Discussion Sessions: Survivorship

Survivorship can mean a lot of different things to different people, but for many AYAs, survivorship starts at diagnosis. When we talk about survivorship at Stupid Cancer, we mean everything that comes after cancer: coping with treatment, navigating your “old” life with lots of new challenges, redefining your identity after going through profound changes, and advocating for yourself and others over the rest of your life. But it’s deeply personal: what you make of your survivorship is up to you. Join us for a 3-week discussion series as we navigate different elements of survivorship: identity, transitions in and out of treatment, and long term survivorship.

Cancer Transitions: June 10

The initial disorienting transition from “healthy person” to “patient” or “loved one” to “caregiver” is one that we discuss often in the AYA community, but the AYA cancer experience is filled with other periods of transition that can also be difficult to navigate. Maybe you are navigating the impacts of returning to the hospital after a recurrence, facing the implications of never-ending treatments as a metastatic patient, or feeling adrift after finishing active treatment while still navigating follow-up care. No matter what transition you are going through, this discussion is an opportunity to talk with your AYA peers about adapting to a changing identity within and beyond the cancer landscape.

Long Term Survivorship: June 17

Unfortunately, the end of treatment is not the end of a cancer experience. Many survivors and caregivers report the transitions after treatment to be their most challenging time. Feelings of relief may mix with confusion, sadness, and survivor’s guilt as you move forward and live life while others may not have the same opportunity. Join this open discussion to explore ways to support yourself in long term survivorship while building community with others.