Completing breast cancer treatment is a milestone worth celebrating. Survivorship marks a new phase of health care that focuses on healing, prevention, and long-term wellness. At Willow Health in Fargo, ND, breast cancer survivorship is one of the areas we specialize in. Our team provides care that is guided by the treatments you received and the long-term effects they may cause. This approach ensures your care plan is built for your unique health journey, not a one-size-fits-all model.
Ongoing Health Needs for Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast cancer survivors often face lasting effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy. These can include heart disease, bone loss, skin or lung changes, fatigue, memory difficulties, and neuropathy. Many women also navigate anxiety, depression, or fear of recurrence. Willow Health anticipates these risks by reviewing your treatment history and providing proactive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and preventive needs of survivorship.
The Role of a Survivorship Care Plan
At Willow Health, every breast cancer survivor receives a treatment summary that documents diagnosis details, pathology, surgeries, and the dosages of chemotherapy or radiation. This summary drives follow-up care and aligns with recommendations from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). With a clear plan, survivors know what screenings to expect, how often tests are needed, and what symptoms to monitor. This brings peace of mind and prevents important follow-ups from slipping through the cracks.
Coordinated Care Between Oncology and Primary Care
Oncologists focus on cancer-specific follow-up, but primary care provides whole-person management. Without coordination, important screenings such as heart monitoring or bone density tests can be missed. Willow Health bridges this gap by working closely with oncology providers and tailoring your follow-up plan based on your treatments. This ensures that your survivorship care is both evidence-based and comprehensive.
Beyond Medical Care: Building Resources for Survivors
Breast cancer survivorship is not only about medical monitoring. It is about rebuilding health and reclaiming quality of life. Through a developing non-profit foundation, Willow Health aims to expand resources for survivors, including wigs, support groups, nutrition classes, and exercise programs. These resources help women thrive physically, emotionally, and socially long after treatment ends.
Leadership in Survivorship Care
Willow Health’s approach is strengthened by the leadership of Dr. Jessie Lindemann. She serves as an Elevate Ambassador for Cancer Nation, a national advocacy group advancing survivorship research and policy, and leads the Survivorship Action Team for the North Dakota Cancer Coalition. Her commitment ensures that survivors in Fargo and across North Dakota have access to the most up-to-date, compassionate, and effective care.
At Willow Health in Fargo, we believe every breast cancer survivor deserves care that is personal, evidence-based, and forward-looking. Our survivorship program combines medical expertise, whole-person wellness, and community support so you can move forward with strength and clarity. Schedule a survivorship visit at Willow Health today and begin building your personalized breast cancer survivorship plan.
