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Melanie Gaffney is a proud childhood cancer survivor, and a contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog.

Today she is cancer-free, but lives with the after effects of her cancer treatments. In addition to being a mom and a wife, she operates a small marketing and graphic design boutique called Melanie Gaffney and also founded Mason’s Mission to raise awareness and funds for Chiari malformation research, a neurological disorder that affects her son. Read more about Melanie here.

Watch for Melanie’s blogs here, and connect with Melanie on Twitter.

For survivors of childhood cancer, the great news is that you survived cancer. But is that the end? Is it really over? Can you stop focusing on your health all the time?

Depending on the type of cancer and the treatments you received, probably not.
There are about 350,000 childhood cancer survivors in the United States. As survivors age, they can experience late effects and long-term medical complications as a result of the treatments that saved their lives.

Today, because of advances in treatment, about 80 percent of children treated for cancer survive five years or more. But the treatments that saved your lives can also cause health problems that may not show up until years later.

In fact, 30 years out, survivors are at more risk of dying from treatment-related illness than from cancer recurrence . Because childhood cancer survivors are living longer, their long-term health and these late effects are issues for most of their lives. Childhood cancer survivors’ aftercare and watchfulness for late effects must be as specialized as the cancer treatments they received as children. Late effects may involve more than one part of the body and range from mild to severe.

The main factors that contribute to possible late side effects include the types of treatment you received, the drugs used in chemotherapy, and the amount and location of radiation and surgeries.

This is why it’s important to find a great primary care physician and a multidisciplinary survivorship program.

Below are some of the effects childhood cancer survivors may experience:

• Bone density issues
• Thyroid problems
• Hearing loss
• Vision problems
• Dental problems
• Lung, liver or kidney problems
• Heart problems
• Fertility issues
• Second cancers
• Emotional issues
• Neurological issues

My Own Survivorship Journey
I didn’t realize I needed a survivorship program until my mid-twenties. I knew I had some physical limitations as a result of my childhood cancer, but I considered them to be minor. I was invincible! I truly believed that since I had beaten cancer, nothing else would ever happen to me. In some sense I felt I had paid my dues and could live like everyone else. This made sense to me as a teenager and sadly even into young adulthood. I ignored any and all signs that my body was telling me that I was, in fact, not invincible.

I was told that fertility and carrying a child may be an issue. Although I am sure other late side effects were probably mentioned when I was younger, these were the only two that I noted. So when I did get pregnant, to say I was totally shocked is an understatement. After the bliss and excitement of finding out I would have a baby came the rush of fear. My cancer came back to haunt me. The moment I remembered I wasn’t like everyone else was when I called my oncologist when most women are calling their obstetrician.

I was referred to the Living Well After Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program at the Abramson Cancer Center. After many tests, pokes and exams I received my first diagnosis of my late-term cancer treatment effects; heart disease (cardiomyopathy) due to chemotherapy, restrictive lung disease due to radiation therapy and an increased risk of breast cancer because of the amount and location of the radiation.

Like many survivors, I also faced some emotional issues like anxiety and dealing with the uncertainty that many cancer survivors deal with - the thought that my cancer may come back.
My life changed when I received my test results. Today, I try to spread knowledge and reach out to childhood cancer survivors about these late side effects. While fundraising for a cure and treatment is important, (without it there wouldn’t be survivors), there also has to be awareness and research to help support those survivors.

I am so excited to be attending the Stupid Cancer Boot Camp in Philadelphia on November. I can’t wait to listen to the speakers, learn more about survivorship and hopefully meet and share stories with other childhood cancer survivors.

The Abramson Cancer Center is part of the LIVESTRONG™ Survivorship Center of Excellence Network, a group of eight Comprehensive Cancer Centers that have been chosen to lead the effort across the country in clinical care and research with cancer survivors of all ages.

Learn more about the Living Well After Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program.

Learn about managing cancer treatment side effects.

Learn more about long-term follow-up guidelines for childhood cancer survivors.

Melanie Gaffney is a proud childhood cancer survivor, and a new contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog.

In 1982 at the age of 5, she was diagnosed at with stage IV Wilm’s tumor, a childhood kidney cancer that had metastasized to her lungs and heart. Melanie’s treatments included the removal of her left kidney, extensive radiation from collarbone to hip and two years of chemotherapy treatments.

Due to chemotherapy and the locations of radiation therapy, she was told she might not be able to have children. Never one to take no for an answer, she tried anyway, and when she became pregnant with her first child, she found herself thrilled - and scared.

Melanie quickly learned she was living with the after effects of her cancer treatments. Today, she lives with cardiomyopathy and restrictive lung disease from her childhood cancer treatments. Because of her health and only having one kidney, both of her pregnancies were considered high risk.

But every day that she looks into her children’s eyes she knows it was all worth it.

Melanie doesn’t let cancer define her. In addition to being a mom and a wife, she is a work at home mom. In Melanie’s spare time she enjoys photography and taking photos of her family and friends.

Watch for Melanie’s blogs here, and connect with Melanie on Twitter.

After being in remission for five years, Cheryl Smith needed a bone marrow transplant. Physicians at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center performed the procedure, and Cheryl is now cancer-free.

I was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia on June 4, 2001. After my initial treatment, my cancer went into remission for five years. When the cancer came out of remission, I had a bone marrow transplant.

