Cancer Rehabilitation at Spaulding Cape Cod (SCC)

There’s nothing easy about what you’re going through. Our cancer rehabilitation services are designed to respond to the needs of you and your family. Our clinical team will develop a treatment plan based on your goals, whether that means improving strength and function to return home, resume work and other activities, or enhance quality of life.

Spaulding's Approach to Cancer Rehabilitation

Improvements in oncology research and treatment have resulted in patients living longer after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer itself and many of the treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, can result in disabling conditions. Rehabilitation experts aim to improve pain, function and quality of life at all levels of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The field of cancer rehabilitation in the outpatient setting aims to address all types of impairments from cancer and cancer treatments. Some common oncology-related impairments may include:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Lymphedema
Back pain from cancer, metastases or prior treatment for cancer
Arm, leg or joint pain from cancer, metastases or prior treatment for cancer
Neck or shoulder pain
Deconditioning, weakness and fatigue
Nerve dysfunction
Cognitive issues
Swallowing issues
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus)
Balance and gait difficulty
Bowel incontinence
Bladder incontinence
Sexual dysfunction

Spaulding Hospital for Continuing Care Cambridge

The Cancer Rehabilitation Program uniquely incorporates inpatient rehabilitation with primary medical and specialty care to meet the needs of cancer patients. Specialty treatment includes chemotherapy, blood product replacement, infusion therapy, pain management, treatment of radiation-related symptoms, nutrition, and wound management.

Inpatient program components may include:

Comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical status
Medical consultation with acute care providers as needed
24-hour nursing care with a focus on medication management
Nutrition counseling and support
Coordinated transportation for radiation treatments and oncology follow-up appointments
Counseling and support for patients and families
Palliative care support as needed