Post-Cancer Support & Rehabilitation

You are a cancer survivor. Every day holds new hopes and possibilities. It can also contain a host of other challenges though, such as fatigue, depression, and the long-term effects of chemotherapy. For some, returning to normal may be a painful and emotional battle. Lifestyle changes and continued medical care can put additional strain on every aspect of your life.

SSM Health helps survivors navigate many issues, including:

  • Expectations of recovery
  • Coping with the fear of recurrence
  • Developing a healthy lifestyle
  • Physical changes with diet, weight control, and scarring
  • Speech or language delays
  • Changing dynamics with family and friends

What is life after cancer like?

Take the next steps of recovery care and explore our survivor support groups. If you require additional treatment during your recovery, speak with your primary care provider or oncologist. No matter where you are along your journey, our dedicated team of nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, therapists and dieticians are available to help you heal and take on the next chapter of life.

Take care of your wellbeing by focusing on your recovery.

Follow-up care is critical for all cancer survivors and can include:

  • Regular check-ups, diet, and lifestyle changes can enhance your wellbeing.
  • If you have  high levels of stress, anxiety or depression, we can refer you to a therapist.
  • Struggling with fatigue, weakness, or neurological conditions is common, talk to your provider about our therapy and rehabilitation services.
  • Follow-up screenings and routine visits may be necessary.
  • About half of breast cancer survivors get breast reconstruction to restore one or both breasts to their normal shape, appearance and symmetry.

Visit with a certified specialist in oncology nutrition.

Our Cancer Center is fortunate to have a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO), who is a clinical dietitian dedicated to cancer patients. They provide medical nutrition therapy to cancer patients. They work directly with cancer patients and their families before, during and after their treatment(s). They utilize evidence-based nutrition therapy and experience to provide custom nutrition plans tailored to each individual to optimize nutrition during their journey.

Get help from our social worker.

Our social worker is part of the team of associates available to help you and your family along the way. Some of the issues the social worker can assist with include:

  • Financial and insurance concerns
  • Medication assistance programs
  • Supportive counseling
  • Referrals to counseling and support groups
  • Health Care Power of Attorney documents
  • Disability forms through your employer and/or social security
  • Referrals to county agencies that may provide help to you
  • Transportation
  • Durable medical equipment supplies
  • Locating other resources that may be helpful to you

Get specialized cancer rehabilitation therapy services.

The ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program at SSM Health Physical Therapy provides cancer survivors with the care and treatment to optimize function and independence during and after cancer treatment.

The ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program may help to:

  • Improve function
  • Relieve pain and spasms
  • Decrease fatigue
  • Improve balance
  • Regain mobility
  • Build strength and endurance
  • Improve memory and concentration
  • Reduce lymphedema
  • Improve speech and swallowing
  • Restore or maintain quality of life

Attend a support group:

SSM Health offers support groups to help you heal emotionally and physically. Surviving cancer is just the beginning of your journey. We’re here to support you after cancer, helping you overcome challenges and navigating your renewed life.

Please note: support group availability may be different at each location. See what support groups are offered near you.

Gilda's Club Cancer Support Groups

At SSM Health, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help. SSM Health Cancer Care offers access to support groups through our partnership with Gilda’s Club, offering virtual support options to SSM Health cancer survivors and thrivers throughout the Wisconsin region, to help you heal emotionally and physically. Surviving cancer is just the beginning of your journey. We’re here to support you after cancer, helping you overcome challenges and navigating your renewed life.

Coping Together for Cancer Wellness

This group was developed for men and women who have been recently diagnosed with any type of cancer. Coping with a diagnosis on your own, or with people who don’t fully understand may not be ideal for healing. Our group setting allows those recently diagnosed the chance to speak among peers and learn how to move forward.