VA program helps veterans who have battled breast cancer
TAMPA, Fla. - Air Force veteran Karen Alexander has been getting some physical training at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa. It's helping the breast cancer survivor in the aftermath of her treatments.
One issue is lymphedema, which can cause swelling after treatment.
"I just try to do whatever exercises I can to keep from getting any worse with the lymphedema," said Alexander.
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The Occupational Therapy Lymphedema program at the hospital comes at no cost to veterans like Alexander. There are a number of services including massages, cooking classes and fitness training.
"After surgery, we make sure that the patients have good range of motion or regain the range of motion, increase their independence," said Wanda Van Harlinger, a lymphedema therapist.
Navy veteran Alicia Dawes Bell said the program helped her both physically and mentally after going through a double mastectomy.
"Every day is a struggle, because this is a part of me for the rest of my life," said Bell. "Now. I wake up every morning, I look in the mirror and I see my scars a part. I feel like a part of me is missing, you know? Trying to get whole again, but a part of me is definitely missing. So that helped me a lot. The mental health portion of it, I did individual and group therapy."
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"We are here for our patients. They're more than a number. They're a person to me", said Van Harlinger.
It's giving these breast cancer survivors and veterans what they need to soldier on.
"I feel I'm not alone. And I have women in the group who have been through this, and they're still going through the process. And I'm able to understand that I'm not alone. You know, we're going through this together," said Bell.
For more information about the program, contact Occupational Therapy at the James A. Haley VA Hospital at (813) 972-2000 ext. 4422.
FOX 13 is proud to team up once again with the American Cancer Society for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. These fun and inspiring events provide support for those going through the battle and also for survivors.
Proceeds go towards funding research and programs that assist patients, families and caregivers. To register for the walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, October 28, click here.
Members of the James A Haley VA Hospital have formed the team "VA Warriors" for the walk. For more information about joining the team, click here.