This week on The Lighthouse Podcast, Chris and Christy are covering a topic that's often overlooked when it comes to childhood cancer: the off-treatment journey. They speak with Dr. Karen Effinger, who is the medical director of survivorship at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at CHOA. The survivor clinic sees oncology and bone marrow transplant patients who have completed their treatment. Dr .Effinger explains how survivor care marks a shift in focus from ridding the body of cancer to the effects caused by the patient's treatment—and in educating and equipping the patient to think about their overall health and how they can live a long, healthy life after cancer. Dr. Effinger goes on to explain how parents can prepare themselves and their child for this type of post-treatment care. Christy shares her personal experience with survivor care and how helpful it was for her son, while at the same time, being a big adjustment for her as his primary caregiver and health advocate. And Dr. Effinger concludes their conversation by sharing some helpful tips for parents who may not have access to a full survivor clinic. (Note: The resources Dr. Effinger mentions can be found at www.survivorshipguidelines.org.)
