Three different survivor realities.

Longtermsurvivor 1

1. Newly Diagnosed — “What is happening to me?”
   These patients need clarity, grounding, and orientation. They’re overwhelmed and trying to understand the map.
   Diagnosis & Understanding
   • What exactly is my diagnosis, and how advanced is it?
   • What tests or scans do I still need?
   • What are the goals of treatment (cure, control, symptom relief)?
   Treatment Plan
   • What treatments do you recommend and why?
   • What are the expected benefits and risks?
   • How long will treatment last?
   Side Effects & Safety
   • What short term side effects should I expect?
   • What symptoms require immediate attention?
   • How will treatment affect my daily life?
   Support & Logistics
   • Who is my point of contact for questions?
   • Are there support groups or counseling options?
   • How do I prepare my family for what’s ahead?
   This track is about orientation, safety, and emotional stabilization.
2. Remission — “What now?”
   These patients are transitioning out of crisis and into uncertainty. They need structure, monitoring, and reassurance.
   Monitoring & Follow Up
   • How often will I need scans or bloodwork?
   • What signs of recurrence should I watch for?
   • What is the plan if something changes?
   Long Term Health
   • Are there late effects I should be aware of?
   • How can I rebuild strength, stamina, and emotional balance?
   • Are there lifestyle changes that reduce recurrence risk?
   Care Coordination
   • Who manages my care now — oncology or primary care?
   • What records should I keep for future doctors?
   • Do I need a survivorship care plan?
   Emotional Recovery
   • Is it normal to feel anxious after treatment ends?
   • Are there survivorship groups or mental health resources?
   This track is about transition, vigilance, and rebuilding.
3. Late Effects — “What did treatment do to me?”
   This is your world, Joseph — the long arc of survivorship. These patients need validation, expertise, and long term planning.
   Medical History & Reconstruction
   • Do you have access to my original treatment records?
   • What radiation dose or chemo agents did I receive?
   • What late effects are associated with my treatment era?
   Current Symptoms
   • Could my symptoms be related to past treatment?
   • What screenings or tests should I have regularly?
   • Are there specialists familiar with late effects?
   Long Term Monitoring
   • What is my risk for secondary cancers or organ damage?
   • How often should I be monitored for these risks?
   • Are there survivorship guidelines we should follow?
   Documentation & Advocacy
   • Can we document this visit in a way that supports disability or survivorship claims?
   • How should I track symptoms, tests, and medical events?
   • Are there survivor specific resources or clinics?
   This track is about truth, validation, and long term safety.
   This is the backbone of a survivor curriculum
   You just defined the three pillars:
4. Crisis (newly diagnosed)
5. Transition (remission)
6. Legacy survivorship (late effects)