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ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
GET VIP TREATMENT
infection, which could have negative consequences.
“Cancer and therapy weaken the immune system,
which is what the body uses to fight infections,” says
Carlos Bachier, MD,
director of the stem cell transplant
program at Methodist Hospital and the Texas Transplant
Institute, a department of Methodist Hospital.
“Prompt and appropriate treatment for these patients
is important to avoid serious consequences. This is similar
to the protocols emergency room doctors and staff fol-
low when a patient arrives who might be experiencing a
heart attack or stroke,” Dr. Bachier says. “Time is a critical
factor for immunocompromised patients with symptoms
of an infection.”
The Methodist Boerne Emergency Center, a depart-
ment of Methodist Hospital, and Metropolitan Methodist
Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, have already
implemented the VIP program. Methodist Stone Oak
Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital will be imple-
menting the emergency protocol later this year.
the first one or two weeks af-
ter surgery. So when you get
home from the hospital, you
can schedule your first appoint-
ment. A physical therapist can
help you through those first
few weeks when you might be
afraid to move your arm, then
progress to strengthening ex-
ercises about three to six weeks
after surgery. We communicate
with your surgeon about any
special precautions that need to
be followed.
{
What other services are
offered through Methodist Hos-
pital’s rehabilitation program?
}
We address orthopedic
issues, such as joint pain, neck and back pain. We also
work with people who have neurological problems, such
as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke. We
are also trained to do ergonomic evaluations, and one
of our favorite things to do is balance rehab. In balance
rehab, we work with people who are dizzy or at risk of
falling. We have really fantastic occupational and speech
therapists as well. We treat both adults and children.
HOW OUTPATIENT
REHAB CAN HELP
AFTER BREAST SURGERY
{
How can someone make an appointment for rehab?
}
First, talk to your doctor to see if rehab is right for
you. You will need a doctor’s order or a prescription for
therapy. To schedule an appointment, call
210-575-7501
.
Methodist Outpatient Rehab Services accepts most ma-
jor insurances. We are located in the South Texas Medi-
cal Center on the campus of Methodist Hospital.
GREAT MOVES: Lourdes Rodriguez, physical therapist at Methodist Hospital,
guides a patient through exercises aimed at improving strength and move-
ment following a mastectomy. Ask your doctor about a referral for physical
therapy at Methodist Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. Call
210-575-7501
for more information.
To see a video, go to
Under
KENS 5 Cancer Program, click on
“Dr. Carlos Bachier: VIP Program.”
A conversation with Lourdes Rodriguez,
physical therapist, Methodist Hospital
{
Why should a person go to a physical therapist
after breast surgery?
}
The human body doesn’t understand the difference
between surgery and an injury, so it reacts the same way
to both. The results of disrupting normal tissue can be
scarring, restricted movement, weakness and pain. A
physical therapist can address all of those problems, fa-
cilitate the healing process and help patients return to
work and other normal activities faster.
{
What can a person expect when they see a physi-
cal therapist?
}
A physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation
on the first visit. The therapist will review your medi-
cal history; assess your strength, motion and posture;
identify any areas for improvement; discuss your goals
for therapy; and develop a plan with you to help you
get back to where you want to be—whether it’s getting
back to work, playing tennis, gardening or playing with
grandchildren.
{
When should a person see a physical therapist?
}
If you know you will have a mastectomy, you should
see a physical therapist before surgery to learn about
what to expect, exercises to do immediately after sur-
gery and things to avoid. With your surgeon’s approval,
you should return to outpatient physical therapy within
IF YOU ARE
a cancer patient undergoing chemo-
therapy, even a slight fever can signal the beginning of
a serious infection.
In
2010
, Methodist Hospital introduced a new pilot
program for Very Immunocompromised Patients (VIPs).
The VIPs are armed with a special kit that includes a
wallet card, refrigerator magnet, information sheet and
digital thermometer.
Patients who are having chemotherapy and experi-
ence a fever of
101
degrees or
higher or have shaking chills
should go directly to the Meth-
odist Hospital emergency
department. The staff and
physicians in the emergency
department are trained in a
new protocol to begin imme-
diate treatment for patients
and work to avoid a serious
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