validate their patients’ emotions and experiences. By providing a compassionate and supportive environment, healthcare professionals can help their patients feel heard and understood.
Additionally, healthcare professionals can help patients develop new survivorship plans that are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. They can provide education and resources to help patients navigate their care and manage their symptoms.
Collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients is also essential. Patients should be encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and participate in their care decisions. Finally, healthcare professionals should recognize that each patient’s survivorship journey is unique. That there is no one-size-fits-all approach to survivorship care. By providing personalized and individualized care, healthcare professionals can better support their patients when survivorship plans don’t work.
What research is being done to improve survivorship planning?
There is ongoing research to improve survivorship planning and support for cancer survivors. Studies are being conducted to better understand the challenges that cancer survivors face and to identify interventions that can improve survivorship outcomes.
Research is also being done to develop new survivorship care models that are more personalized and tailored to individual needs. For example, some studies are exploring the use of survivorship care plans that incorporate technology and telemedicine to improve patient access to care and information.
Other research is focused on understanding the long-term effects of cancer treatment and developing interventions to manage these effects. Finally, there is research being done to identify ways to improve patient education and engagement in survivorship planning. By continuing to invest in research and innovation, we can improve survivorship outcomes and better support cancer survivors.
Final Thoughts…
Survivorship planning is an essential aspect of cancer care that can help survivors achieve optimal health and well-being. However, when survivorship plans don’t work, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.
It’s important to note that survivorship plans should be seen as a guide, rather than a strict set of rules.
By acknowledging and validating my emotions, seeking support, engaging in self-care, and staying committed to a process, individuals can cope with the challenges of survivorship planning. Healthcare professionals can better support their patients by providing compassionate and individualized care and collaborating with patients in their care decisions.
During my second major recurrence with Classic Hodgkins Lymphoma, I realized that my personal Survivorship Care Plan needed to be more fluid and less conforming. Focusing on things that I could ultimately control. Like my diet, exercise and sport, family and friends, psychology, and most importantly, my time.
Ultimately, the success of a survivorship plan depends on the patient’s willingness to work hard and make the necessary changes to improve their health and well-being. The End Result is usually something that you have to work hard for. It’s easy to go back to old habits. -T
