Survivorship & Support

Cancer-Related Resources Resources on other Web sites for cancer patients and their caregivers more

Overall survival after treatment for thymoma is quite good. However, some patients who have been treated for thymoma may still be at risk for developing recurrences many years later. Because of this possibility, continued follow-up is very important. Most patients will be seen each year for a follow-up exam to watch for evidence of recurrence.

Other Aspects of Survivorship

To help patients manage other issues that may come up after treatment ends, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs for cancer patients, including the following:

• Physical and Occupational Therapy

  For patients treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, physical and occupational therapy provides a way to restore function, improve mobility, and maximize quality of life.

  Following treatment for thymoma, a patient may notice changes in his or her range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Memorial Sloan-Kettering's physical therapists are available to evaluate inpatients and outpatients and provide an individualized treatment and exercise plan designed to maximize strength, coordination, balance, and other functions critical to safe mobility. Our occupational therapists may be called upon when needed to evaluate a patient's functional needs and to provide therapy. This may include adaptive equipment and compensatory techniques with the goal of increasing independence in activities of daily living.

  Visit our section on Rehabilitation for further information about our services, including appointment information.

• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center

  Our Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling sessions to help patients and their families address the problems that they may encounter in adjusting to life during and after treatment.

• Living Beyond Cancer

  People facing the challenges of cancer survivorship can access a variety of support services through the Living Beyond Cancer section of our Web site. This section includes information about professionally led support groups and counseling; survivorship clinics to manage late effects of cancer and its treatment; recommendations about screening and healthy living; and specialized services to address sexual and reproductive health. We also offer a range of resources to help survivors, families, and friends better understand the complex emotional and social issues following treatment.

  Additional services are offered through our Post-Treatment Resource Program, which provides a full range of educational support services, including individual and family counseling, periodic lectures or workshops to provide medical updates, and practical guidance on employment and insurance issues.

• Integrative Medicine Service

  Our Integrative Medicine Service is designed to enhance cancer patients' quality of life through healing regimens that address the body, mind, and spirit. Beneficial complementary therapies include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization, and other mind-body therapies; music therapy; nutritional counseling; and classes such as yoga, t'ai chi, and chair aerobics.

• Screening & Wellness

  Memorial Sloan-Kettering provides numerous prevention, screening, and wellness services. Information about these services and guidance on how to stop smoking and how to follow a healthy diet can be found on our Web site in our Prevention & Screening section.

• Help for the Older Cancer Patient

  A diagnosis of cancer is difficult at any age, but older patients face unique challenges. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to providing cancer patients aged 65 and older with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.

  Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers the services of a multidisciplinary geriatric team, which includes physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, as well as members of the Pain and Palliative Care Department and the Integrative Medicine Service. The programs and care the team provides focus on the needs of elderly cancer patients.

  For more information about our services for older patients as well as for their family and friends, visit the Help for the Older Patient section of our Web site.