The Department of Rehabilitation Services at Cary Medical Center now provides the most comprehensive rehabilitation program for cancer patients in northern Maine. The only Oncology Rehab service in Aroostook County, the program provides for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy to support cancer patients facing the challenges of their diagnosis, before, during and after treatment. In addition the program also has the only Cancer Exercise Specialists in Maine. According to Leslie Anderson, manger of Rehabilitation and Imaging Services at Cary Medical Center the Rehab Oncology Program is part of a new and dynamic ‘team’ approach to cancer care.
“With the expansion of our Oncology program here at Cary we have developed a more focused team approach to cancer care,” said Anderson, who is a certified physical therapist. “We work very closely with our new Oncologists/Hematologists Dr. Allan Espinosa and Dr. Nadia Rajack. They have really engaged our therapists and recognize the benefits that these therapies can bring to our cancer patients.”
Each patient referred to the program will have a Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy evaluation as indicated with trained therapists that will work with them throughout the patient’s cancer diagnosis. The goal of the therapy is to promote independence while improving overall quality of life.
Dr. Allan Espinosa praised the efforts of the Rehabilitation Department and said that the quality of the service is unique for a rural community.
“We are very excited with the way our cancer program is coming together,” said Dr. Espinosa, who trained at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. “The fact that we have the only Oncology Exercise Specialists in Maine and that the department was able to develop such a comprehensive approach for supporting our patients really makes our program unique for a rural area like Aroostook County. These services are of great benefit to our patients by increasing their sense of hope and control while helping to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment and decreasing the risk of further health complications.”
An additional plus for the Oncology Rehab Program is that two of the participating therapists are certified in lymphedema management. Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, or removed.
Patients undergoing cancer surgery such as breast cancer surgery can often develop lymphedema. Symptoms of lymphedema include feeling as though your clothes, rings, wristwatches, or bracelets are too tight; a feeling of fullness in your arms or legs; and less flexibility in your wrists, hands, and ankles. Treatment for lymphedema depends on its cause and includes wearing compression garments such as stockings or sleeves, proper diet and skin care, and fluid drainage.
Oncologist/Hematologist, Dr. Nadia Rajack said that having access to Certified Lymphedema Therapists is a great benefit to patients.
“When we are working with cancer patients, particularly breast cancer patients who may have had surgery or radiation, it is important to have access to these therapists,” said Dr. Rajack, who completed her Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University Hospital, SUNY, Downstate Health Science Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“This therapy is part of a comprehensive program of oncology rehabilitation and can really help bring our patients relief for the symptoms brought on by lymphedema,” she added.
Among other benefits of Oncology Rehab include reducing pain and fatigue, increasing range of motion and returning the patient to pre-treatment levels of function, strength and fitness.
For more information about the Oncology Rehab program at Cary Medical Center call 498-1618.
