Breast cancer rehabilitation from initial diagnosis through survivorship
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is an excellent time to talk about living with breast cancer. Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect all aspects of one's being and life. Varying degrees of physical, emotional, and cognitive effects can impact one's economic status, personal interactions, and general ability to care for oneself. So how can one maximize quality of life and well-being from initial diagnosis through survivorship?
Occupational therapy services are beneficial for individuals with breast cancer through every phase of care. Intervention approaches are holistic and comprehensive, starting with an assessment and pre-operative counseling on how to prevent or reduce functional deficits prior to starting medical treatment in order to improve long-term outcomes for survivors. Throughout each stage of recovery, the occupational therapist will screen and monitor for functional deficits in order to modify the intervention plan to meet needs as they change.
OT treatment and education can address multiple aspects of recovery. One aspect is scar management and other soft tissue mobilization for improved comfort and movement as well as improved body image. Another area the OT will address is range of motion of the arm and neck as well as strengthening for improved comfort and performance of self-care tasks. Lymphedema prevention and management techniques are another area of education and treatment the OT can provide to the breast cancer survivor.
In order to improve activity tolerance for daily tasks, the OT will provide education on energy conservation techniques and compensatory training for self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and preparing a meal. Additionally, the occupational therapist can evaluate emotional and cognitive abilities in order to make appropriate recommendations for safe integration into community outreach and support programs. The OT will also address any fear or anxiety associated with having breast cancer and going through cancer treatments.
The goal of occupational therapy is always to maximize function and overall well-being for each individual’s needs and quality of life. Resuming normal activities that are important to the individual including self-care, home management, child care, leisure, social, or work tasks can be addressed. Whether it’s a new breast cancer diagnosis or one from years in the past, occupational therapy can be beneficial to anyone that feels she/he has functional impairments.
Breast cancer rehabilitation services by occupational therapy can be delivered at an outpatient clinic. A doctor’s order is required for occupational therapy services and you may request this from your personal physician. Occupational therapy outpatient services are offered at Warm Springs Lockhart (512-398-5639) and PAM Specialty and Rehab Hospital in Luling (830-875-8500). If you have questions, please contact one of the clinics for more information.
