Housecall

A cancer journey isn't easy — the disease and its treatments can take a toll. Many people feel like they've run out of energy, or they struggle with pain, memory lapses or other lingering side effects that make daily tasks difficult even after treatment ends.

"Many people may think, 'This is just life now,'" noted Doug Janssen, PT, DPT, director of Rehabilitative Services at Columbus Community Hospital. "We want you to know that you don't have to live with those impairments and the loss of function. There are interventions that can help you thrive again."

How cancer rehab can help

Thrive Cancer Rehabilitation Care includes an array of physical, occupational and speech therapy services designed to help you navigate challenges at any point in your cancer journey. Some of the many cancer-related issues rehab can address are:

• Fatigue unrelieved by rest.
• Pain.
• Balance problems.
• Loss of strength or range of motion, which makes it hard to complete functional tasks.
• Swelling (lymphedema).
• Memory changes or "brain fog."
• Difficulty swallowing.

It's never too early or too late to seek this care.

"When we tell people that we can improve their fatigue and endurance or decrease some of these side effects, often we hear, 'I wish I would have known about this sooner,'" said program coordinator Michell Ruskamp, MS, CCC-SLP.

The journey begins with a free consultation, called a Thrive intake interview.

"We gather your background medical history and screen for any impairments you might be having related to cancer and its treatments," Ruskamp said.

Even if you're not experiencing symptoms yet, you could benefit from education on what to expect and possibly some therapy exercises to help prepare you better for the next steps.

"Or maybe you've finished your treatments a year ago and you're coming to us worn out and unable to get back to things you want to do," Ruskamp said.

The team can guide you toward the most helpful services, whether that's physical, occupational or speech therapy or a consultation with a dietitian.

Expert therapy team

The cancer rehab care team encompasses specially trained medical professionals, such as physicians, oncology nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, registered dietitians and social workers. These team members work together to guide and support you.

Your therapy plan will depend on your individual goals. It may include:

• Increasing your strength and energy for work or school and activities of daily living.
• Resolving or relieving your pain.
• Improving your functioning and quality of life.

For instance, you could meet with a physical or occupational therapist who has additional training and continuing education in cancer rehabilitation.

Your therapist would develop a personalized treatment plan for you. That plan could include a home exercise program; adaptation of your activities at home; community exercise, such as Livestrong® (an exercise group at the YMCA for cancer survivors); and formal therapy sessions to get you started. Or you might see a speech therapist for help with speaking, swallowing difficulties, memory issues or thinking problems. It all depends on your needs.

To further support you, the team will also check in about any emotional distress related to your cancer.

"That's part of our whole-person approach," Ruskamp said. "We don't just focus on impairments from cancer. We also look at what else is happening in your life. If we can decrease that level of distress, that's a big win for people."

Categories: Thrive Cancer Rehabilitation Care