Is Rehabilitation Right for You?

June 16, 2012
Kathy LaTour
Kathy LaTour

Kathy LaTour is a breast cancer survivor, author of The Breast Cancer Companion and co-founder of CURE magazine. While cancer did not take her life, she has given it willingly to educate, empower and enlighten the newly diagnosed and those who care for them.

CURE, Summer 2012, Volume 11, Issue 2

If you sense that you are still experiencing the effects of cancer treatment, whether it is a physical limitation, cognitive issue or fatigue, you may want to seek a referral to rehabilitation—regardless of how long it has been since treatment.

Any of the following conditions should be explored:

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?Pain

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?Fatigue

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?Deconditioning—the sense that you can’t do what you used to

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?Reduced physical strength

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?Reduced range of motion in the joints

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?Shortness of breath

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?Lack of balance while walking or standing

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?Difficulty swallowing

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?Difficulty chewing

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?Difficulty opening or closing your mouth

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?Lymphedema—swelling

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?Peripheral neuropathy—tingling or loss of sensation in the fingers and toes

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?Inability to perform tasks that could be done prior to diagnosis