Survivorship care is part of comprehensive cancer care.

(PITTSBURGH) “You have cancer.” It’s a phrase that comes as a shock, then is quickly followed by a whirlwind of decisions that somehow feel fast and slow at the same time.

You have treatments to decide on. You are trying to figure out how you might work, care for your family and undergo a variety of intensive medical appointments all at the same time. You are centered on the here and now, and thinking about five or 10 years down the road is not at the forefront of your mind. Getting through treatment is the finish line you are reaching for; that is when you may actually feel like a cancer survivor.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.