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After treatment and remission

Where am I now

On a long treatment journey, knowing clearly where you stand (which phase, which results, what next) reduces worry and makes decisions easier.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A glowing marker on a map.
Figure 1.You are here — Where am I now

01Short answer

You can describe where you stand with a few questions: which phase am I in (active treatment, maintenance, observation, long-term follow-up)? What is my remission status and latest MRD result? Which medicines am I taking now? When are my next visit and test? How do I feel physically and emotionally? Keep this short “current status” note on the front page of your treatment history.

02Simple explanation

Name the phase.

Your remission and MRD status.

Current medicines.

The next step and date.

Your wellbeing matters too.

03Scientific explanation

New normal: the NCI calls life after treatment a “new normal”; body and life may change, and this is accepted gradually.

Status terms: complete remission, MRD-negative remission and long-term remission are different ideas.

It changes: your position shifts over time, so the note is updated after each visit.

04What happens in the body?

A point on the map

Knowing which part of the path you are on gives direction.

Phases

Those behind you, the current one and those ahead.

Phases
Figure 2.Phases — Where am I now

Orientation

A one-page “current status” is your compass.

A compass in a palm.
Figure 3.Orientation — Where am I now

Feelings

Alongside your physical state, note your emotional state and tell your team.

05Finding your position

Four steps.

Phase — Name your current phase.1PhaseName your current phase.
Results — Latest results.2ResultsLatest results.
Next — What comes next?3NextWhat comes next?
Feeling — How do you feel?4FeelingHow do you feel?
ClarityYou know where you are.
DirectionThe next step is clear.
CalmUncertainty eases.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
A point on the mapKnowing which part of the path you are on gives direction.
PhasesThose behind you, the current one and those ahead.
OrientationA one-page “current status” is your compass.
FeelingsAlongside your physical state, note your emotional state and tell your team.

07Key terms

Active treatment
The main treatment period.
Maintenance
A long, gentler treatment phase.
Observation
Monitoring without treatment.
Complete remission
No sign of disease on standard tests.
New normal
Changed daily life after treatment.

08Key points

  • Name your phase.
  • Write down your latest results.
  • Note your current medicines.
  • Know the next step.
  • Note your feelings too.

09Frequently asked questions

My doctor uses a different term.

Ask what that term means for you.

When do I move to “long-term follow-up”?

This is decided with your doctor based on the leukaemia type and results.

I do not want to know everything.

That is normal too; you choose how much to know.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. My doctor uses a different term.

  2. When do I move to “long-term follow-up”?

  3. I do not want to know everything.

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment — Your New Normal
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition: minimal residual disease
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Stroke
  8. Cancer Research UK. Cognitive changes (chemo brain)
  9. National Eye Institute. Cataracts
  10. National Eye Institute. Dry Eye
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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