The MInnie Pearl Cancer Foundation
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Cancer Supporter and Survivors

Journal of Hope
Fall 2009: Gerry Cook – Profile of Survivorship

At her chemotherapy treatment recently, Gerry Cook made it clear she wasn’t sure why she’d been chosen as a featured testimonial. “Surely, there must be other, more heroic stories…

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Survivorship

“Surviving” cancer – it’s the hope of anyone diagnosed with cancer. But surviving is not something you do passively but usually requires taking control of your life and becoming more pro-active. One way of doing that is searching out the most complete, thorough and appropriate medical treatment. Many options for cancer treatment are available today, and those options are continually increasing. But surviving cancer can be heavily influenced by your emotions and coping skills, as well as by your specific medical treatment. The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation helps survivors navigate their way along their own personal “path” of survivorship. It’s not always smooth, but a little guidance and support from our cancer supportive services team, including oncology social workers and a registered dietitian, can make all the difference in the world. If you or someone you know is a survivor who would like additional information about survivorship, contact us.

Cancer Survivorship

Statistics tell us that there are approximately 10.8 million people living with a history of cancer.  Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in longer survival. However, physical, emotional, and financial hardships may persist for years beyond diagnosis and treatment.

David Spigel, M.D., medical oncologist with Tennessee Oncology, advises survivors, "It is vitally important for cancer survivors to develop a long-term follow-up plan with their cancer doctor before transitioning to a primary care setting. The plan should include information about the survivor's cancer diagnosis, treatment, recommended timing for follow-up visits, and a schedule of tests that should be performed in the future."

Cancer survivors and those impacted by its diagnosis seek the support of our cancer supportive services team daily to sort through challenges related to the following:
  • financial hardships
  • lack of or reduced health and life insurance coverage
  • poor nutrition and nutrition needs
  • access to cancer specialists and the latest treatments
  • employment problems
  • psychological struggles
  • personal relationships
  • knowing and understanding one's rights
  • getting good follow-up care
  • fear of recurrence
Please call our office to speak with a member of our cancer supportive services team and to explore our programs and services that can better ensure a healthy survivorship.