Pat & Jean Sullivan Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Program
The goals in treating head and neck cancer are eliminating the cancer and helping patients and their caregivers return to their best possible quality of life. Patients treated for advanced head and neck cancer may face serious challenges with function, appearance, employment, and even personal relationships. Achieving the best results requires a personalized, well-coordinated care plan designed to minimize treatment complications and keep patients as healthy and active as possible.
About the Program
The Pat and Jean Sullivan Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Program supports patients’ cancer treatment and ongoing wellness by addressing issues related to nutrition, communication, chronic pain, emotional distress, work, social connection, and more. Our care team is proactive in helping you either avoid or manage challenges throughout survivorship.
Here’s a graphic to illustrate the various steps survivors move through, each of which may require different kinds of support. (That’s where we come in.)
The program is named in honor of Pat Sullivan – a legendary quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and celebrated football coach – who himself was treated for head and neck cancer at UAB, and his wife of 50 years, Jean, who was a dedicated caregiver throughout his treatment and survivorship. Although his cancer never returned, Coach Sullivan faced many difficult side effects from treatment, and his experiences led the Sullivan family to get involved with this program at UAB.
Survivorship Care Plan
Together, we’ll build a comprehensive survivorship care plan that:
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- Anticipates patients’ needs, depending on their specific cancer type and treatment
- Actively addresses those anticipated needs
- Details the course and timeline of planned cancer treatment
- Explains guidelines for ongoing care and monitoring
- Recommends preventive care
- Identifies whom should be contacted if problems develop
- Referrals for managing other potential problems
- Close monitoring of the patient’s short- and long-term treatment results, with the goal of continually improving care and survivorship
- Training, resources, and connections to helpful services for caregivers, who play an important role in the patient’s recovery and often carry a burden that can feel overwhelming
Ongoing Checkups and Medical Support
The Pat and Jean Sullivan Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Program uses a holistic (whole-body) approach to care and recovery that begins shortly after diagnosis. The program is led by experts in multiple medical specialties who have proven experience in head and neck cancer care and survivorship issues, and they work closely with the patient’s entire treatment team at all stages of the cancer journey.
Each check-up visit may include:
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- A review of medical history and symptoms
- A physical exam
- Health education
- A review of the survivorship care plan
- Referrals to specialists, helpful resources, and other services as needed
Peer-to-Peer Support
Head and neck cancer is challenging in ways that survivors or co-survivors (i.e. caregivers) understand best. We facilitate peer-to-peer support relationships that allow you to share insights and advice, discuss challenges, and navigate survivorship. Research shows that peer support reduces stress, improves coping, and provides a sense of empowerment for those with head and neck cancer.
About Us
The program is named in honor of Pat Sullivan – a legendary quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and celebrated football coach – who himself was treated for head and neck cancer at UAB, and his wife of 50 years, Jean, who was a dedicated caregiver throughout his treatment and survivorship. Although his cancer never returned, Coach Sullivan faced many difficult side effects from treatment, and his experiences led the Sullivan family to get involved with this program at UAB.
The Sullivan family’s vision is that this program will be a model for head and neck cancer survivorship programs nationally and available to all patients with this and other types of cancer. It serves head and neck cancer survivors from throughout Alabama, no matter where they received treatment.
For more information about the Pat and Jean Sullivan Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Program please call 205-801-8780.
Care Providers
Jeff Barrett, LICSW
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