Occupational Therapy's role in the fight against Breast Cancer

In support of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Washington University Occupational Therapy stands proud with our patients in the fight against Breast Cancer as we provide multiple services that address breast both pre & post-surgery phases. Occupational therapy services are valuable for those with breast cancer from the initial diagnosis through the survivorship phase of care.

The effects of breast cancer and its treatment can be complex and have a compounding effect, with patients sometimes experiencing improvements in physical abilities but not in functional outcomes due to fear and anxiety about moving the affected extremities following surgery. Many individuals coping with Breast Cancer need to return to roles such as caring for their family, or work outside of the home as soon as possible, which creates a need for education and training on adapting for short-term side effects (e.g., neuropathy) and preventing future long-term complications (e.g., repetitive stress injuries, cognitive function decline).

Our Cancer Survivorship and Breast Cancer services are based on the whole person (environment, person & abilities, the occupation(s) they need to complete), some examples of care include:

Demonstrate and educate on scar mobility and healing process.

Evaluate the individual's physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities in order to make appropriate recommendations for safe integration into community outreach and support programs.

Identify specific cognitive deficits affecting occupational roles, and provide training to successfully complete activities such as paying bills, cooking for one's family or driving safely with minimal distractions.

Provide a custom exercise program before surgery to mitigate side effects, and after surgery to help with recovery.

Tailor an individualized lifestyle approach to allow participation in important roles such as parenting, managing the home, and working. Strategies include, but are not limited to, conserving energy and managing fatigue; engaging in leisure activities; and developing coping skills.

Learn more abour our Pre & Post-Operative care for Breast Cancer...

Halloween Safety: Pumpkin Carving Tips

Content provided by Emily Pitassi, MSOT, OTR/L, CHT

With Halloween being later this week, pumpkin carving activities are sure to be in full swing. As Hand Therapists, we are concerned that nearly every year we have patients referred to us following carving accidents often involving serious injuries to their hands and fingers. These injuries can require surgical repair and sometimes take multiple months to rehabilitate. Here are a few safety tips for carving your beautiful pumpkin creations:

Be sure that the tools you plan use, as well as your hands, are dry before you begin carving. This will help prevent any injuries that may occur from slipping.

Purchase a pumpkin carving kit that includes a small serrated knife. This is safer than using a large sharp knife.

Cut away from yourself and use small, controlled strokes.

Be sure that the hand you are using to stabilize the pumpkin is not in a location that the knife could contact if it slips or pierces through both sides of the pumpkin.

Find appropriate ways for children to help. They can scoop the pumpkin seeds and draw the pattern on the pumpkin, but in most cases should not be handling the carving knife.

If you plan to put a lit candle inside your pumpkin, consider cutting a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. This way you can place your pumpkin on top of the candle, rather than reaching into the pumpkin to light the candle (which may result in a burn).

Consider painting or applying stickers to your pumpkin instead of carving it. Inexpensive kits are sold in many craft stores.

If you cut your hand or finger, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If the bleeding doesnt stop or slow after 15 minutes of continuous pressure, head to the emergency room.

We hope you have a safe and happy Halloween! If you do find yourself needing additional assistance for an injury related to your hands, wrist or upper extremity, Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center is here to help!

Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...

Maintaining independence when you've lost the ability to drive

Content provided by Lisa Carson, OTD, OTR/L

Redefining independence: For many of us the occupation of driving contributes to a feeling of independence. When you lose the ability to drive, you might feel like a large part of your independence has been removed. Reaching out to your support system and acknowledging this feeling is important. At the same time, you can reframe your definition of independence to one that doesnt place so much weight on the ability to drive. An occupational therapist can assist you in this transition and be your partner in encouraging you to reframe your mindset about independence. When you lose the ability to drive it is important to remember that you still have choice and control over how you get around.

Finding alternatives: It is essential to quickly find alternative means of transportation so that you arent tempted to withdraw from your activities. Anticipating the loss of driving and imagining what you would do in that situation can help you prepare. Many of us will lose the ability to drive at some point, whether it is from an acute and temporary injury or a chronic condition related to aging. Going with a family member the first time you try riding the metro system or using a taxi can help ease anxiety. An OT can also be your partner in helping you build a system of alternatives. An OT can help you learn to use alternative forms of transportation, including learning to use a new system or technology (i.e. bus routes, para-transit, rideshare services, etc.).

Changing your habits: A challenging part of the loss of driving is the potential need to change your routines and habits. You might need to plan ahead, group your errands, or even make new friends or connections. Give yourself time to adjust to these changes in your routine.

It is also important to remember that there are positives to giving up driving including saving on car insurance, gas and maintenance. Don't let the loss of driving stop you from participating in the things that bring you joy. Call Washington University Occupational Therapy if you need help finding alternative resources!

Washington University Occupational Therapy is available to help you on the journey to maintaining your independence. Contact us today at (314) 286 - 1669 to set up an appointment.

Learn more about our OT Clinical Services related to self management...