Program Highlights
Breast Cancer Prehab
Breast cancer prehab prepares you for treatment and the rehabilitation that follows. Prehab can help prevent or manage the many side effects of cancer treatment while improving your function, health and quality of life.
During prehab, we will gather baseline information, instruct you in the exercises you will need after surgery and teach you how to identify changes that might indicate the need for further rehab. This information can help us proactively prepare your body for surgery and inform your personalized rehabilitation treatment plan after surgery and throughout your cancer journey.
Advanced Lymphedema Screening
Nearly 10 to 20 percent of patients with breast cancer develop lymphedema, which occurs when your lymph vessels can’t adequately drain toxins and other waste from your body’s tissues. Early detection of lymphedema is the key to treatment and prevention. Our therapists use noninvasive SOZO® bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS) technology to aid in the assessment of lymphedema and to deliver a precise, painless snapshot of fluid status and tissue compositions. It takes just 30 seconds!
WakeMed is currently the only hospital in the state to include advanced SOZO screening for patients with a history of cancer treatments that have impacted the lymphatic system. SOZO assists in prevention and ongoing monitoring of progressive lymphedema as it can detect even slight swelling before it is noticeable to the patient or practitioner.
Managing Side Effects After Breast Cancer Surgery and Treatment
If you've undergone a mastectomy, axillary dissection or reconstructive procedure, you may experience uncomfortable side effects including pain, swelling and or stiffness in your chest or shoulder. Following your surgery or surgeries, our therapy team has the education and experience to help alleviate your discomfort and restore your function. Through our breast cancer rehab & wellness program, we will support you in:
- Wound care
- Exercises for recovery and wellness
- Edema (swelling) management
- Activity tolerance
- Proper nutrition
- Lymphedema prevention
- If lymphedema is present, we will begin treatment to help improve your arm movement, reduce swelling and decrease pain
- If a compression garment, mastectomy bra, prosthesis or other post-breast surgery supplies are required, we will help guide you to the appropriate vendor
Post-Therapy Care
Regular exercise is a key step to reducing your risk of breast cancer recurrence. The programs below are designed to meet your fitness needs based on your stage of recovery.
Fitness Consultation ($60 fee)
A fitness consultation is available to assess your current fitness level, develop an exercise program, provide education and counseling, and support goal setting. This is a one-time consultation, and options of continued sessions will be discussed during your visit.
Strength After Breast Cancer ($75 fee)
Strength After Breast Cancer is a comprehensive evidence-based exercise program for survivors of breast cancer. The program is based on a study that showed significant benefits for breast cancer survivors including decreased lymphedema exacerbations, decreased onset of lymphedema, improved body composition, body image and upper body symptoms as well as prevention of decline in physical function.
An evaluation from a certified lymphedema therapist is required prior to enrolling. Sessions are held once a week for four weeks.
Personalized Nutrition Counseling
Healthy nutrition is an important component of breast cancer care. The nutrition choices you make can impact your treatment, healing, recovery and can help prevent cancer recurrence. A WakeMed registered dietitian can provide an individualized plan to help you make healthy nutrition choices and lifestyle changes to help you feel your best.
Talk to your nurse navigator for more information or call 919-350-7000. Ask your doctor for a referral to “Nutrition” to get started.
PODCAST
WakeMed Voices Podcast explores a variety of health and wellness-focused topics. Learn why your diet is so important during cancer treatment and tips on what foods to add and avoid in your diet.