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Fatigue & Cancer

Patients undergoing cancer care can experience a decrease in functional abilities due to a variety of reasons – fatigue from chemotherapy or radiation, loss of range in motion in the shoulder after mastectomy or pain from chemotherapy induced nerve damage. Some patients find that performing what were once simple tasks – like hair brushing, keeping house or even bathing – are now performed with increased difficulty.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

In any one of these cases, a referral to a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, or physiatrist, may be helpful. Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also called physiatry, is a medical specialty that strives to maximize a patient’s functional abilities. A physiatrist can help by developing a rehabilitation treatment plan to improve overall physical function, reduce pain and maximize independence. The rehabilitation treatment plan may include diagnostic testing, medications, nutrition therapy, physical and /or occupational therapy, adaptive equipment, education and support services.

“Improving your Quality of Life”

If you are feeling fatigued, are listless with no energy, or have symptoms affecting your daily activities, ask your oncologist for a referral to see Dr. Holmes Marchman, physiatrist with the Longstreet Cancer Center. Or call the office at (770) 536-6300 if you would like an appointment or have any questions about how physiatry could help you to improve your quality of life.