Breast cancer patients are often surprised with their decreased mobility and strength following treatment. After the rigors of surgery, radiation treatments, chemotherapy and sometimes reconstruction – the need for physical therapy is often overlooked.

It is not that your physicians are not concerned with your well-being or your ability to get back to normal activities. It could be that with a number of different physicians being involved with your treatment, each one is expecting one of the other physicians to address the issue of your physical therapy.

An example

It is similar to your home. If you call a plumber to repair a water leak, he will fix it to the best of his ability. He may even install a few new parts to ensure that the problem never occurs again. He wants you to have a sound home, but while he is there, he is not going to offer you advice on your heating and cooling system.

Sometimes you have to ask for advice

Don’t be afraid to ask your physician about any deficiencies that you may be experiencing. If he can’t recommend someone to help you, then seek out a professional who has experience working with breast cancer patients. This may be a physical therapist or an occupational therapist.

By using a thorough evaluation and screening process, they may be able to put together a regimen that is catered to your specific needs. You should also ask about lymphedema and their personal experiences of dealing with this condition. Anyone who has had their lymph nodes removed is at a higher risk of developing lymphedema.

Other problems

Besides reduced mobility and a decrease in strength, you may notice postural problems. This is common, especially if you have had reconstruction surgery such as a tram flap or latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

When patients have a hard time doing simple everyday tasks, they can become susceptible to emotional problems like:

• low self esteem
• depression
• anxiety

Rehabilitation is necessary

Rehabilitation is vital for breast cancer patients who want to regain:

• mobility
• strength
• endurance
• posture
• emotional well being

So get any and all information that you can about breast cancer rehabilitation. If you know of a successful rehabilitation program dealing with breast cancer, please contact us so we can spread the word and let others know. We need to give breast cancer patients as much information as possible so that they can make good, sound decisions concerning their rehab.

Contact me

You can email me at:

skay@therotater.com

Put “breast cancer rehab program” in the subject line.