Tests and Treatments
Loss of a limb
Limb-salvage surgery
- If the cancer has not spread in this way, a doctor may perform limb-salvage surgery, where the bone that has cancer is removed and the limb is saved from amputation by filling the gap with a bone graft or special metal rod.
Losing a limb
- Losing a limb can be one of the toughest consequences of cancer, especially for young people who are already dealing with body changes.
- Not only does the person have to deal with having cancer, they also have to adjust to a whole new self-image - or even a new lifestyle.
- Counselling and physical therapy (also called physical rehabilitation) can both be helpful in this situation.
Prosthesis or artificial limbs
- People who have amputations are usually fitted with a prosthesis, or artificial limb.
These are very effective, and many people with a prosthesis are able to return to normal activities - even sports.
- No matter how good they are though, an amputation is still hard to deal with.
Luckily, there are people out there who are very experienced in helping people deal with the emotional issues they may go through.
Less than Four is an online community for amputees. People can ask questions, connect with other people and find information.
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