Cancer can be a chronic disease, which may require patients to make physical and emotional adjustments to maintain quality of life. A variety of services are available to address these issues and help the patient and family adapt to the changes caused by the disease and treatment.

Image Recovery Center®
One of the most difficult things cancer patients face is the effect of treatment on their appearances. Cancer treatments, dialysis, accidents, burns and diseases such as lupus can cause a great deal of trauma to the body, dramatically altering body image.

The Image Recovery Center® is an appearance enhancement service designed to help patients deal with the scarring, skin changes, hair loss and other consequences of disease, injury or treatment. The center's mission is to help patients heal by restoring appearance and body image. By relieving anxiety and concerns related to appearance, center staff work to enable patients to be more active, informed participants in their recoveries.

The Image Recovery Center carries products that have been selected based on their ability to address the needs of cancer patients during and after treatment. Products are natural, hydrating, therapeutic and formulated to repair altered physical appearance as a result of treatment. Services and products include:

	appearance consultation (complimentary)
	pre- and post-surgical mastectomy products such as breast forms, bras and swimwear
	hair replacement alternatives for complete and partial hair loss
	human hair, blended or synthetic wigs, styled to resemble appearance before hair loss
	fashionable hats, scarves, turbans and wig accessories
	skin care assessments and recommended solutions for daily skin maintenance
	camouflage makeup for scars, skin discoloration and dark circles
	therapeutic facials, manicures and pedicures
	fingernail and hand care natural products
	therapeutic massage
	cosmetic solutions for lash and brow loss
	lymphedema products
	deodorants, creams and related products for use during radiation therapy
	oral hygiene products
	take-home educational materials
	group presentations
	gift certificates and gift baskets

 

 
 

















The Image Recovery Center is located at 298 South Liberty Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 540-437-8492. Click here for a virtual tour.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often prescribed as a part of the medical treatment plan for cancer patients. A physical therapist addresses strength and endurance, mobility and activity level, need for assistive devices, range of motion, balance and stability. Physical therapy services are available at any of the RMH Rehab Services locations throughout the community or in the home, depending upon the patient’s needs.

Occupational Therapy
Cancer patients may also be referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists address energy conservation, upper extremity strength and function, self-care and homemaking skill, perception, and need for assistive devices. Occupational therapy services are available at any of the RMH Rehab Services locations throughout the community or in the home, depending upon the patient’s needs.

Speech Therapy
Speech therapists, also available through RMH Rehab Services, evaluate and plan treatment for difficulty in comprehension or expression of words, as well as eating and swallowing disorders.

Stomal Therapy
Wound, Ostomy and Continency (WOC) nurses are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and continency problems. They manage conditions such as stomas, draining wounds, skin ulcers, and functional disorders of the bowel and bladder. A WOC nurse also helps with the local United Ostomy Association (UOA). This organization makes a difference by providing patient-to-patient support, educational literature, a helping cyber-community, advocacy and promoting earlier detection of colon cancer.

Patient and Family Support
A number of support groups are available to help patients and families cope with the changes resulting from diagnosis or treatment.

B.E.S.T. Friends—Breast cancer Emotional Support Team
This support group is for anyone facing the diagnosis of breast cancer. The group is composed of both veteran and newly diagnosed women. They aim to empower and provide strength to one another through sharing of feelings and fears, discussing coping skills, and learning about available resources. B.E.S.T. Friends meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month 7-8 p.m., at the local American Cancer Society office at 1920 H Medical Avenue. For more information call the American Cancer Society at 540 434-3360.

Cancer Support Group
The format for this ongoing patient and family support group varies from educational sessions to a book series with discussions focused on selected readings. The purpose of the group is to provide support, to create opportunities for sharing experiences, and to discuss ideas for living. The group is led by a licensed clinical social worker and oncology-certified nurse. For more information call RMH HealthSource at 540-433-4580.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Family Support Group
The Cancer Center collaborates with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to provide a family support group for anyone affected by blood cancer. The group is facilitated by a mental health professional and oncology-certified nurse with extensive cancer and group work experience. Facilitators are prepared to handle sensitive issues such as loss, guilt, treatment questions and family stressors. The group meets the first Thursday of each month, 3:30-4:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Wine Price building, 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg. For more information call RMH HealthSource at 540-433-4580.

Man to Man
This American Cancer Society (ACS) program is for men with prostate cancer and their families. The group provides education, support and awareness about prostate cancer. Man to Man meets the third Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the local ACS office at 1920 H Medical Avenue. For more information call the American Cancer Society at 540-434-3360.