Experiences with oncology PT?

I met with my new MO last week and after listing all of the miseries that I’m experiencing from Letrozole, he suggested I try oncology PT. I completely forgot about it until his notes popped up on my patient portal this morning. I’m game as long as my insurance covers it, but I’m not sure what to expect. His notes mentioned help with joint stiffness and cognitive symptoms. Has anyone gone through oncology PT and arewilling to share their experiences? Any feedback will be helpful!

Thank you!

Comments

  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 4,750
    edited July 2022

    I am sorry you are dealing with this. After my surgery I went to PT and there was a specialist who dealt with breast cancer patients. I was given targeted exercises to work on there and do at home as well. I also had special massage sessions to reduce lymph fluid build up on my cancer side where the nodes were removed. I think I went 3 times a week for 6 weeks that was covered by insurance and it did help a lot. Best wishes.

  • odyssey305
    odyssey305 Member Posts: 37
    edited July 2022

    Hi Bcincolorado, thank you for sharing that! I’m glad that you found PT to be helpful. It sounds intense, but may be just what I need. I was surprised when my MO mentioned my cognitive symptoms in the referral, because I didn’t think a physical therapist dealt with memory/concentration issues, but I could be wrong.

    Have a good 4th! Take care

  • dancemom
    dancemom Member Posts: 407
    edited July 2022

    I've been going once a week for a number of months now. Every week, my surgery side tightness up again, so the manipulation really helps. She taught me many excersise and I choose a variety to do about 20 min each day. Because I favored my mastectomy side so much in my physical job, I injured my good shoulder pretty badly, so that is now the focus. And the weekly reminders to keep moving help me with energy levels.

  • odyssey305
    odyssey305 Member Posts: 37
    edited July 2022

    Hi Dancemom. Sorry to hear that you injured your good shoulder! I’m glad you’re in PT and have someone who can help you with that. That’s what I’m hoping for, to learn new exercises and stretches. My surgery side is super tight and still sore too, especially where I had lymph nodes removed. I’m on the waitlist to get started, and even though it will be a commitment, I’m getting excited now that I know what to expect.

    Thank you and have a lovely weekend