Grandmary

Any cancer victim needs rehabilitative programs as much as they need treatment for cancer. The breast cancer victim is no different and needs special rehabilitation programs to cater their post-surgical, post-radiotherapy, or post-chemotherapy needs. No wonder almost all good breast cancer centers have inbuilt rehabilitation centers for putting these people on the path of further recovery.

Apart from mental and psychological rehabilitation, they need physical rehabilitation. A full spectrum of rehabilitation is required for these patients in a supportive environment. When the patient undergoes surgical removal of breast and lymph nodes, usually she suffers from lack of strength and movement ability of shoulder on that particular side. The rehabilitation should comprise of:

• Occupational and physical post-op therapy
• General fitness and exercise
• Lymphedema (swollen arm) management

The rehabilitation treatment includes following:

(1) Manual lymphatic therapy
(2) Compression bandaging of the limb
(3) Exercise for general fitness and mobility
(4) Posture and breathing exercises
(5) Compression pump treatment if required
(6) Exercise for frozen shoulder or limited motion of the joint
(7) Exercises for correcting muscular imbalances resulting due to reconstructive surgeries
(8) Fitness programs to restore normalcy in overall activities
(9) Pain management with or without acupuncture
(10) Psychological counseling
(11) Nutrition counseling and planning of post-op diet
(12) Stress management and personality grooming

Apart from the above mentioned points, good center almost always give counseling sessions for the family members because they are the pillars of strength for the patient and their support means the world for her!

Depending upon the current stage of cancer and its treatment, the rehabilitation program is coined for the benefit of the patient. The patient’s physician is the active participant even in her fitness and rehabilitation program. It is him who directs and guides the rehabilitation therapist about the accurate staging of her rehabilitation program.

The woman who undergoes any kind of treatment for breast cancer is always apprehensive about further recurrence of the same. If she gets ample rehabilitation and support from her hospital and family, she recovers much faster and her mental balance is achieved sooner. She deserves better life, doesn’t she?