Living Well Beyond Cancer Survivor Series
The Living Well Beyond Cancer Survivor Series is designed to help individuals with cancer, their families and caregivers build knowledge around the side effects people often experience because of cancer and its treatment.
Throughout the series, we will be joined by many cancer rehabilitation experts who will share their knowledge of common side effects, highlight early warning signs and explain how ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists can help people proactively manage and overcome these impairments.
Whether you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed, are undergoing active treatment or are transitioning/have transitioned into survivorship, this program is for you.
Our goal is to help individuals with cancer prepare and live well. We hope you will join us.
Upcoming events
Renew and Rebuild: Finding Relief with Cancer Rehab
Join us to discuss what cancer rehabilitation is and why it is so important for many individuals affected by cancer.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Click here to learn more and register
Cancer rehabilitation is a specialized program that help to prepare for and recover from cancer treatment. Certified cancer rehabilitation therapists are trained in oncology – the diagnosis and treatment of cancer – and help manage an individual's symptoms and side effects from treatment. Once cancer treatment ends, rehabilitation can be effective in managing long-term or late-onset side effects, some of which surface years after treatment.
When cancer side effects or treatments interfere with recovery, the ability to receive treatment or carry out daily activities like sleeping, eating or walking – a cancer rehabilitation program can help.
In this information-packed seminar, our expert panel, including Dr. Stubblefield, Alaina Newell and specialized therapists, will explore the critical role cancer rehabilitation plays and how it enables people to maintain function and quality of life during treatment and beyond.
You will walk away from this session knowing:
- What cancer rehabilitation is and why it is so important for many individuals affected by cancer.
- The common impairments cancer rehabilitation therapists can help to manage and overcome.
- When cancer rehabilitation should be included in a treatment plan.
- The role of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists as cancer rehabilitation clinicians.
We look forward to having you join us!
View our on-demand videos
Living Well Beyond Cancer seminar: Beyond tired: Managing cancer-related fatigue
Watch this information-packed seminar with our expert panel, including Dr. Stubblefield, Dr. Schmitz and specialized therapists, as they explore the impacts of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and discuss strategies to help navigate and cope.
You will walk away from this session knowing:
- What CRF is and how it differs from normal fatigue.
- The medical management of CRF and how cancer rehab can help.
- How exercise and posture can improve CRF.
- Effective sleep and energy conversation strategies for CRF.
- The role cognitive rehab plays in managing CRF.
Constant fatigue doesn’t need to be your new normal. There are tools to help manage and overcome it, and live well beyond cancer.
The importance of being your own advocate
When facing tough healthcare choices, having a strong support system is crucial. But ultimately, your voice as the patient matters the most. Learn how to take charge of your healthcare journey by becoming your own advocate.
Gain STRENGTH after breast cancer
Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Certified Educator Christy Thornton, OTR, CHT, CLT, as she discusses the risk factors and signs of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Christy will also cover how cancer rehab can help individuals manage lymphedema and other breast cancer-related symptoms.
In this session, Christy will walk attendees through:
- The risk factors for and signs and symptoms of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
- Why exercise is important for lymphedema management and reducing the risk of developing BCRL.
- Components of the Strength After Breast Cancer program.
- Who can participate in the Strength After Breast Cancer program.
- How to get started with the Strength After Breast Cancer program.
It is our hope that attendees will leave this session with the understanding that it is possible to regain strength after breast cancer and get back to living well beyond cancer.
Return to work after cancer
Cancer and its treatments can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health, affecting your daily activities at work and home. But don't lose hope. ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists are ready to help you get back to your normal routine. Join Kelsey Sipes, a ReVital therapist, as she explains the connection between cancer and work abilities. Learn how cancer rehab can help you regain your strength and overcome side effects. In this session, Kelsey will walk attendees through:
- Understanding the impact of cancer and its treatment on your physical and cognitive ability to work
- Gaining practical tips to continue working while undergoing cancer treatment
- Learning how cancer rehab can help you safely return to work, whether during or after treatment
It is our hope that this event will help provide perspective and answers to the challenging questions around returning, remaining or looking for work.
