Survivorship and Living with Cancer

Medical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi discuss how to bridge the gap between finishing treatment and finding a new normal. They dive into the overlooked complexities of survivorship, exploring how the end of clinical care often marks the beginning of a different, more personal battle with anxiety, physical recovery, and the shifting identity of life after a diagnosis. “We can sometimes get people to that spot where they don’t actually look at cancer as having been a bad thing for them. They may actually live longer and live better after cancer because they’ve made better health choices and better lifestyle choices moving forward with their life.” – Dr. Brian Burnette On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The survivorship cliff: An honest look at the transition from active treatment to surveillance, why it can be an anxiety-provoking state for patients and how the care team works to ensure no one feels abandoned. Reframing the fear of recurrence: Dr. Burnette and Dr. Abbi discuss how they manage the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality by providing realistic contexts for recurrence and treating cancer as a manageable chronic disease. Addressing the unmet needs: A candid discussion on the physical recovery process, including often-taboo topics like sexual health, intimacy, and the importance of clinical trials like GEM-S and FoRtitude in enhancing long-term quality of life. The power of perspective: How a diagnosis often leads to a refocusing of priorities, where patients may find themselves living more intentionally and happily than before their diagnosis. Helpful links Clinical trials exploring ways to improve cancer survivorship: Geriatric Evaluation and Management With Survivorship Health Education for Older Survivors of Cancer, GEM-S Trial (GEM-S) A Targeted Electronic Health Approach to Reduce Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors (FoRtitude) (FoRtitude) E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer (HEAL-ABC) LIVESTRONG at the YMCA We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/