Next Steps: An overview

At the Next Steps Clinic, participants and families have access to a team of specialists who are experienced in the issues faced by childhood cancer and bone marrow transplant survivors. The team includes an oncologist, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, psychologist, social worker, registered dietician, school teacher and physical therapist. The clinic allows survivors and their families to:

• Ask questions and get answers about past treatment and future needs.
• See many experts regarding their care in one visit.
• Obtain summaries of their past treatment and recommendations for future care.

What are the benefits of the Next Steps Clinic? 

Anyone who has had a cancer or a bone marrow transplant may experience related health issues later in life. The team teaches survivors and their families how to monitor and manage possible late effects for a healthy life.

The goals of the clinic are to:

• Identify any potential late effects from cancer treatment and create a plan to address them.
• Educate each survivor on the therapy he or she received and what it may mean for future medical care.
• Provide guidance on healthy lifestyle behaviors and good nutrition.
• Offer support for school, vocational and social issues.
• Help make connections to the resources available to childhood cancer survivors.
• Provide a comprehensive summary of treatment and ongoing medical needs to the survivor and his or her primary and specialty care physicians.

All team members have expertise in caring for children and families affected by cancer and bone marrow transplants. They work closely with families to make sure all questions are answered.

Who should visit the Next Steps Clinic?

Cancer and bone marrow transplant survivors:

• Diagnosed before age 30, regardless of current age.
• Bone marrow transplant patients two years after their transplant date.
• Oncology patients two years after completing treatment and/or five years after their diagnosis date.

The clinic is open to survivors regardless of where they were treated.

Next Steps Clinic location

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin; Hematology, Oncology and Transplant Clinic (HOT); 2nd floor.

Appointments

To schedule an appointment, call (414) 266-2774. Some patients may require additional appointments at the hospital. These will be scheduled on the same day whenever possible.