Dallas, TX, March 27, 2015 – Dallas resident Melinda Cato Cross was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer two years ago. For patients like Cross, surviving cancer is only half the battle. The other is overcoming the side-effects and after-effects of cancer treatments used to save her life.
“The people in the hospital have all been fabulous,” said the 55-year-old Cross, who lives in Dallas with her husband. “I have a ‘duo rehab team’ as I like to call them, because these therapists work so hard to make me feel comfortable despite the toll chemotherapy has had on my body. They would work with me for 45 minutes to an hour during each visit and every visit has been so positive and pleasant.”
A new program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas now integrates best practices for survivorship rehabilitation, focusing on managing treatment-related conditions for survivors with the goal of improving quality of life and the ability to function. The hospital has received STAR Program® Certification, the top certification from Oncology Rehab Partners, through implementation of an evidence-based education and training program for administrative and clinical staff.
“Cancer rehabilitation is similar to other forms of rehab after a serious illness or injury,” Michaelle Comer, PT, MHA, manager of outpatient rehabilitation services and co-coordinator of the Survivorship Training and Rehab (STAR) Program at Texas Health Dallas, said. “The program is designed to identify cancer patient needs throughout their continuum of care and brings together specialized clinicians such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, dietitians, oncology nurses and other specialties with a goal to help them achieve the highest quality of life possible.”
In addition to the STAR program, Texas Health Dallas offers other outpatient rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors, including lymphedema. The programs are customized to help minimize symptoms which may be associated with cancer and its treatment. Certified professionals offer physical, occupational and speech-language therapies to help survivors regain control of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible.
Hannah Thai, oncology program manager and co-coordinator of the STAR Program at Texas Health Dallas, explained, “This program is unique in that there is no other certification for cancer rehabilitation, and we’re thrilled to offer this higher level of rehabilitation therapy regimen to our patients. The STAR program really complements the full spectrum of cancer care and supportive services that we provide at Texas Health Dallas.”
The program is open to anyone facing the challenges of survivorship no matter the prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. These services are covered by most major health insurers, including Medicare.
“Feeling well and maintaining day-to-day activities are essential to enjoying a good quality of life,” said Dr. Lalan Wilfong, M.D., an oncologist on the medical staff and co-coordinator of the STAR Program at Texas Health Dallas., “Rehabilitation can be a valuable tool for cancer patients. The evidence-based treatment available and continuous research into survivorship shows that there is hope.”
Today, Cross is making great strides much of which she credits the care team at Texas Health Dallas. She recalls at one point, she couldn’t even perform simple daily tasks like walking or buttoning up her shirt.
Cross adds, “Now, I have more energy and regained my strength to do day-to-day activities. I’m taking it day by day but I’m very pleased with how much progress I’ve made.”
For more information on the STAR Program ® at Texas Health Dallas, please visit www.TexasHealth.org/Dallas-Rehab orcall 214-345-7680.
About Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. US News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit www.TexasHealth.org.