Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Washington Regional’s Cancer Support Home offers many benefits to patients
After a breast cancer diagnosis, most patients could benefit from having someone to lend emotional support and to guide them through the stages of treatment. That’s how the breast health navigator program available at Washington Regional Cancer Support Home can help.
“Our breast health navigators follow women throughout every aspect of treatment, providing them with culturally competent support, information and literature,” said Ryan Worley, Cancer Support Home manager. “They may accompany patients to doctor’s appointments, surgery and treatment. They can link patients to financial and quality-of-life support resources and be a comfort and friend to patients and their families.” The navigator role is designed to:
• Specialize in educational information about benign and malignant breast diseases, treatments and side effects of treatment.
• Provide facts about breast cancer, not opinions and no treatment advice, and supports the decisions of the physician and patient.
• Provide a link to language translation when necessary.
• Provide emotional support to breast cancer patients and their families.
• Conduct continual assessment of the educational, physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and family members.
• Make appropriate referrals for additional assessment when needed.
• Serve as a support group facilitator for a variety of breast cancer support groups.
• Coordinate Washington Regional’s weekly multi-disciplinary breast conference.
• Provide financial and support services resources to patients and their families.
• Serve as an advocate for breast cancer patients.
• Become a knowledgeable friend to each patient.
The breast health navigator positions at the Cancer Support Home are funded by the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Walmart Foundation.
Established in 1995, the Cancer Support Home serves the Northwest Arkansas community with locations in Bentonville and Fayetteville. Services include free overnight lodging, support groups, various cancer screenings, resource library, wig and mastectomy supplies.
EmpowerU, offered by the Cancer Support Home in partnership with the Washington Regional Center for Exercise, was launched in 2015 for cancer patients who are currently in treatment or recovering from treatment.
“Cancer treatment is often taxing to the physical health of patients,” Worley said. “Research is showing the benefits of continuing physical activity during treatment and returning to physical activity post-treatment in order maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve quality of life for patients. Our EmpowerU program was designed by exercise professionals to specifically meet the needs of cancer patients.”
The course focuses on rebuilding strength, flexibility and balance. Wendy LeVang, a certified trainer and cancer survivor who received instruction at the Cancer Fitness Institute, teaches the class at the Washington Regional Center for Exercise. “Class participants receive one-onone guidance and are encouraged to exercise at their own pace,” LeVang said. “The class is sensitive to the fact that each cancer patient has different capabilities. EmpowerU can help patients maintain muscle so they can have more energy and feel stronger.”
She said other benefits of exercise in the rehabilitation of cancer patients include:
• Reduced pain and neuropathy
• Improved cardiovascular health and endurance
• Reduced nausea
• Increased flexibility
• Reduced fatigue
• Diminished anxiety and depression
• Feeling like themselves again Participants are urged to get their physician’s approval before signing up for the 12-week course. Along with the fitness instruction, class participants also receive information and support from a Washington Regional licensed dietitian about healthy diet and eating habits.
“As a cancer survivor myself, I can tell you that exercise and nutrition have been pivotal in my survival,” LeVang said. “But it’s more than that – it feels great to thrive, not just survive.”
Funding for EmpowerU is provided by the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary. Like other Cancer Support Home programs, it is offered at no cost to participants.
“EmpowerU is offered free of charge so all patients can participate and feel better,” Worley said.
More information about the breast health navigator program or EmpowerU is available by contacting the Cancer Support Home at (479) 5218024.