Caring for Survivors: Following the Funds in Kansas

You have finished the last chemo or radiation treatment.  During treatment you looked forward to this day with thoughts of cake and a party.  But survivors share that they still have concerns after their treatment has been completed – about the potential short- and long-term side effects and the living with their “new normal”. 
 

The KU Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship provides support and resources people need to live with the lifelong reality of a cancer diagnosis. Guided by focus groups of breast cancer survivors from across Kansas, the Wichita center focuses on the core values:

• Enhancing clinical assessment and support
• Empowering survivors through an individualized care plan
• Providing access to community connections

Survivors (anyone diagnosed with breast cancer) can choose between the full core program or specifically, the dietary or exercise components.  The dietary and exercise components are funded in part by a grant from Susan G. Komen.

In the full core program, the survivor receives an assessment with the internist, who then consults with the program hematology and oncology specialist, endocrinologist, and patient navigator.  The patient navigator will later meet again with the survivor to explain their recommendations.  A written report is provided to the survivor and her/his health care providers.

Depending on the needs of the survivor, the Center has a broad base of support services to provide assistance. The grant from Komen is providing funding for dietary consultations to assess nutritional status/provide nutritional therapy.  The Center also works with several therapists, including neuropsychologists and a marriage and a family therapist, to help with coping/psycho-social issues associated with cancer; sexual issues, intimacy and body image; and “Chemo brain” assessment and cognitive rehabilitation therapy.  There is also physical therapy to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction following breast surgery, treatment, and radiation and Lymphedema therapy.  The Center partners with LIVESTRONG at the Y, a 12-week supervised program for cancer survivors designed to build muscle mass and strength and increase flexibility and endurance. 

For more information about the KU Medcenter Wichita Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship

The Center for Breast Cancer Survivorship is continuing to look at the needs of breast cancer survivors through research.  The Center is conducting a study to learn more about the symptoms of breast cancer and side effects of chemotherapy. If you have been diagnosed and are waiting in your treatment plan, plan to receive chemotherapy, are currently receiving chemotherapy, or have finished chemotherapy, you may be eligible to participate.

For more information about this research study