Prehabilitation – What the Heck is that
and How can it Help Cancer Patients?
“There is nothing more important to me
as a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for over two
decades and have had the privilege of
telling many patients that there is life
beyond cancer. As president of The Center
for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I want to
lead by example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest
medical care available, with the same
concern and compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D.
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
What if you were offered an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii but in
exchange you have to enter and complete the Iron Man Triathlon?
That means swimming 2.4 miles in shark infested waters, then riding
bike 112 miles up the side of a volcano, and then running a marathon
through lava rock fields. So, in order meet the challenge, you are going
to have to physically train…a lot. Right?
Similarly, what if you are now diagnosed with cancer but in order to
have the best chance at a cure you must spend 6 weeks getting burned
up with radiation therapy, then have a big surgery that takes 6 weeks
of recovery, then finish up with 6 months of toxic chemotherapy that
wrecks your body? If you mentally and physically trained for this don’t
you think you may end up with better outcomes?
That is where Prehabilitation comes to the rescue! Prehabilitation, or
prehab, is a process that begins at the time of cancer diagnosis and
treatment and includes physical and psychological assessments that
establish a baseline functional level, identify impairments, and provide
interventions that promote physical and psychological health to
reduce the incidence and/or severity of future impairments.
The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders has joined forces with
Baylor Scott & White, the University of North Texas Health Science
Center, and a rehab company, ReVital to bring in on-site prehab
services at our cancer center to study, through a research grant, which
I am a co-investigator, the potential benefits for our cancer patients.
“The ReVital Program has been an amazing resource for me after my
paraganglioma surgery. They have proven to be an important asset in
my recovery journey with their expertise, compassion and patience.”
– Jennifer, The Center patient.
Up to 90% of cancer patients experience at least one of these
impairments that may affect their quality: fatigue, loss of motion
and soft tissue restrictions, weakness, joint and muscle pain, balance
issues, lymphedema, decreased cognition and speech, difficulty
swallowing, difficulty chewing, post-surgical care, incontinence and
sexual dysfunction.
Support services provided by:
To learn more about cancer care issues or to consult with a physician
about a cancer diagnosis, contact us at 817.596.0637.
Schedule appointments by calling
817-596-0637 or online at
www.thecentertx.com
The Center is so excited about offering the important therapy for our
cancer patients.
Luckily, rehabilitation in all of its forms can actively combat all these
issues. We have a goal to keep you healthy enough to enjoy life, while
staying healthy enough to get through a treatment regimen.
Whether it’s getting back on the dance floor or going fishing again, we
want you to have the strength and function to achieve your goals and
participate in life experiences.
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