Survivorship services
We designed our survivorship services to help you move on with life after treatment ends. We offer help and support with nutrition, exercise, body image, mental health and rehabilitation. We can also help connect you to other specialists and community resources.
Rehabilitation
Following breast cancer surgery and treatment, we’ll be at your side, helping you rehab and heal. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists, physiatrists, and others focus on helping you regain your strength and function in your chest, arms and other affected areas, so you can get back to living life the way you want to live it.
Lymphedema care
Physicians often remove one or more lymph nodes under your arm to see if breast cancer has spread. Sometimes, radiation therapy can damage lymph nodes, as well. Missing or damaged lymph nodes may cause lymph fluid to collect in the area and cause chronic swelling. This is known as lymphedema. It can happen soon after treatment or years later.
Lymphedema related to breast cancer may cause:
- Arm discomfort, heaviness or tightness
- Arm weakness
- Visible swelling in the arm, hand, breast or chest wall
There is no cure for lymphedema, but we can help you manage your symptoms. Options include:
- Complete decongestive therapy — This treatment uses compression garments, massage and special exercises. These therapies move lymph from the affected area to an area that is better able to drain the fluid.
- Lymph node transplant — This surgery involves taking healthy lymph nodes from your body and moving them to the area under your arm. It may be an option in certain cases if you’ve had underarm lymph nodes removed.
Mental health support
We believe in the connection between the body, mind and spirit. And we know breast cancer and its treatments may affect your mental well-being as well as your physical health. The licensed clinical social workers are here for you. They can help you manage the social and psychological aspects of cancer. Their care may help you overcome issues such as depression and fear of recurrence. They can also connect you to support groups and other helpful resources.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Moving Forward is a program for women with a history of breast cancer. If offers ongoing education, resources and support. In most cases, participants have finished cancer treatment.
Moving Forward provides a personalized breast health surveillance plan developed in conjunction with Cheryl Moss-Mellman, MD, clinical breast specialist. Dr. Moss-Mellman may also suggest additional tests based on your medical history and future health risks related to your breast cancer treatment. This service is intended to help give you peace of mind.