Post-Treatment pathfinder

Canadian Cancer Society

BC Cancer Agency

Cancer and Work

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre (US-based)

Macmillian Cancer Support (UK-based)

National Cancer Institute (US-based)

American Society of Clinical Oncology (US-based)

American Cancer Society (US-based)

As you are finishing your cancer treatment, it is important that you talk with your health care team about next steps and follow- up care. It may take some time to get all the answers you need. It's never too early to start asking. Some possible questions may include:

• How long will it take to feel more like myself?
• What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?
• Which doctor(s) should I see for follow-up when treatment ends? How often?
• What tests or scans do I need after treatment is over? How often will I have them?
• What long-term health issues can I expect as a result of my cancer and treatment?
• What are the chances that my cancer will return?
• What symptoms should I be watching for?
• If I experience any symptoms, should I contact you or my family doctor?
• What can I do to stay as healthy as possible?
• What do I need to know about my treatment history?
• What records should I keep?

This section has been adapted from the National Cancer Institute article on "Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Finished Treatment."

Original article: cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/survivorship/questions

• Cancer View Canada
  Watch "The Truth of It" video series online at cancerview.ca/thetruthofit (click on Common Themes).
• Odette Cancer Centre
  This video will help you understand why you have anxiety, what you can do to help, and when you should call your health care team. Go to sunnybrook.ca/cancereducation
  (click on My video learning → Anxiety).
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivors (US-based)
  Listen online to "Cancer Survival Toolkit" at canceradvocacy.org/resources/cancer-survival-toolbox. 
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (US_based)
  Watch videos on various topics related to post- treatment at cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/videos/after-treatment-and-survivorship.

These free drop-in sessions and classes take place in the Odette Cancer Centre for patients and caregivers.

Please pick up a calendar from the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) or go to sunnybrook.ca/cancereducation (click on My workshops and classes).

• Lymphedema
• Early Menopause
• Tips to Quit Smoking
• Breathe Easy!
• Art Therapy

• Ask a Nutrition Expert
• Ask a Pharmacist
• Ask a Exercise Expert
• Ask a Nurse (RN)

Canadian Cancer Society Publications

Go to cancer.ca/publications or drop by the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) at Odette Cancer Centre to pick up your copy.

• Life After Cancer Treatment
• Living with Cancer: A Guide for people with cancer and their caregivers
• Sexuality and Cancer

National Cancer Institute Publications (US-based)
Check out cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/ (Click on Survivorship).  

• Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
• Facing Forward: When Someone You Love Has Completed Cancer Treatment

American Society of Clinical Oncology (US-based)
Visit cancer.net/about-us/asco-answers-patient-education-materials

• ASCO Answers Guide to Cancer Survivorship

Macmillian Cancer Support (UK-based)
Go to https://be.macmillan.org.uk/be/s-448-downloadable-pdf-files.aspx to download these guides.

• Life after cancer treatment
• What to do after cancer treatment ends: 10 top tips

You can borrow these books from the Odette Cancer Centre / Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Please visit the PEARL Library (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) or call 416-480-4534 for more information.

• Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul, 1996
• Happiness in a Storm: Facing Illness and Embracing Life as a Healthy Survivor, 2005
• Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward after Surviving Cancer, 2005
• Can Survive: Reclaiming your Life after Cancer, 2000
• Everyone's Guide to Cancer Survivorship, 2007
• Lost and Found in Lymphomaland – A memoir about travelling through cancer, 2015

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Your Health Matters
Check out health.sunnybrook.ca/cancer for articles on a variety of post-treatment related topics including:

• Returning to work after cancer treatment
• Sex and intimacy after cancer: tips for women
• Sexual health, intimacy & cancer: a guide for men

LIVESTRONG (US-based)
Visit livestrong.org (click on Cancer Support → Finished Treatment or Life After Treatment) for articles including:  

• Body Image
• Cognitive Changes After Cancer Treatment
• Emotions After Cancer Treatment
• Female Sexual Health After Cancer
• Male Sexual Health After Cancer
• Late Effects of Cancer Treatment
• Living with Uncertainty
• Rehabilitation After Cancer

Odette Patient & Family Support

Telephone: 416-480-4623
Location: TG-230 (T-wing, ground floor)
Free services to help with your post-treatment care including stress, concerns about money and work.

Patient Education and Research Learning Centre (PEARL)

Telephone: 416-480-4534
Location: T-wing, 1st floor, by the main reception
Find information for cancer specific community-based organizations, networks and associations.

Odette Sexual Health and Recovery (SHARE) Clinic

Referral by your nursing team or oncologist
For those who have finished their cancer treatment and have changes related to sexuality, hormones, intimacy or body image.

Odette Lymphedema Clinic

Referral by your nursing team or oncologist
Learn how to reduce your risk for lymphedema and get information on how to manage it.
Canadian Cancer Society
Toll-free: 1.888.939.3333
Website: cancer.ca/support
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Free services include peer support, support groups, online communities, and a cancer information telephone line.

Cancer Connection (Canadian Cancer Society)
Website: cancerconnection.ca
Email: cancerconnection@cancer.ca
An online community for people with cancer. Look for specific topics within the post-treatment discussion group (The next chapter – Living well after cancer).  

Look Good Feel Better
Telephone: 1.800.914.5665
Website: lookgoodfeelbetter.ca
Workshops are offered once a month at Odette
After treatment, your appearance may change. Learn about skin care, cosmetics, sun care and hair alternatives.

ELLICSR: Health, Wellness, and Cancer Survivorship
Telephone: 416.581.8620
Website: ellicsr.ca  
Location: Toronto General Hospital, Room B PMB 130
Free support classes for cancer survivors, family members, friends and caregivers.

Gilda's Club Toronto
Telephone: 416.214.9898
Website: gildasclubtoronto.org
Location: Toronto
Free support groups including Transitions: From Recovery to Wellness Support Group.

Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
Telephone: 905.579.4833
Website: hearthplace.org
Location: Oshawa
Free support services, including Next Steps After Treatment, and many more.  

Wellspring

Telephone: 1.877.499.9904
Website: wellspring.ca
Location(s): Several including Westerkirk House (on the Sunnybrook campus)
Free programs and services include Returning to Work, Back at Work, Money Matters, Brain Fog, Nourish: Healthy Eating After Treatment, exercise programs and many more.