HJBR Jan/Feb 2021

20 JAN / FEB 2021  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE CANCER REHAB surveillance program that allows providers to measure each patient’s fluid level before surgery and then monitor them at regular intervals after. “This surveillance program has been in- credible in allowing us to catch lymphedema at its earliest stage and greatly reduce the chances of it becoming a significant prob- lem,”Page explained. “It also has enabled us to identify patients who may be developing other postoperative issues such as pain and stiffness and help address those symptoms as well.” Many women who are prescribed long- term hormone-blocking treatments for their cancers are at risk for reduced bone den- sity. Because Woman’s serves such a large breast cancer population, the Cancer Rehab Program now includes a specific protocol designed especially for these patients to help prevent bone loss. “The goal is that through education on nutrition and specific exer- cises for bone strengthening, we can reduce or eliminate one more potential long-term negative effect of a live-saving treatment,” said Page. Many breast cancer patients undergo sur- gical procedures, which may lead to limited shoulder range of motion or scar pain. Ra- diation treatments may also lead to fatigue, stiffness and pain. With therapy, these can all be addressed while treatment is ongoing. “Patients who don’t have access to pro- grams like this or who don’t know what is available to them often just give up and ac- cept their new limitations,”saidMindy Bowie, MD, breast surgical oncologist with Wom- an’s Hospital. “But with the comprehensive approach of the Cancer Rehab Program, I can direct my patients to therapy experts who help them find the relief they need.” For gynecologic cancers, patients often undergo extensive surgeries, which may re- sult in pain and other issues such as urinary incontinence. Gynecologic patients undergo- ing radiation may be left to deal with vaginal pain and tightness, which can greatly impact their relationships and future medical exami- nations. The Cancer Rehab Program also in- cludes therapists specialized in pelvic health that can help with these conditions. “For patients needing these services,”Page stressed, “they are covered by insurance.”The program has treated more than 700 patients since launching in 2016. n