My team, led by David Porter, MD, was there to support me and lead me through each step of the treatment process. It all came together. After 36 days in the hospital, I was home and I was returning to normal.

Ken Steliga was treated for prostate cancer at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center by David I. Lee, MD, the chief of the division of urology at Penn Presbyterian. Ken's son was also treated for prostate cancer by Dr. Lee. Now, Ken counsels men who have been newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Like son, like father

Following a biopsy last November, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I suspected that the diagnosis was inevitable, because my son had been treated for prostate cancer less than a year earlier. I figured it was coming, and it did. I made a decision to have minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery by David I. Lee, MD, the same surgeon who operated on my son.

My son, Tim, was diagnosed at 48. I was diagnosed at 71. It’s unusual for a father to be diagnosed with prostate cancer after the son. It usually happens the other way around, but it helped me a great deal. Tim had already done all the “dirty work.” He did all the research, and that made it much easier for me.

Making an informed decision

Tim had looked at the options. It did not seem logical to have other therapies when I could get rid of the cancer once and for all. The robotic surgery made a lot more sense to me. With the two-inch incision and five small holes, I refer to my scars as “body piercing without the hardware.”

That being said, it still was an anxious moment. It’s a very serious thing. I tried to be somewhat positive. Being light-hearted about it helped me go through with the surgery. It gave me a refreshed attitude and outlook.

A positive treatment experience and recovery

The care I received at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center was excellent, and the experience was very positive. I’m a ‘type A’ personality. I’m not one to be very complimentary, and I have not always had positive health care experiences in the past. Yet, from the time that I entered the hospital, it was a very positive experience. The care that I received was excellent. It changed my opinions about health care professionals, and changed my opinion about hospitals.

It started with admissions, and the woman that admitted me was not only thorough and efficient, but she was positive and left me with very good feelings. Then, when I got up to the floor where I was prepared for the surgery, everybody that I met was positive. I was awake at the beginning in the operating room. I had a chance to chat with the men that were in there, and I could just tell by their attitudes that they were very caring. After surgery, the caring atmosphere continued to prevail. Based on my interactions with the nurses on my floor, it was apparent that they were out for my best interest and they wanted the best care for me.

The experience was very positive for me, but I realized that this is a very sensitive issue with men. They don’t like to talk about a lot of things, especially when it pertains to their sexuality. Men don’t want to talk about many of the aspects of having this type of operation. They have a lot of fears and preconceived notions about what they hear from other men. Unfortunately, a lot of it is very negative. I found that passing on my positive experience could be very helpful to other men facing this disease.

Helping other men diagnosed with prostate cancer

My positive experience is also why I have agreed to meet with Dr. Lee’s physician assistant in the pre-op classes given once a month at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. I try to indicate to the men who are about to undergo surgery that it’s not as bad as they may think. With my positive experience, I feel very blessed and fortunate that I had this experience and I would like to see other men also have a good, positive experience.

Eventually the spot became larger and as a result I underwent surgery. Doctors removed one of the lobes of my lung, and determined that I did have lung cancer. The very fortunate thing was how early in the process my cancer was detected by the physicians at Penn Medicine.

A 12-year breast cancer survivor, Gail Slappy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2009. Upon being diagnoses, Gail began receiving treatment at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. When she retires from a teaching career this upcoming Spring, Gail plans on volunteering at the Abramson Cancer Center.
I’m a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. I was shocked that I was having another recurrence of cancer.

The multidisciplinary approach

Then, Dr. Ginsberg and I began to talk. I’m familiar with Dr. Ginsberg because he has been treating me over the years. He told me how he would handle my cancer treatment. Then, a team of doctors came in and discussed how I would be treated. The team consisted of Ursina Teitelbaum, MD, a hematology/oncologist; John Plastaras, MD, a radiation oncologist; and Ernest F. Rosato, MD, a surgeon. We all discussed how my case would be handled.

I felt quite relieved and confident that I was receiving the best treatment possible. There was a comprehensive team of doctors, and everyone was consulting with one another about my treatment.

Compassionate care

Throughout my experience at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, I felt supported. Everyone was just so compassionate towards me and my care. I would receive phone calls at home asking how I was doing.

At my lowest point, I grew quite weak from the combination of radiation and chemotherapy. When I would go to receive therapy, everyone understood how I was feeling and treated me with the most compassion I could ever receive. One time, when I was receiving radiation, one of the radiation therapists talked to me so nicely. The nature of his voice and the way he spoke to me so calmly let me know I would be alright. It truly made all of the difference. He even said that I looked great even though I felt lousy and I probably looked lousy too! He was endearing and he helped me a great deal.

After I had my surgery, the nursing staff and the doctors in the hospital were so kind and gentle. They helped me through the whole process. Everyone was very concerned, very attentive, and genuinely interested in my care, my progress, and my recovery. People always asked what they could do to make me comfortable and how they could help me. That was the sentiment throughout my whole recovery at the hospital.

That’s why I like the comprehensive approach at the Abramson Cancer Center because everyone is in dialogue with one another. They are constantly updating each other on your condition, and making sure that you are okay.

Giving back
I’ve been recovering from my illness. I’m a teacher, and I plan to retire in June. Once I heal, I want to give back. I plan on volunteering at the Abramson Cancer Center. I want to help other individuals who may be diagnosed with cancer and help them get through it. I want them to know it’s not a death sentence or the end of the world. In spite of the seriousness of the illness, you can conquer it. You can be a champion.