A cancer diagnosis is life-changing and requires an “all-hands-on-deck” approach as we give the patient and their family as much support possible. As oncology nurse navigators and patient navigators, we provide resources for managing treatment side effects and the chemotherapy schedule, tell them where to be and when to be there, and often place restrictions on what they can do and how they can live their lives. But what happens when treatment is complete? I know the saying “survivorship begins at diagnosis” has been a hallmark of oncology care for years, but I have often struggled with what that truly means and how to implement this in my patient care.
As an oncology nurse navigator, I navigate my patients through initial diagnosis and treatment to the best of my ability. When a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, they need all the support available to help manage their treatment and care. But when the smoke clears and they need to resume their daily lives again and begin living their “new normal,” how can I still support them?