Living Well Beyond Cancer survivor panel
Join our panel of cancer survivors as they discuss how they’ve managed to navigate survivorship with the help of cancer rehabilitation and their supportive communities. In this session of Living Well Beyond Cancer, our panelists walk you through:
- The treatments they may have received and the challenges those caused.
- The difficulties of navigating everyday life following treatment.
- How cancer rehabilitation has played a role in their recovery.
It is our hope you will leave this conversation with a deeper understanding of the cancer survivor community and the ways they have benefited from cancer rehabilitation.
Take control of lymphedema
Managing lymphedema following cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery can be a very difficult step in the healing journey. Stiffness and build-up of fluid can take a heavy toll on the ability to carry out day-to-day activities. The therapists at ReVital are specially trained in oncology therapy to treat these types of side effects and get you ready for what matters most.
Join ReVital certified occupational therapist Katie Hutzayluk, MS, OTR, CDRS, CLT for a discussion on taking control of your lymphedema. In this virtual presentation, Katie will walk attendees through:
- The basics of lymphedema – what it is and how it forms in the body
- Risk factors – cancer treatments aren’t the only thing that can lead to lymphedema
- How a ReVital certified therapist treats lymphedema
- Prevention tips for controlling lymphedema and living an overall healthier lifestyle
Ask us anything about cancer rehab
Get your questions ready! Join us for an open conversation with Dr. Michael D. Stubblefield, MD as he discusses the following topics among other things:
- What cancer rehabilitation is and why it is so important for many individuals affected by cancer
- The common impairments ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists can help to manage and overcome
- When cancer rehabilitation should be included in a treatment plan
- The role of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists as cancer rehabilitation clinicians
Dr. Stubblefield will answer as many live questions as possible. For a better chance of having your question asked during the presentation, submit it through the ReVital social channels prior to the session.
This session will help you understand the “why” of cancer rehabilitation and how it is possible to maintain function and quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond.
Tips for thriving during the holidays
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed and a little stressed – especially when managing the challenges of cancer. In this session, ReVital occupational therapist Jessika Wheeler will be joined by a panel of cancer survivors as they share tips and tricks to help you prepare for this busy time.
Jessika details strategies to help you with:
- Time management
- Energy conservation
- Socializing and setting boundaries
- Planning for religious traditions
- Asking for help when you need it
- Staying active
- Practicing mindfulness
Following the presentation, our panel of cancer survivors will discuss how they’ve managed to navigate survivorship, especially during the holidays, with help of cancer rehabilitation and their supportive communities.
You will leave this session with a toolkit that will help to make your well-being a priority while also enjoying special traditions and time with those you love.
How to function when you can’t feel: Understanding peripheral neuropathy
Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Center Manager Dr. Karyn Holtz as she discusses the importance of neuropathy issues following and during cancer treatment. In this session of the Living Well Beyond Cancer series, Karyn walks you through:
- What you need to know about CIPN
- The common symptoms of CIPN you can look out for
- How cancer rehab can help manage CIPN
- Recognizing and managing your own symptoms
It is our hope that you will leave this conversation understanding the signs to look out for if you’re experiencing any neuropathy complication following or during cancer treatment.
How to improve balance and reduce your risk of falls
Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Center Manager Dr. Cory Hall as he discusses the risk of inhibited balance and how that can lead to increased fall injuries. In this session of the Living Well Beyond Cancer series, Cory walks you through:
- The common causes of falls and how we stay balanced
- The importance and benefits of exercise and physical activity
- Modifying your environment to reduce falls
- Proper equipment aids
- What to do if you experience a fall
It is our hope that you will leave this conversation understanding the benefit of improving balance and know the signs to watch for to prevent falls.
Living Well Beyond Cancer – survivor panel
Join our panel of cancer survivors as they discuss how they’ve managed to navigate survivorship with the help of cancer rehabilitation and their supportive communities. In this session of Living Well Beyond Cancer, our panelists walk you through:
- The treatments they may have received and the challenges those caused
- The difficulties of navigating everyday life following treatment
- How cancer rehabilitation has played a role in their recovery
It is our hope that you will leave this conversation with a deeper understanding of the cancer survivor community and all the ways they have benefited from cancer rehabilitation.
Your secret weapon against cancer… exercise
Staying as active as you can during and after cancer treatment is key to optimizing your ability to do what matters.
Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist Deanna Meehan as she discusses why following a routine exercise plan can help manage any late and lasting effects of cancer treatment and help you live longer with a better quality of life.
In this session Deanna will discuss:
- The importance and benefits of exercise and physical activity
- General exercise guidelines for individuals affected by cancer
- Tips to starting and maintaining a healthy exercise and physical activity routine
- When and why you may need an exercise expert
- Who are the experts?
- Roles of exercise experts including rehabilitation therapists, exercise physiologists and athletic trainers
After viewing, we hope viewers will be able to describe the benefits of a routine exercise program and when to reach out for support.
Let’s talk about sex and cancer
Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program Director Hilary Hinrichs as she discusses an important component of one’s overall health, after receiving cancer treatment – sexual health. In this session of the Living Well Beyond Cancer series, Hilary discusses:
- Sexual health and dysfunction
- How cancer, or cancer treatment, may affect sexual health
- Examples of sexual limitations that may benefit from physical or occupational therapy
- How to initiate conversations about sexual health
It is our hope that you will leave this conversation knowing that sexual health is important and there is support available to help you reach your potential.
Tips for navigating the holidays
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed and a little stressed – especially when managing the challenges of cancer. In this session Jessika Wheeler, occupational therapist and ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program director, shares tips and tricks to help you prepare for this busy time.
Jessika details strategies to help you with:
- Time management
- Energy conservation
- Socializing and setting boundaries
- Planning for religious traditions
- Asking for help when you need it
- Staying active
- Practicing mindfulness
You will leave this session with a toolkit that will help to make your well-being a priority while also enjoying special traditions and time with those you love.
Taking charge of cancer-related cognitive decline
Join Erica Guardascione, speech-language pathologist and ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapist as she discusses how patients can take charge of their cancer-related cognitive decline (CRCD), a side effect experienced by many people who have had or are undergoing cancer treatment.
In this session Erica will:
- Explain what CRCD is and what factors often cause and impact this treatment’s related side effects
- Discuss how CRCD can impact your day-to-day activities
- Provide guidance on how to improve your cognitive abilities
- Share experiences of patients she and her colleagues have treated over the years who have found great support and relief through therapy
An introduction to cancer rehabilitation
Join Michael D. Stubblefield, MD for an introduction to cancer rehabilitation where he discusses:
- What cancer rehabilitation is and why it is so important for many individuals affected by cancer
- The common impairments ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation therapists can help to manage and overcome
- When cancer rehabilitation should be included in a treatment plan
- The role of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists as cancer rehabilitation clinicians
This session will help you understand the “why” of cancer rehabilitation and how it is possible to maintain function and quality of life during cancer treatment and beyond.
Cancer-related fatigue
Join Audrey Stockwell as she explores the impacts of Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) and varying ways cancer rehabilitation therapy can help.
In this session she will:
- Define CRF and how it differs from normal fatigue
- Explain when and how it develops and how to identify it
- Discuss why cancer rehabilitation therapy is important and how it can help to manage CRF
- Provide examples of patients who have successfully managed CRF through rehabilitation therapy
CRF is common among individuals currently undergoing treatment or living with a history of cancer. This session will present many strategies to proactively manage and overcome the challenges of CRF and live well beyond cancer.
How to manage cancer-related pain
Join Daniela Bucio as she discusses one of the most frequently reported side effects of cancer treatment - pain.
In this session Daniela:
- Defines cancer-related pain and describe its multidimension nature
- Explains when pain can provide a benefit vs. knowing if you are experiencing elevated levels of pain
- Helps to identify what may be causing pain
- Explores various cancer rehabilitation strategies that can help to manage pain and provide relief
Although pain is very common among individuals with cancer, Daniela explains that doesn’t mean it is “normal” and is something that you have to endure. She shares many ways that you can take control of your pain and regain quality of life.
Mindfulness and emotional support
Join Dr. Loran Vocaturo for an insightful discussion on the practice of mindfulness and its connection to emotional health.
This session will help you understand what mindfulness is, what it is not and why it is beneficial for individuals and families who have been affected by cancer.
The following topics will be explored:
- Different types of stress and impact on health and well-being
- Mindfulness and its benefits
- How to develop mindfulness strategies to promote well-being
- Incorporating a mindfulness practice into daily life
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