A Manual Therapy and Exercise Approach to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Course

Transcription

1 2014 Annual Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Healthcare Provider Event A Manual Therapy and Exercise Approach to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Course November 7 th and 8 th, 2014 Mercer University, Atlanta, GA Sponsored By: TurningPoint s Edith Van Riper-Haase Breast Cancer Rehabiltation Advocacy Fund Presentations are Available on TurningPoint s Website: myturningpoint.org Click on Course Link itsthejourney.org thevisualab.com

2 A Manual Therapy and Exercise Approach to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Course Special Considerations for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer This Presentation is available on TurningPoint s Website: myturningpoint.org From Homepage Click on Course Link

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4 Role of Rehabilitation for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer The following are some of the issues that impact quality of life in women with metastatic breast cancer: Physical and emotional impacts of ongoing treatment Pain Neuropathy Weakness Osteoporosis and compression fracture General deconditioning Unrelated issues of pain, musculoskeletal dysfunction and weakness are often not addressed Relationship issues, fear and isolation can impact quality of life

5 Role of Rehabilitation for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Cheville AL et al. Prevalence and Treatment Patterns of Physical Impairments in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 26, 16: June, women with metastatic breast cancer were evaluated and cancerrelated impairments including lymphedema, weakness, neuropathy, deconditioning 90% of the women had impairments that would benefit from rehabilitation, while less than 30% received care Remediable physical impairments were prevalent and poorly addressed among patients with metastatic breast cancer, drastically so in the out-patient setting. Undertreatment was particularly prominent among minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups

6 Uncertainty and Lack of Control Main issue that women with metastatic disease struggle with is having to live with permanent uncertainty. These women say it can be difficult to plan too far into the future, as it is murky and unknown. Hard to feel fully in control of one's life under these circumstances, and that it's hard to accept that there is no permanent solution to the problem. Often struggle with anxiety.

7 Relationships and Society Many patients say that their experience is different from women who are diagnosed for the first time, usually with non-metastatic disease. Those patients have a treatment plan, become disease-free and then continue with just maintenance and monitoring. The patient with metastatic cancer must learn to live with a chronic disease and a permanent regimen of drugs and/or other treatments (and the side effects thereof) to keep the disease from spreading. Patients with metastatic disease say they sometimes feel "left out" when they hear all the publicity about "breast cancer" because it all seems aimed at the non-metastic patient.

8 Coping Mechanisms and Supporting Patients with Metastatic Disease Often cope by focusing on the present and living every day fully. Many say it helps to talk to fellow metastatic patients, the only ones who truly understand what they're feeling. In addition to the emotional support, they value learning from each other about the various drugs and treatments being used by each other's doctors so they can be proactive and collaborate with their own doctors in their care. Appreciate positive, accurate information from doctors experienced in treating metastatic disease about the latest successful treatment protocols, clinical trials and even alternative therapies, especially since information found on the internet can be overwhelming and confusing

9 Specialized Physical Therapy Management of shoulder, trunk and upper extremity problems Treatment of other pain and dysfunction related to surgery and treatment Lymphedema education and management Exercise consultation and programs

10 Nutritional Counseling Nutritional Counseling and Educational Programs that maximize wellness during and following breast cancer treatment. Healthy nutrition Weight loss and gain Supplements and anti-oxidants Nausea

11 Massage Therapy Pain reduction Management of soft tissue dysfunction Maximize wellness Reduce stress Maximize immune system function

12 Complimentary Programs for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Coffee and Conversation monthly support group Physical Therapy for secondary and unrelated musculoskeletal issues such as joint and muscle pain, stiffness, weakness Exercise to maximize quality of life, wellness and function Massage Therapy Nutritional Counseling Yoga and Pilates

13 Counseling and Support Counseling and support groups can maximize psychosocial wellness and provide critical support during and after treatment for breast cancer Groups

14 Women with metastatic breast cancer deserve the support of the rehabilitation professions to maximize quality of life and maintain roles as partner, mother, friend, and coworker.