Survivorship Tools - Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin

More and more people are surviving cancer— living with, through and beyond cancer. We think of a survivor as anyone who’s diagnosed and living with cancer, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and after treatment.

Some people think survivor is used only if cancer is cured. They may not like to use the term. Your survivorship journey is unique to you. You and your family will move through the journey in your own way.

Survivorship issues for all 3 stages include health care concerns, as well as emotional, spiritual, physical and nutritional issues.

Cancer survivors may find hope and support in sometimes unexpected areas—a stronger appreciation and recognition of your loved ones and your life priorities.

We’re here to support you in staying as healthy and as active as possible. Please ask any questions and talk to us about your concerns. Let us know how we can help you, as a cancer survivor, live life to the fullest.

Survivorship has 3 stages:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment

The first stage of survivorship refers to living with cancer. This stage includes receiving your diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

2. Right After Treatment

As soon as your treatment ends, you begin living through cancer, the second stage of survivorship. You still see your doctors from your diagnosis and treatment stage, but you transition into seeing them for follow-up care instead of regular treatments.

3. Long-Term Survivorship

Living beyond cancer is long-term survivorship and usually is measured in years. During this stage, you probably will return to seeing your primary care clinician and will have a long-term plan for your health.

Resources

Cancer Resources and Communities Handout Sheet

National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center

What is Cancer Survivorship? | Cancer.Net

CCWW Survivorship Podcast Series

Beyond Treatment: Conversations for Cancer Survivors

is a podcast created to support people navigating life after cancer. Hosted by Lisa Johnson-Bleskey, Director of the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin, each episode features conversations with guests who join her to explore important survivorship topics. Through thoughtful, practical discussions with members of the cancer care team, this series addresses the emotional, physical, & lifestyle changes survivors often experience when treatment ends. Topics include fear of recurrence, scan anxiety, survivorship care, nutrition, long-term side effects, & rebuilding trust in the body. The goal of this series is to normalize survivorship experiences, reduce anxiety, and help survivors feel supported as they move forward.

Episode 1 – Survivorship Care: What Is Survivorship Care & Why It Matters
Guest: Stephanie Kroon, PA-C
Who is a cancer survivor and what does survivorship care really mean?

Listen to Episode 1

Episode 2 – After Treatment Ends: Fear, Stress & the Mind-Body Reset
Guest: Kathleen Findlay, MD, MPH
Why many cancer survivors are surprised to find survivorship emotionally harder than expected.

Listen to Episode 2

Episode 3 – Your Relationship with Food After Your Cancer Diagnosis: Pressure, Control, & Guilt
Guest: Hannah Hokanson, RDN, LD, CD
After treatment, survivors often feel pressure to eat perfectly, fear making the wrong choices, or carry guilt around food.

Listen to Episode 3

Episode 4 – Eating for Energy, Strength & Recovery
Guest: Hannah Hokanson, RDN, LD, CD
Fatigue is one of the most common & frustrating challenges survivors face after treatment, & recovery often takes longer than expected.

Listen to Episode 4

Episode 5 – Managing Long Term Side Effects & Advocating for Yourself
Guest: Stephanie Kroon, PA-C
Some side effects of cancer treatment don’t appear right away. Months or years later, survivors may wonder which symptoms matter.

Listen to Episode 5

Episode 6 – Moving Forward: Resilience, Meaning, & Habits That Support Healing
Guest: Kathleen Findlay, MD, MPH
Survivorship is more than medical follow up. It’s also about rebuilding trust, finding meaning, & creating habits that support healing.

Listen to Episode 6