Post by Advocate Health Care

When her cancer treatment ended, Alicia believed her hardest days after diagnosis were behind her. Instead, she found herself dealing with a lesser-known part of survivorship: radiation fibrosis, swelling and limited mobility that made everyday movement painful and difficult. Like many cancer survivors, Alicia did not realize there are therapies designed to help treat those lingering effects. But after describing her discomfort to her doctor, she learned about oncological rehabilitation — a specialized form of care that helps people manage the physical changes that can continue during and after cancer treatment. “Many patients expect that once treatment ends, life will quickly return to normal, but side effects can last for months or even years,” says Jyostna, an occupational therapist at Advocate Christ Medical Center. “The important thing for people to know is that they should not assume they just have to live with pain, swelling or loss of function. Rehabilitation can often help.” After surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and ongoing oral treatment, Alicia began oncological therapy in 2025 to treat swelling in her hand and elbow, finger tingling, cramping near her ribs and limited shoulder mobility — all caused by her breast cancer care. Through the Advocate Christ Medical Center’s oncological rehabilitation program, Alicia received specialized therapy, which included decongestive therapy for lymphatic redirection and guided exercises. “Every time I went to the clinic, I saw improvements,” Alicia says. “It helped me believe I could keep getting better. Now I’m at the dawn of a new chapter and for the first time since treatment, I’m feeling motivated to have dreams again.” Today, Alicia is gradually returning to the routines that help her feel like herself again. Based on her experience with illness she has started working towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker to expand her reach and help others facing similar challenges. She dreams of sharing the healing power of exercise with her clients and students who experienced trauma. Learn more about cancer care: https://bit.ly/4ev00Va