In the United States, at least 12 million people have, or have had, cancer – and increasing numbers of them survive. However, even those in remission often find themselves dealing with side effects of cancer and/or cancer treatments. Fortunately, we are learning more about how best to decrease, or even eliminate, these side effects:
- Decreased motion in the arm. This is common after having a lumpectomy or mastectomy to treat breast cancer. To help regain mobility:
o Slowly raise the arm in front and then over the head as far as possible. Hold that position for at least 20 seconds to allow the tissue to stretch. Or accomplish this stretch by “crawling” the fingers up the wall.
o Raise arm out to the side and then up toward the ear. Hold at least 20 seconds and try to keep your shoulders from lifting up.
o If raising the arms is difficult, the above exercises can be performed while lying on the floor or bed. When moving arms to the side, slide along the surface of the floor or bed for additional support.
o Repeat all these exercises three times if possible. If doing so causes pain, then do less motion and remember that change comes slowly.
- Painful scarring: This can occur after any surgical procedure. Scarring can cause shortening of the tissues, which makes movement painful and difficult. To help avoid this problem, massage the scar by pressing firmly on the area and making small circles. This will help flatten and soften the scar, thereby decreasing pain, improving tissue flexibility and circulation, and improving the appearance of the scar.
- Fatigue: Managing fatigue is not easy. When you are exhausted, even the simplest tasks can be overwhelming, and when you feel well, it is easy to do too much. It can be difficult to find balance, but be patient. When you are tired, rest or do activities in smaller steps and for shorter amounts of time.
- Exercise: Research shows that exercise – no matter the intensity or amount – helps reduce fatigue and improve mood, appetite, sleep and treatment tolerance. Exercise could be a walk to the mailbox, a trip up and down a flight of stairs, biking, jogging or yoga. Talk with an occupational or physical therapist who is familiar with cancer treatment side effects and can set up a tailored exercise program. Simple guidelines include: start slowly and gradually build length and intensity of exercise over time, stop the exercise before fatigue sets in, try to exercise every day, do two to three bouts of exercise per day for a shorter time instead of one long bout; and be patient.
Occupational therapists can be helpful partners in helping cancer survivors gain and maintain the quality of life they want. Surviving cancer is wonderful but also difficult. Fortunately, there are things you can do and resources you can use to thrive, not just survive.
EntireCare Experts
It takes years of training and hands-on experience to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment plans and therapies. Fortunately, EntireCare’s therapists and specialists all have the advanced training and expertise to provide extensive therapy to their patients. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, many of our therapists also have advanced training and experience – master’s degrees and doctorates – and additional certifications in one or more areas of expertise.
Each specific type of therapy 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 state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology and equipment. FBN
By Mickie Toutant
East and West Flagstaff locations: To make an appointment, call 928-773-2125.
- Flagstaff Medical Center: 1215 N. Beaver St. The outpatient therapy center includes a large exercise gym; private rooms for massage, hand, wound, electric stimulation and other treatments; above-ground therapeutic pool; group exercise classes and more.
- East Flagstaff: 7810 N. Hwy 89, Suite 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 has both private treatment rooms and a gym-like area for patients to work one-on-one with therapists.