Montrose Memorial Hospital rehabilitation dept. opens new program for cancer patients

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — The rehabilitation department of Montrose Memorial Hospital has opened a new program that builds patients' strength and metabolism during the time when it is needed most — while they fight off cancer.

Building Momentum — Exercising Through Cancer Recovery, opened the end of April and is strictly for cancer patients to be aided throughout treatment and into recovery.

"It's a specific program developed with that population to assist them with their recovery," Martin Lutz, director of MMH rehab services, said.

The program is designed to raise energy levels and the immune system that improves quality of life by reducing fatigue. During cancer treatment, patients are susceptible to infections, so the new rehab center provides a smaller environment that limits the exposure that happens in the larger rehab programs.

A physician's order is necessary to participate.

When beginning the rehab, staff draws up an individualized program for the patient.

Betty Dixon, 73 and recovering from cancer, started the program in April after being transferred from the hospital's regular rehab center.

"It did wonders for me," Dixon said.

She said the individual exercises with her arms, which is where lymph nodes were removed, helped build up her strength after her operation.

Dixon also enjoyed the privacy at the cancer rehab.

The rehab is set up across from the San Juan Cancer Center, in the Community Connection Center on South Fifth Street and Park Avenue. Two rooms have been remodeled to hold free weights, exercise machines and massage tables.

Mary Genser, a certified cancer exercise specialist and physical therapist who organizes the new program, said she sees the patient two to three times a week for one to two months.

For Dixon, she visited about two times a week, using different equipment for her arms and receiving massage therapy. She said she even exercised at the Aquatic Center pool as part of her schedule.

Dixon was released from the program but continues to do exercises at home.

"(Staff) will certainly get you to the point where you feel like you can be discharged, or they will work with you until you do," Dixon said. "I couldn't have found a better place to go."

She also said she couldn't have had a better instructor.

"She can't be beat," she said about Genser.

Genser said the program is her "baby" but getting it started was a team effort between the hospital and rehab department.

"It was myself wanting to be involved and offer something for cancer patients," Genser said.

She currently sees about four to five patients per month, but could see herself taking anywhere from 10 to 15.

She also wants the program to grow and provide small group classes.

Genser does receive help from a physical therapist assistant and hopes to bring an occupational therapist on board as well.

For more information contact the MMH Rehab Center at 240-7369.

Contact Kati O'Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com