Before your appointment

You will complete a detailed questionnaire. Your treatment history will help us decide what tests might be needed. We will work with you to schedule any lab or other tests in advance at a clinic close to your home. Our goal is to have the test results ready to discuss with you at your first appointment.

Our specialists will review you or your child’s medical history and other information. If you were treated outside of OHSU, we may ask you to authorize the release of medical records to us.

Your first appointment

The first appointment often takes up to four hours as you meet with many experts on our team. In-person visits are offered at Doernbecher Children's Hospital as well as Doernbecher’s Specialty Pediatrics Clinic at Salem Health. We also offer comprehensive virtual visits. The scheduling team will help you decide which one is right for you. 

Our doctors will review your medical history and order recommended lab tests, scans or other screenings.  

Our team members have expertise in caring for childhood cancer and bone marrow transplant survivors. You will meet with a:

• Doctor or nurse practitioner
• Social worker
• Psychologist
• Survivorship nurse
• Dentist

Some patients will also meet with a dietician. 

After the first visit, you will have:

• Information about how cancer treatment or bone marrow transplant might affect future health.
• A summary of past treatment, to give future providers a better understanding of your needs.
• Personalized recommendations for future health screenings.
• Suggestions and strategies to help with educational, social or emotional needs.

Ongoing visits

We will work closely with your or your child’s primary care provider and oncologist to recommend screenings and to offer health care advice.

We will recommend that you visit us as often as yearly or as little as every five years. At each visit, we will check in on your or your child’s health and give you updates on new research that could impact quality of life.

Insurance

Insurance usually covers a visit to our clinic, but coverage varies. We will reach out to your insurance company for you, and let you know if anything won’t be covered.

If you don’t have insurance, we can connect you with an OHSU financial specialist to see if you qualify for assistance.

Early survivorship

We recommend you schedule your first survivorship clinic visit at least two years after completing treatment. But we know that adjusting to life right after treatment can be a challenge.

We call the first two years after treatment ends “early survivorship.” This time is different for everyone. It may bring both joy and uncertainty. Adjusting back to school, work or other activities may take time. In whatever way you experience early survivorship, we’re here to help.

Advice and tips we recommend to help ease your or your child’s transition:

• Write a list of questions to ask your care team. See our suggestions to get you started.
• Talk with your care team about school, work, financial or emotional concerns. We can help you meet with a hospital teacher, social worker or neuropsychologist for support.
• Re-establish care with your primary care provider or pediatrician. Talk with them about day-to-day health care needs, like vaccines, check-ups and mild sickness.

Questions and tips - Spanish 

Survivorship research

Childhood cancer and blood disorder researchers at Doernbecher and around the world are exploring many aspects of survivorship. Research helps us understand how treatments affect patients, and how we can improve the lives of all survivors.

We participate in national research studies and also lead our own studies in partnership with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. We may offer you the option to participate in a study. It is your choice whether to take part.

FAQ

Childhood cancer survivorship: frequently asked questions