Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
The Cancer Institute Of New Jersey At Cooper Restoring Function And Controlling Pain Through The Post-Operative Breast Surgery Program Carol Stratton, MSPT, ATC, teaches patient Diane Hatoff functional exercises to stretch and strengthen her hand. M ost women with breast cancer have some type of surgery. Having a mastectomy, or a lumpectomy with radiation therapy, can cause physical problems such as pain, loss of range of motion, decreased mobility, and scar adhesion, as well as fatigue and an increased risk of lymphedema [arm swelling]. The PostOperative Breast Surgery Program at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper can help women who’ve had surgery for breast cancer, with or without radiation therapy, feel and function better. The Post-Operative Breast Surgery Program This comprehensive program helps women who have had a mastectomy, or a lumpectomy with radiation therapy: • Increase mobility • Decrease pain • Restore normal function • Restore strength • Increase aerobic capacity and endurance • Improve skin and scar mobility • Lower the risk for lymphedema (arm swelling) [For More Information, call 1-800-8-COOPER. Adv.] More on Page 6 The Cancer Institute Of New Jersey At Cooper From the Cover “Post-operative breast cancer surgery rehabilitation is a key and critical component in the overall treatment of breast cancer patients. The goal of rehabilitation is simple: to return the patient to her normal active lifestyle,” said Carol Stratton, MSPT, ATC, Director of Rehabilitation Services at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper. “Our female physical therapists are experienced in working with women who have breast cancer and are sensitive to their needs.” The Post-Operative Breast Surgery Program, part of Cooper’s Cancer Care Rehabilitation Services, is designed to increase mobility, decrease pain, restore normal function, restore strength, increase aerobic capacity and endurance, improve scar and skin mobility, and lower the risk for lymphedema. Stratton and two other physical therapists—Christine Mease, PT, and Dale McPeak, PTA—work one-onone with breast cancer patients to develop a rehabilitation program tailored to each patient’s medical situation, lifestyle, and goals. The program includes hands-on manual therapy, a structured exercise program, education on preventing lymphedema [arm swelling], and instruction in a home exercise and self-care program. Women who have had surgery that includes removal of axillary [armpit] lymph nodes or radiation therapy for breast cancer may be at risk for lymphedema, a chronic, lifelong condition. The surgical removal of axillary lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy in the axillary region can adversely affect the flow of lymphatic fluid in the arm and breast area, causing abnormal accumulation of this protein-rich fluid in the arm. The excess fluid builds up, causing swelling called lymphedema. The best way to manage lymphedema is to prevent it. Cooper’s physical therapists teach patients how to recognize the signs of lymphedema and ways to reduce their risk for developing it. A typical post-operative breast surgery rehabilitation program is 12 sessions, 2 or 3 times a week. “Women can start as early as two or three weeks after surgery, upon their doctor’s approval. They can participate in the rehabilitation program during other cancer treatment, or after they’ve completed treatment,” said Stratton. Physical therapists work with each patient to develop a home exercise program so they can continue their recovery after completing the on-site rehabilitation program. Most types of insurance cover cancer rehabilitation services. The PostOperative Breast Surgery Program is Carol Stratton, MSPT, available at three con- ATC, performs hands-on manual therapy to stretch venient Diane Hatoff’s shoulder. locations: Voorhees, Haddonfield, and Camden. About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper is part of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, a National Cancer Institute [NCI]-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Comprehensive Cancer Centers are leaders in cancer treatment, research, and education. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper is also the only cancer program in South Jersey designated by the American College of Surgeons as a Teaching Hospital Cancer Program. Within The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper, teams of doctors— medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons—work together to provide the best possible care for cancer patients. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper has seven specialized centers: breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, genitourinary cancer, gynecologic cancer, leukemia/lymphoma, lung cancer, and neuro-oncology [brain tumors]. To schedule an appointment with a Cooper physician, call 1-800-8COOPER. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions about available medical services, physicians, and community health programs. [Adv.] WE’RE COMMITTED TO SERIOUS MEDICINE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE George E. Norcross, III, Acting Chairman Christopher T. Olivia, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer.