The end of therapy can be exciting, but it can also be confusing and emotional. You and your family may feel nervous as you think about life outside of treatment. How will you handle medical needs on your own for what may be the first time? Many patients report feeling anxious or uncertain about “losing” their hospital support during this time.
St. Jude staff in the Transition Oncology Program (TOP) offer you and your family education and support to ease your child into adult care or off-therapy care. Before the end of treatment, each member of our multi-disciplinary team will meet with you and your child. We will figure out your child’s specific needs. This plan will be in effect until your child enters the St. Jude After Completion of Therapy clinic.
TOP staff can help you decide which questions to ask your St. Jude treatment team or a local provider. We also work alongside your primary medical team to help you find services close to home. These include:
- Local medical care
TOP staff members can help coordinate the transfer of your child’s medical care from your treatment team at St. Jude to your local care provider. If you need help finding a provider, we can guide you through the process. - Returning to school
Some children have educational challenges after treatment. This can put children at risk of falling behind in school. TOP school liaisons will help you get academic accommodations or special education services. The liaisons will also help you understand how long-term effects of treatment may affect learning. School liaisons work with educators in your home town. Not only do they help establish or maintain these services, but they will also advocate on behalf of your child - Emotional support
TOP team members provide guidance on what to expect emotionally during the transition. They also help identify when extra support is needed and how to seek extra support. - Insurance resources
It can be hard to understand insurance forms. We can talk you through the process and suggest other resources.
What Should I Expect After Chemotherapy is Completed?
After chemotherapy is over, your child may need to return to St. Jude for routine exams. This will depend on your child’s diagnosis. These appointments may consist of tests, scans and regular checkups. Some follow-up services may occur at one of our affiliate clinics.
TOP Team
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Emily Browne, DNP, RN, CPNP
Browne
- Director, Transition Oncology Program
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Elizabeth Barnwell, MSN, APRN-BC, CPON
Barnwell
- Nurse Practitioner Navigator
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Sandra Jones, DNP, PNP
Jones
- Nurse Practitioner Navigator
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Regina Winfrey, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNL
Winfrey
- Rehabilitation Services Transition Coordinator
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Justin Gardner
Gardner
- Manager School Program and Liaison Services
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Sarah Klein
Klein
- Academic Coordinator
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Allison Young
Young
- Academic Coordinator
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Mary Gatlin, LCSW
Gatlin
- Social Worker II
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Mary Elizabeth Hearn, LCSW
Hearn
- Social Worker I
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Contact Us
Email: TOP@stjude.org
Phone: (901) 595-0980
Fax: (901) 595-0865