Embracing Survivorship, Enhancing Quality of Life

Survivorship is more than a medical term; it embodies the courageous journey of individuals navigating life beyond a cancer diagnosis. Whitney Sanders, BSN, RN, OCN, CGRA, Cancer Care Navigator at the William R. Bliss Cancer Resource Center, says it is vital that in the wake of a cancer diagnosis that we recognize survivorship personally, as a family and as a community.

"Survivorship encompasses holistic care for patients and their support systems," says Whitney, who adds that cancer survivors include those who have completed treatment and those who are living with metastatic disease or will be in treatment for the remainder of their life. "From the moment of diagnosis and throughout life, survivorship addresses the many physical, emotional, and social challenges cancer brings."

“I always encourage my patients to reach out for support no matter where they are in their cancer experience,” she continues. “Many patients have started conversations with me ‘I feel like I should just be grateful to still be alive, BUT…’ Survivorship encompasses all the issues that come after that ‘BUT’.”

The Cancer Resource Center provides an array of survivorship services that play a pivotal role for patients. In the most recent year, Cancer Navigators held more than 260 survivorship appointments. These appointments are provided alongside an array of support services including general cancer education, genetic risk education, nutrition counseling, specialized boutique services providing wigs and essential items, and more.

In addition to offering the one-on-one survivorship appointments, Whitney says events like Survivorship Day are important.

"It's a chance to celebrate milestones and honor those who supported them," she says. "These gatherings foster a sense of community, echoing the national call for increased resources and awareness."

For Whitney personally, Survivorship Day holds profound meaning.

"It's a privilege to witness resilience and share in our patients' journeys," she says. "Survivorship is about embracing all emotions, and our goal is to provide unwavering support at every turn. Our patients deserve all the support and care we can offer to help improve their quality of life while living through cancer.”

In addition to large-scale events like Survivorship Day and the one-on-one appointments, Whitney and the team in the Bliss Cancer Center are continually looking for new and different ways to provide survivorship services, including a dedicated Survivorship Team. This multidisciplinary group ensures support services are meeting the unique needs of patients with cancer.

"We continually enhance our services," Whitney says. "From care plans and rehabilitation to support groups and financial assistance, our aim is to empower survivors. There's no 'right way' to navigate this. Survivorship encapsulates the full spectrum of experiences, and our mission is to enhance each patient's quality of life."