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

Living Well Beyond Cancer seminar: Beyond tired: Managing cancer-related fatigue

Join us to discuss managing the most common treatment-related side effect – cancer-related fatigue (CRF).

Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. ET

Click here to learn more and register

 

View our on-demand videos

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.

The Importance of Being 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.

Join ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Certified Educator Christy Thornton, OTR, CHT, CLT, as she discusses the risk factors and signs of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

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.

Return to Work After Cancer

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.

Living Well Beyond Cancer Survivor Panel

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
Take Control of Lymphedema - Living Well Beyond Cancer series

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.

Ask Us Anything About Cancer Rehab

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.

View the video


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.

View the video


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.

View the video


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.

View the video


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.

View the video


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.

View the video


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.

View the Video


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

View the Video


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.

View the Video


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.

View the video


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.

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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

View the video

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