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Oncology Rehabilitation
About the Program
Fighting cancer is hard work – it can take a toll on both your body and your spirit. Our St. Francis Oncology Rehabilitation team can help you optimize your health during cancer treatment and recovery by increasing energy, reducing pain, and finding the perfect balance of proper nutrition, exercise and spiritual care.Our Physical therapists and occupational therapy teams can help you improve your mobility and increase
your endurance. In addition, our functional exercise programs build strength over
time
to make all your tasks easier and boost your energy level. We can also help you
determine the activity level that’s right for you so you
can
still have energy to do the things that you enjoy. Our aquatic therapy and massage
therapy can improve your flexibility, relieve joint stiffness and pain, and
improve your overall mobility and range of motion. Massage therapists provide
scar tissue massage and help for post-surgical
swelling. Additionally, our Speech-Language Pathologists can provide tools and
exercises to help improve
your concentration and memory.
St. Francis also offers certified lymphedema therapists who develop individualized lymphedema management programs that include exercises and wrapping techniques to decrease swelling, as well as education about techniques to perform at home.
As part of Oncology Rehab, you can attend free monthly classes focused on healthy eating after cancer and managing your weight. You also can meet with our registered dietitian one-on-one to develop an individualized diet plan that optimizes your health and energy level during treatment and recovery. Oncology Rehab participants also can attend free weekly yoga classes that are designed just for those undergoing treatment and recovering from cancer.
Furthermore, our psychologist and social worker are available for individual counseling sessions and can put you in touch with a variety of support groups that offer emotional support during your recovery journey.
St. Francis also offers certified lymphedema therapists who develop individualized lymphedema management programs that include exercises and wrapping techniques to decrease swelling, as well as education about techniques to perform at home.
As part of Oncology Rehab, you can attend free monthly classes focused on healthy eating after cancer and managing your weight. You also can meet with our registered dietitian one-on-one to develop an individualized diet plan that optimizes your health and energy level during treatment and recovery. Oncology Rehab participants also can attend free weekly yoga classes that are designed just for those undergoing treatment and recovering from cancer.
Furthermore, our psychologist and social worker are available for individual counseling sessions and can put you in touch with a variety of support groups that offer emotional support during your recovery journey.
Meet Your Oncology Rehab Navigator
A special part of the St. Francis Oncology Rehab Program is our Oncology Rehab
Navigator, who is available at no cost to patients who can help guide them to
their return to their highest level of function and independence while helping
coordinate their physical improvement, emotional, and social well-being. Ann Mihalik, RN, BSN, your Oncology Rehab Navigator, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Adult
Nursing
Oncology / Immunology from Medical College of Virginia-VCU, and has
over 13 years of nursing experience with a focus on Oncology.
As
Oncology Rehab Navigator, it is Ann’s goal to make sure you
understand your options, services and resources available.
For people who are diagnosed with cancer, the options, procedures, timelines and appointments can seem confusing and overwhelming. Our navigator:
For people who are diagnosed with cancer, the options, procedures, timelines and appointments can seem confusing and overwhelming. Our navigator:
- Arranges and coordinates appointments for therapy, nutrition counseling, counseling, yoga, and massage
- Ensures that our patients understand what is happening and why
- Coordinates referrals to community resources, such as support groups, social services and financial aid
A physician’s referral is required to take part in the Oncology Rehab program, so ask your doctor if this program is right for you. To learn more, call 864-675-4651.
