We understand that cancer treatment is a journey — one that requires not just medicines and procedures but also emotional and physical support.
Our cancer rehabilitation team at the WVU Cancer Institute is here to help you during every stage of your treatment and recovery. Our mission is simple: We work with you throughout all stages of cancer treatment, so you can feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Understanding Rehabilitation Services
Every person’s cancer experience is different. Some emerge from treatment with few side effects. For others, treatment can take a toll physically as well as mentally.
Our rehabilitation team is experienced and compassionate and can assist you with challenges that may emerge during your treatment.
Our physiatrists (specialists in rehabilitation medicine), physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists are skilled in addressing side effects common during cancer treatment, including:
- Balance loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of strength, endurance, or agility
- Lymphedema
- Pain
- Reduction in fine motor skills
- Speech or swallowing difficulties
- Walking difficulties
- Cancer-related cognitive impairment, including memory lapses and trouble concentrating – sometimes referred to as “chemo brain”
Supporting the Whole Patient
Our rehabilitation nutritionists, mental health therapists, and social workers can also support you if you face other cancer- or treatment-related issues impacting your overall quality of life, including:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of self-confidence due to hair loss or other physical changes
- Sexual health issues
- Wound care
There are also resources to support your spiritual needs, as well as emotional support groups. Learn more about our patient resources.
Getting You Back to What You Love
The goal of rehabilitation services is to help you smoothly navigate the challenges that may arise during cancer treatment, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Our staff is passionate about helping you regain your independence, agility, and peace of mind following treatment. Through targeted therapies and compassionate, hands-on care, we work to ensure that your life during treatment and following cancer is just as rich and fulfilling as before your diagnosis.