Survivorship
Cancer Survivorship Bell from Old Parkland Hospital
Parkland’s Cancer Survivorship Program aims to improve the health and well-being of cancer survivors at Parkland through a comprehensive assessment of their physical, psychosocial, and financial needs, and addressing the needs through a network of internal and external resources.
The cancer survivorship clinics are led by Advanced Practice Providers (nurse practitioners or physician assistants) who are experienced and specialized in cancer patients. Our survivorship clinics will help create a personalized plan on what you need. These providers are also able to help also help address any long and late side effects a patient may experience from their cancer treatment.
Some patients will go through a multidisciplinary survivorship clinic once they completed their cancer treatment. To learn more about the multidisciplinary clinics clinic here
Patient Testimonial
Alberto –
Battling the same cancer twice. Alberto shares the story of how his cancer was detected first by screening and then through surveillance, and how his journey led him to Parkland as his new medical home.
In 2017, Alberto was 55 years old, working as a home health technician, when one of his patients talked him into getting a colonoscopy for cancer screenings. Alberto had the procedure at a local institution. He was told he had a large mass in his colon that needed to be removed.
“I was shocked since I thought some symptoms that I had been having were due to a previous diagnosis of diverticulitis. The surgeons at [the local hospital] removed the mass and told me that I had colon cancer. I was thankful there was no recommendation for any additional treatment after surgery, and I just continued to follow-up with my doctors there as needed.”
Over the next year, Alberto experienced pelvic pain. When he notified his surgeon, he was told that he may still be healing from his surgery, but the surgeon ordered scans to make sure.
The scans showed a mass in his liver that warranted a biopsy. The surgeon had planned to remove the mass, but on the day of the scheduled operation, the biopsy result came back: Alberto had stage 4 colon cancer. The plan changed immediately; instead of removing the mass, a MediPort was placed for the initiation of chemotherapy.
“My surgeon at [the local hospital] told me that I would go broke; I was unable to afford treatment. That’s when he referred me to Parkland. When I came to Parkland, I knew nothing about cancer. Parkland has educated me on my cancer and treatments. I started treatment right away and have completed twelve sessions of chemotherapy in addition to multiple surgeries.”
Alberto has been cancer-free for two years now and continues follow up at Parkland in the APP-led survivorship clinic for colon cancer surveillance and management of long-term side effects of chemotherapy.
"I still see one of the APPs in survivorship and enjoy coming up here every time. They take such good care of me and really listen to me. I feel part of the Parkland family."
Some additional cancer survivor stories are below
Many cancer survivors have questions about other topics that can affect their health.
Please click the title below to learn more about other topics for cancer survivors.
Nutrition after completing treatment is important, as it can reduce the risk of cancer coming back or new cancers forming. Eating right can also help you regain your strength and energy. No individual food can prevent cancer, but research has shown that including a variety of plant-based foods including whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables can lower the risk of many different types of cancers. Following a plant-based diet can also help you achieve a healthy weight, which is very important as being overweight is linked to many types of cancers. It can also help reduce your risk of other chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Eating a plant-based diet:
Eating a plant-based diet means you eat fewer animal foods and eat more plant foods. Two-thirds of your meal should be plant foods like brown rice, quinoa, lentils, beans, and nuts. Meat, fish, dairy, and eggs can be enjoyed in small amounts.
Try to include different colors of fruits and vegetables when you eat. These colors represent different nutrients, all of which may help prevent cancer.
- Green – spinach, kale, broccoli, collard greens, grapes, honeydew, kiwi, cabbage, brussels sprouts
- White – mushrooms, cauliflower, garlic, onion, banana, pears, soybeans
- Yellow/orange – carrot, butternut squash, sweet potato, orange, peach, lemon, cantaloupe, mangos, apricots
- Red – beets, bell pepper, radish, apple, cherry, cranberry, tomatoes, watermelon
- Purple – purple cabbage, eggplant, blueberries, figs, plums, grapes
Limit red meat
Do not eat more than 3 servings of red meat per week, like red meat in large amounts can increase your risk of cancer. The serving size of meat is about the size of a deck of cards. Red meat includes beef, pork, and lamb. If you choose to include meat with your meals, have chicken and fish more often. No matter what type of meat you choose to eat, it should never take up more than ¼ of your plate.
Limit processed meat
Processed meats are strongly linked to cancer. It is best to avoid them, but if you choose to eat processed meats, eat them only in very small amounts. Processed meats include ham, bacon, sausage, lunch meat, hot dogs, and beef jerky.
Limit alcohol
Even drinking only a small amount of alcohol can increase your risk for many types of cancers. It is best to avoid alcohol for cancer prevention. However, if you choose to drink, limit your alcohol intake to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
Limit fast foods and sugary drinks
These foods are high in calories, which can lead to weight gain. Being overweight or obese can also increase your risk for many types of cancers.
For more information about nutrition, please click here to go to the Cancer Program’s Nutrition
Cancer treatment can affect your ability to move, exercise, strength, and energy. Parkland has multiple specialists within our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) clinics who can help create a specialized plan with your goals in mind. If interested in getting an appointment with PM&R, please notify your provider.
For more information about rehabilitation please click here to go to the Cancer Program’s Rehab page.
Cancer can affect not only your physical health but also your emotional health. Sometimes it is helpful for you or your loved ones to speak to someone who is trained to help you before, during, and after treatment. These experts can help reduce the stress and anxiety you may have at any time. The Cancer Program offers one-on-one counseling but also group sessions with our experts. We want to support who you are beyond cancer and create the right meaning to a “new normal”.
To get an appointment, please reach out to your provider.
For more information regarding Emotional Support please click here for the Cancer Program’s emotional support