At CARTI, we understand that the treatments and therapies used to combat your particular cancer often come with side effects that can present their own set of challenges. Our expert team of lymphedema and breast rehabilitation specialists are solely dedicated to helping you prevent such challenges by offering both preoperative education and postoperative follow-up care to help you manage these implications across the continuum of your breast cancer diagnosis and intervention. We hope this care allows you to resume life more quickly with fewer long-lasting effects of treatment.
You may receive care for any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Lymphedema
- Seroma formation
- Axillary Web Syndrome
- Bone-density decline
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
Lymphedema and breast rehabilitation care can be provided simultaneously with other treatments and therapies.
ABOUT LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling of one or more limbs and often the corresponding section of the body.
Signs of Lymphedema:
- Heaviness, stiffness and/or aching in one or more limbs
- Clothing or jewelry fitting tighter than normal
Causes of Lymphedema:
- Surgery
- Trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Cardiovascular problems
- Family history
Treatment Options:
Lymphedema is most effectively managed with a combination of treatments called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
The treatment includes:
- Manual Lymph Drainage: Similar to a massage, manual lymph drainage stimulates and redirects the flow of fluid out of the area of the body affected by swelling.
- Skin Care: Maintains healthy tissue and prevents infection.
- Compression Wrapping: Increases pressure to help reduce fluid in the limb.
- Exercise: Assists the muscle in moving fluid out of the limb and improves functional movement.
- Compression Garment Fitting: Maintains the reduction achieved during treatment.
- Education: We will teach you about your condition and how to manage it independently.
BREAST CANCER REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Our Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program focuses on helping you address the long-term effects of your disease in order to improve your life expectancy and overall quality of life.
Our approach is holistic and comprehensive. Some examples include:
- To ease anxiety, we provide you with education regarding your particular cancer diagnosis so you can understand what to expect throughout your treatment journey.
- Early and caring rehabilitation, exercise intervention and education.
- Support and therapies that will elevate your quality of life.
- Education to reduce the risk of or prevent:
- Lymphedema
- Seroma formation
- Axillary Web Syndrome
- Bone-density decline
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Breast cancer recurrence
- Promote and support:
- Weight-management behaviors
- Physical activity
- Exercise
- Provide education and rehabilitation throughout all stages of breast cancer treatment including:
- Surgery
- Reconstruction
- Chemotherapy and targeted therapies
- Radiation therapy
- Promote a healthy lifestyle into survivorship, including:
- Preventing heart disease
- Reducing the risk of recurrence
TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Your CARTI physician can refer you for services of the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program. Ask them to make the referral and a member of our team will be in touch to set up your appointment.
Please inform your provider if you are receiving home health services so you can be discharged prior to initiating our out-patient therapy services.
