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After treatment and remission

Which changes to report

Knowing which changes after treatment to report urgently, which within a few days and which to discuss at your next visit brings both safety and peace of mind. This topic is a practical list.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Red, amber and green lights.
Figure 1.Sorting changes by urgency.

01Short answer

After treatment, everyone notices new sensations and changes, and most of them are harmless. But some need to reach your doctor in good time. They can be roughly divided into three groups. 1. Urgent — 103/112 or emergency care: a temperature of 38°C or higher (especially during treatment, after a transplant or when blood counts are low), bleeding that will not stop, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, loss of consciousness, a severe headache with vomiting, and sudden weakness or difficulty speaking. 2. Call your team the same day or within 1–2 days: new bruises or tiny spots on the skin, nose or gum bleeding, tiredness or paleness lasting more than a few days, bone pain without a cause or a child limping, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, a swollen testicle, and — after a transplant — a new rash, diarrhoea or yellowing of the eyes. 3. At your next visit: mild, stable symptoms — changes in sleep, mood or attention, mild joint aches, dry skin, questions and worries. This grouping is a general guide; what matters most is the personal instructions your team has given you. Keep your treatment centre’s phone numbers within easy reach. When you call, say who you are, your diagnosis and treatment, when the symptom started, your temperature and your medicines. A symptom diary makes this easier. If you are not sure, call — fear of “bothering them for nothing” should not hold you back.

02Simple explanation

Most changes are harmless.

Urgent signs: 103/112.

Some: the same day.

Mild symptoms: at the next visit.

If unsure, call.

03Scientific explanation

Follow-up: the NCI advises reporting new or ongoing symptoms after treatment without waiting for a scheduled visit.

Relapse: the ACS notes the importance of promptly reporting changes that may be linked to recurrence.

Children: the ACS explains to parents which signs after childhood leukaemia should be reported to the doctor.

Late effects: COG guidelines provide for discussing signs of late effects at regular visits.

04What happens in the body?

Urgent — 103/112

High fever, bleeding that will not stop, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness.

The same day

New bruises, spots or bleeding, lasting tiredness, bone pain, swollen nodes, night sweats or weight loss.

At the next visit

Changes in sleep, mood or attention, mild aches and questions.

How to report

Who you are, diagnosis, treatment, when the symptom started, temperature and medicines.

A table with a notebook and a phone.
Figure 2.Write it down and call.

Where to turn

Keep the treatment centre’s numbers handy, including for nights and weekends. In an emergency, 103/112.

The lit open door of a clinic at night.
Figure 3.Where to turn — Which changes to report

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05If you notice a change

Steps.

Urgent — Urgent signs: 103/112.1UrgentUrgent signs: 103/112.
Same day — The same day.2Same dayThe same day.
Next visit — At the next visit.3Next visitAt the next visit.
Record — A symptom diary.4RecordA symptom diary.
SortThe urgency is clear.
ReportThe team knows in time.
SafetyProblems are dealt with early.

06When to report (simplified)

GroupExamplesWhat to do
UrgentHigh fever, bleeding, breathlessness, chest pain103/112
Same dayBruising, lasting tiredness, bone painCall your team
1–2 daysSwollen nodes, night sweats, weight lossCall your team
Next visitSleep, mood, mild achesWrite it down, ask

* Your team’s personal instructions come before this general list.

07Key terms

Urgent sign
A sign that needs help straight away.
Symptom diary
A record of changes.
Fever
A raised body temperature.
Petechiae
Tiny pinpoint bleeds in the skin.
Team
The doctors and nurses who treat you.
Personal instructions
Advice given specifically to you.

08Key points

  • Save your team’s numbers.
  • Know the urgent signs.
  • Keep a symptom diary.
  • Give the key facts when you call.
  • If unsure, call.
  • Follow your personal instructions.

09Frequently asked questions

I got a fever at night.

During treatment or after a transplant — emergency care or 103/112 straight away.

I don’t want to bother the doctor for nothing.

If you are unsure, calling is always right.

My child had one nosebleed.

If it stopped quickly, mention it at the visit; if it recurs or there are bruises, sooner.

Where should I keep the list?

On your phone and on the fridge.

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. I got a fever at night.

  2. I don’t want to bother the doctor for nothing.

  3. My child had one nosebleed.

  4. Where should I keep the list?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Follow-up Medical Care
  2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Recurrence
  3. American Cancer Society. Follow-up Care After Treatment for Childhood Leukemia
  4. National Cancer Institute. Recurrent Cancer: When Cancer Comes Back
  5. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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