One of the most preferred cancer care teams in the state, our breast cancer surgeons receive 4.7 out of 5 stars from our patients.
Learn more at iuhealth.org/breastcare
Commentary by Linda Barnes
Many elderly adults are now expe riencing difficulty with physical decline, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, weakness, confusion, stress and anxiety. They are afraid to get back into the swing of everyday activities.
Younger adults may have the same struggles, but generally not to the same degree as older adults. Older adults are much more isolated, less mobile and may experience more severe symptoms and limitations.
Elderly adults can gain incredible ben efits from home-based therapy. Many times, what is needed most for success ful recovery is hands-on human contact and proper therapeutic techniques to regain their pre-COVID-19 functional independence.
Evaluation from a licensed occupa tional or physical therapist includes an assessment of their cognitive abilities, as well as their physical abilities in the areas of mobility, balance, safety and function al independence in their own home.
Occupational and physical therapy can be an integral component to get ting back to pre-COVID-19 normalcy. Therapists are experienced with assistive devices and simple home modifications that can help individuals enhance their quality of life and get back to meaningful activities they enjoy. Therapy is also an integral component of being able to stay in their own home longer versus moving to an assisted living facility or nursing facility.
Therapists will educate and consult with the individual and their support team to ensure everyone is aware of their important role in relation to the desig nated care program.
All you need is to find the best thera pist to care for you or your loved one.
Providing outpatient therapy in your own home environment is not only prov en to provide better therapeutic out comes, but also is very convenient and flexible for you or your loved one.
Linda Barnes is an occupational therapist and the owner/president of Therapy on Wheels, Inc. For more, vis therapyonwheelsinc.com or call 317-332-9861.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It can also occur in men. Breast cancers can be found before symptoms develop using screening mammogram or less commonly, they may be felt as a lump. Different tests can help your medical team decide what breast cancer treatment is best for you.
Dr. Sade Imeokparia Surgical Oncologist IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center
The most common form of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). This cancer comes from abnormal growth of the cells lining the milk ducts/ tubes that drain out to the nipple. Hormonepositive, or ‘sensitive’, cancers are the most common subtype of IDC. A positive receptor refers to the ability of the hormones, estrogen and/ or progesterone, to attach and stimulate cancer cells to grow. Specific medications can be used to reduce these kinds of cancers from returning. Two other subtypes of IDC are known as ‘triple negative’, and ‘HER-2-neu positive’ cancers. These subtypes are treated differently. Information from the subtype and other biopsy information will help each patient have an individualized treatment plan made.
Early detection of breast cancer can help many people achieve a five-year survival rate up to 97 percent, especially cancers diagnosed at early stages. At IU Health, we recommend breast cancer screening begins at age 40. Risk of developing a breast cancer can vary based on family history, genetic information, or breast density. If you have been determined to be at high risk or have dense breasts, additional testing recommendations can be discussed with their primary care provider.
Results from imaging tests including mammograms, ultrasounds, or sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be reviewed. Biopsy or tissue information is also reviewed for more details on
the type or form of cancer and understand if your cancer is growing slowly or more quickly. After diagnosis, the initial consultation to talk about the information will include a thorough review of the treatment options. Your questions will be answered and your next steps determined.
Treatment plans are individualized. Generally, however, surgery may include a lumpectomy or mastectomy of the breast, and axillary (under arm) lymph node surgery. A lumpectomy includes removes of the cancer through a small incision to remove the disease with clear margins while still preserving the shape of the breast. A mastectomy removes as much of the breast tissue as possible with variations on whether the nipple may be saved and how much skin to preserve. Reconstruction may be offered; immediate reconstruction steps may be taken at the same time as the cancer operation; or, reconstruction may be delayed, and take place later.
Medical plans may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or anti-hormone therapy. Chemotherapy delivers cancer-killing medications intravenously (injected into a vein), some medications are given by mouth, or pills. Targeted therapy is treatment that focuses on specific characteristics of your cancer cells, such as proteins that promote growth of cancer cells; these treatments are different
than chemotherapy but may still need to be given alongside chemotherapy. Anti-hormone therapy works by slowing or blocking your body’s ability to produce the estrogen and progesterone hormones; this can help prevent future cancers from using the same hormones to grow again.
Radiation therapy may also be planned, depending on information about your cancer or the type of operation you are having. Most commonly, after a lumpectomy, the preserved breast tissue can be targeted to lower the risk of the cancer returning to the same breast.
IU Health’s physician-led teams use innovative methods to combat your cancer, while providing comfort and support, and helping you optimize your quality of life during and after treatment. Our physicians have the skill and experience to treat young patients and those with advanced and rare forms of breast cancer. Expert staff in rehabilitation services and integrative health can address needs beyond your breast health as well as those needs related to your breast health.
At IU Health, we are known for leadership in prevention, early detection, and advanced, personalized treatment of breast cancer. To learn more, go to iuhealth.org/breastcare.
One of the most preferred cancer care teams in the state, our breast cancer surgeons receive 4.7 out of 5 stars from our patients.
Learn more at iuhealth.org/breastcare
Breast cancer is no match for our skill.
