Cancer Rehab Programs

Denise-G

Curious how many of you have done Cancer Rehab Programs and how they helped you?   I started the STAR Program about a month ago.  It is a Cancer Rehab program that many hospitals nationwide participate in.  A Harvard doctor, Julie Silver, M.D. was a cancer survivor and realized cancer survivors need help!   I kind of went in to the program kicking and screaming, but it has helped me so much.  Especially my arm which had very limited range of motion after MX and radiation and my fatigue. 

Would love to hear your experiences.

proudtospin

I hit the jack pot recently, I had started working with a trainer at my gym right after ending my rads.

it was good and certainly helped my range of motion and many other issues. But he left my gym, I did without till this past year when I realized I needed more help (I have LE in my trunk and arm area).  I asked at my gym if they knew the PAL therapy for LE and they directed me to the "cancer guy" who it turned out to be a trainer who has developed a PT program for cancer survivors and he has now had it accepted at NJ hospitals where it will be part of normal treatment!

I would love all to get to work with my buddy Tim but honestly, ask at your treatment centers as it will be ....huge help!  Not only physically but mentally

SpecialK

I do the Livestrong program at my local Y - I have a personal trainer 2 days a week - plus, gentle yoga 2 days a week, for 12 weeks, plus access to any and all classes the Y normally offers - all for FREE!

cinnamonsmiles

 Marshfield Clinic of WI developed a Cancer Rehab Program. I found out about it two years AFTER my cancer diagnoses, and a year after my BMX. I think the program is only as good as the OT/PT that administers it. After a year of complaining of LE to my doctor, I learned that there as an OT/PT in the level below that was the "expert" on LE and was the cities' only (to my knowledge) Cacner Rehab Specialist.

She was terrible. The doctor wrote a presciption for  OT for LE AND the Cancer Rehab Program. She did the LE for me. She was awful. I had to come here to learn about WHAT she should be doing for me. She never recommended MLD at home or sleeves UNTIL I brought it up. She didn't teach me anything about skin care, deep breathing, etc. I learned it all on here.

The last time I saw her she was halfway out the door when I asked if I needed to come back, she said no. She totally blew off the Cancer Rehab Program I was to be enrolled in. I figure she did such a piss poor job on the LE, I didn't trust her to do the Rehab anyway. It was her JOB to start the program with me. I see no reason why it couldn't have been incorporated while doing the LE therapy.

I wish my PT that has done PT on my back and tennis elbow knew about the cancer rehab. He would do a wonderful job. Always gave me things to do at home and help modify things if my pain prevented me (I have a severe arthritis in an ankle and PMPS w/LE.

I think the LiveStrong Organization has something at the YMCA that is free (at least around here it is). I haven't tried it because I can't drive there and never know from day to day how I will feel.

So I think it is a wonderful thing for cancer patients, but you have to have the right person doing it in the actuall appointments.

GointoCarolina

I know this is an old post,but I am curious about this too.I see my onc this week and he is referring me to the Star Program.Would love to hear about others who have used this.I am in NY.

gardengypsy

Bumping.

The oncology rehab program I am in is called "Steps to Wellness." It is sponsored by my local university hospital and research grants and is covered by health insurance.

It goes twice weekly for 16 weeks, and has included instruction, a stress test, and daily monitoring. It's like having a personal trainer.

Never before in my life have I been in a gym. I love it so much.

The research is solid: Exercise helps fight cancer.