You made it through the diagnosis, medications, surgery and treatments and have been released from formal medical care. You have survived cancer and are beginning to regain your life back, but as a cancer survivor, there are nagging side effects, struggles and challenges that may interfere with your life. Physical and occupational therapy can help combat common side effects of cancer treatment.
Decreased Motion in Your Arm
This is a common side effect after lumpectomy – and even more so after mastectomy. You can self-manage this issue by:
- Slowly raising your arms forward and up over your head as far as you can. Hold this position for at least 20 seconds to allow the tissue to stretch. You can also accomplish this stretch by facing a wall and using your fingers to crawl up the wall.
- Raising your arm out to the side and then up toward your ear − angel in the snow motion. As above, hold for at least 20 seconds. You can also do this lying down on the floor or on your bed and sliding your arm along the surface of the floor. This allows you to relax your arm as you move it.
Painful Scarring
This can occur after any surgical intervention for cancer treatment. Scar tissue can grow and become firm and painful. It can make moving painful and difficult and can cause shortening of tissues. To help alleviate this, massage the scar by firmly pressing on the area and rubbing in a small circular motion. This will help to flatten and soften the scar, which will decrease pain, improve tissue pliability and circulation as well as improve the appearance of the scar.
Fatigue
A frequent side effect of chemotherapy is fatigue. Managing fatigue is not easy. When you are exhausted, the simplest tasks can be overwhelming and when you regain energy, you have a tendency to over-exert yourself. This makes it difficult to find a balance and can be frustrating to limit yourself. Here are some tips:
- Be patient with yourself. When you need to rest, don’t fight it.
- On days you are especially tired, do activities in smaller steps and for shorter time frames.
- Try to become aware of your limits and plan accordingly.
Chemo Brain
This term refers to the brain fog that occurs from various drugs and chemotherapy. Memory loss is a common complaint, as well as difficulty concentrating and focusing. This problem can be further complicated by fatigue. To help with this issue:
- Keep a schedule of events on your cell phone or day planner. A day planner can also be used to write down information such as what was discussed at an appointment or meeting.
- Keep information in one place. Keeping multiple notes in various locations is not helpful and notes can get lost.
- Try to limit your activities. Scheduling too many activities can create problems with attending to tasks and staying on track.
Swallowing and Communication Changes
Swallowing and speech are often greatly impacted by head and neck cancer. A speech-language pathologist can provide evaluation, treatment and education to help patients have a faster, more complete recovery to provide the best quality of life possible. FBN
EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine experts and specialties
The therapists and specialists of Northern Arizona Healthcare’s EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine department have the education and hands-on experience required to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans and therapies.
Each specific type of therapy − occupational, physical, hand and speech − is considered a specialty, and plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. The EntireCare team functions as a cohesive unit, where all members share information and knowledge. The ultimate goal is the patient’s improvement and return to the highest possible functioning level. Choosing EntireCare means patients also have access to a myriad of additional services, such as advanced facilities, technology and equipment.
To make an appointment at one of EntireCare’s Flagstaff locations, call 928-773-2125.
- Flagstaff Medical Center: 1215 N. Beaver St. The outpatient therapy center includes a large exercise gym; private rooms for hand, wound, speech therapy, electrical stimulation and other treatments; an above-ground therapeutic pool; group exercise classes; and more.
- East Flagstaff: 7810 N. Hwy. 89, Ste. 280 (in the Elden Ridge Business Centre next to Subway). Full-time physical therapists provide comprehensive treatment options in a state-of-the-art facility. The clinic offers both private treatment rooms and a gym-like area for patients to work one-on-one with therapists.
Mickie Toutant, O.T., is an occupational therapist with the EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine department located at Flagstaff Medical Center. She specializes in hand therapy and treatment of other problems with upper extremities, such as fractures, arthritis and traumatic and repetitive motion injuries. She also works with patients who have neurological conditions, such as head injury, stroke and post-concussion syndrome, as well as those who have survived cancer. She earned a bachelor’s degree from College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. She is certified as an occupational therapist by the American Occupational Therapy Association and has additional certifications in neurological developmental technique, or NDT; Tai Chi; Graston technique; and dry needling.
Northern Arizona Healthcare is creating healthier communities by providing wellness, prevention and medical care through Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center – Sedona Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare – Camp Verde Campus, Northern Arizona Healthcare Medical Group – Flagstaff, Verde Valley Medical Clinic, the Cancer Centers of Northern Arizona Healthcare, Northern Arizona Healthcare Orthopedic Surgery Center, EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine, the Bariatric Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, the Heart & Vascular Center of Northern Arizona – Cottonwood, the Sleep Center, Guardian Air and Guardian Medical Transport. We also provide comprehensive imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services throughout the region. Many of the services we provide receive major funding through the NAH Foundation, including Fit Kids of Arizona, The Taylor House and Valley View Care.
For more information on Northern Arizona Healthcare programs and services, visit NAHealth.com. “Like” NAH at Facebook.com/NorthernArizonaHealthcare.
By Mickie Toutant, O.T., occupational therapist