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After treatment and remission

My treatment history

A treatment history is a short timeline of what has been done from diagnosis until today. It is the key for any future doctor.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A personal treatment timeline
Figure 1.A personal treatment timeline.

01Short answer

A history usually includes: the date and type of diagnosis, the name of the protocol, the phases (induction, consolidation, maintenance), the main medicines, radiotherapy, transplant, serious complications, the date of remission and the follow-up plan. ASCO calls this a “treatment summary and survivorship care plan”. Ask your doctor for such a summary and keep your own copy.

02Simple explanation

A history is a short timeline.

Its source: official discharge letters.

A one-page summary is most useful.

Update it after each visit.

Keep a copy with you.

03Scientific explanation

Survivorship plan: ASCO recommends a written summary and follow-up plan when treatment ends.

Late effects: the list of treatments received decides which checks are needed years later.

Continuity: a complete history saves a new doctor time and reduces repeat tests.

04What happens in the body?

What goes in?

Diagnosis, protocol, phases, complications, remission date and follow-up plan.

Sort your papers

Put discharge letters in one folder in date order.

A folder with small tabs.
Figure 2.A dated folder — My treatment history

Ask for a summary

When treatment ends, ask your doctor for an official treatment summary.

A glowing sheet without text.
Figure 3.A treatment summary.

Keep it current

Add a line after each new test or change.

05Building your history

Four steps.

Collect — Gather discharge letters.1CollectGather discharge letters.
Order — Arrange by date.2OrderArrange by date.
Summary — A one-page summary.3SummaryA one-page summary.
Update — After each visit.4UpdateAfter each visit.
One documentThe whole journey in one place.
ContinuityEvery doctor sees the full picture.
Follow-upLate effects are not forgotten.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What goes in?Diagnosis, protocol, phases, complications, remission date and follow-up plan.
Sort your papersPut discharge letters in one folder in date order.
Ask for a summaryWhen treatment ends, ask your doctor for an official treatment summary.
Keep it currentAdd a line after each new test or change.

07Key terms

Protocol
The name and scheme of the treatment plan.
Induction
The first intensive phase.
Consolidation
The phase that strengthens remission.
Maintenance
A long, gentler phase.
Survivorship care plan
The plan for checks after treatment.

08Key points

  • Collect every discharge letter.
  • Order them by date.
  • Ask for an official summary.
  • Make a one-page version.
  • Update it regularly.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I was treated as a child?

Ask the old hospital for archived records; this matters for late-effect checks.

Can I keep it digitally?

Yes, but keep a paper copy too.

Who should see it?

Every new doctor, emergency services and any centre abroad.

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. What if I was treated as a child?

  2. Can I keep it digitally?

  3. Who should see it?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Personal Health Records
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  4. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  6. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Cancer — Living with Cancer
  7. American Cancer Society. After Treatment for Childhood Leukemia
  8. MedlinePlus Genetics. NPM1 gene
  9. Blood, 2021. Heuser M et al. 2021 update on MRD in AML: a consensus document from the ELN MRD Working Party
  10. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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