Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine

09/05/2026

Healing doesn’t stop when cancer treatment ends—your body keeps working hard to repair and restore itself. Surgery and radiation can bring changes to your tissues, some temporary and some that linger, affecting how you feel and move every day.

✨ Scar Tissue vs. Fibrosis ✨
Scar tissue is a natural part of healing. It may feel tight or sensitive at first, but often softens and becomes more flexible over time. Sometimes, though, deeper tissue changes can lead to ongoing tightness or restricted movement.

Fibrosis is different—it happens when connective tissue becomes thick, stiff, and less flexible, often after surgery or radiation. This can make areas feel dense, firm, or “stuck.”

🌟 Why Radiation Can Cause Fibrosis
Radiation targets cancer cells but can also impact healthy tissues. Over time, this may lead to changes in your skin, connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic system. For some, radiation fibrosis develops months or even years after treatment.

You might notice:
• Tightness or pulling
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• Firm or thickened tissue
• Scars that feel “stuck”
• Changes in sensation
• Discomfort with movement
• Swelling or changes in lymphatic flow

If you’re experiencing these changes, you’re not alone. Our team is here to support you with therapies and resources to help you move beyond cancer and reclaim your wellness. 💚

09/04/2026

🎗️ Honoring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️

This month, we honor the strength and resilience of children and families affected by cancer. At CRIM, we believe rehabilitation should care for the whole person—supporting comfort, mobility, strength, function, and quality of life throughout every stage of the cancer journey.

If you or your child could benefit from compassionate, holistic cancer rehabilitation, visit us at CRIM. We’re here to help you move, heal, and feel your best. 💛

08/31/2026

Support beyond treatment. 🤍

Cancer care is more than appointments, procedures, and treatment plans. It’s about caring for the whole person — supporting strength, function, resilience, comfort, and quality of life along the way.

At our Cancer Rehabilitation & Integrative Medicine Center, we’re here to help you navigate the journey beyond treatment, with personalized care that meets you where you are.

Because healing isn’t just about treating cancer.
It’s about supporting *you*.

08/28/2026

🥑 Food can be an important part of your cancer care.

During cancer treatment, your body may need more support than usual. Finding the right balance of protein, calories, and nourishing foods can help support strength, energy, and overall well-being throughout your cancer journey. 💚

But nutrition during cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.

You may need to adjust what you eat, how much you eat, how often you eat, or even how food is prepared based on your symptoms, treatment, and changing needs.

That’s where an oncology dietitian can help. ✨

At CRIM, Krystle Zuniga, our in-house oncology dietitian, works with individuals and families to make nutrition feel more manageable, personalized, and supportive—during treatment and beyond.

Whether you’re struggling with appetite, trying to maintain your strength, navigating treatment side effects, or simply wondering “What should I be eating right now?” — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

🌱 Your nutrition can be part of your care team.

👉 Visit our website to learn more about Krystle and how oncology nutrition support at CRIM can help you along your cancer journey.

08/27/2026

✈️ Flying With Lymphedema? Here Are Some Simple Tips 💙

Having lymphedema doesn’t mean you have to put your travel plans on hold. With a little preparation, you can support your lymphatic system while you’re in the air. 🌎✨

If you regularly wear a prescribed compression garment, wear it during your flight. Ideally, your garment should be properly fitted by a certified lymphedema therapist—the right fit matters!

While you’re flying:

💧 Stay hydrated
🚶 Move when you can — get up and walk around the cabin when it’s safe.
🦵 Keep your limb moving — try ankle pumps, bending and straightening your knees, or gently opening and closing your hands and moving your arms.
👀 Listen to your body — if your compression garment feels too tight or your swelling increases, remove it and seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

Most importantly, don’t let lymphedema keep you grounded. With the right strategies and support, you can travel, explore, and keep moving toward the things that matter to you. ✈️💙

Travel tips are general education and are not a substitute for individualized guidance from your healthcare team.

08/26/2026

We recently asked our in-house oncology counselor: How does your work help improve quality of life during or after cancer treatment?

Her response was powerful: “When clients first come to me, they’re often overwhelmed by fear and anxiety after a life-changing diagnosis. I provide a safe, supportive space to help them process their emotions. Together, we work to increase joy and reduce fear as they navigate their journey.”

We are so grateful to have her as part of our team, offering compassionate mental health support to those affected by cancer in the Austin area. 💜

If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, reach out to us today.

mental health, cancer, oncology, support group, counseling

08/25/2026

🩷 Lymphedema & Skin Care: Why Your Skin Matters

If you have lymphedema, taking care of your skin is more than just skincare — it’s part of protecting your lymphatic health.

People with lymphedema have a higher risk of developing cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. And unfortunately, cellulitis can cause additional damage to the lymphatic system and make lymphedema worse.

Here are some simple ways to protect your skin and lower your risk:

🧼 Keep your skin clean
Gently cleanse your skin every day with a mild, pH-balanced product.

💧 Moisturize daily
Dry, cracked skin can give bacteria an opportunity to get in. Keep your skin soft and moisturized!

👀 Know the warning signs
Watch for:

Redness
Warmth
Pain or tenderness
Increased swelling
Fever or chills

🚨 Don’t ignore possible infection
If you think you may have cellulitis or another infection in your affected limb, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early treatment is important.

🧴 Wearing compression?
Check your garment manufacturer's recommendations for moisturizers. Some lotions and oils can damage compression fibers or affect how your garment works.

💊 Getting cellulitis repeatedly?
If you experience frequent episodes, your healthcare provider may discuss additional prevention strategies, including preventive antibiotics in some cases.

✨ Bottom line: Healthy skin helps protect your lymphatic system. A few minutes of daily skin care can be an important part of managing lymphedema and preventing complications.

Save this post as a reminder and share it with someone living with lymphedema! 💗

This information is for education and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

08/23/2026

We hope you had a restful weekend and found ways to stay cool in this record-breaking Austin heat! How do you keep yourself refreshed and hydrated during these scorching days?

Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat:
• Sip water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Add fresh fruit or herbs to your water for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients.
• Choose light, hydrating snacks like watermelon, cucumber, or oranges.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
• Listen to your body—rest when you need to and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.

What’s your favorite way to stay cool and hydrated?
Share your go-to tips in the comments below and let’s support each other through the summer!

And remember to check out our products at SAVA Face & Body-from sunscreen to sun protective garments, we have got you covered!

08/20/2026

Reflecting on Nanette’s wisdom—stage 4 baddie, thriver, yoga instructor, and beloved patient—about the power of boundaries (read her full blog via the link in our bio). Setting boundaries isn’t always easy, but getting clear on what serves you, what your mind and body need, and communicating that to your loved ones can be transformative for coping and healing. Sometimes, boundaries are quiet—I might say I’m “busy” when I’m really recharging on the sofa with Law & Order and toast (Nanette’s words, not mine!).

To all our thrivers and survivors: What advice would you share with someone just beginning their cancer journey? Drop your thoughts below and let’s lift each other up.

08/18/2026