"Preparation and recovery after a cancer diagnosis"

After being diagnosed with cancer in March 24 I was supported through the journey by the Living with and Beyond Cancer Team. Before surgery I attended physiotherapy and information sessions to better prepare me for the surgery and recovery.

After the surgery I attended physiotherapy sessions to help me on my way back to physical fitness. These sessions supported both physical and mental health. The one to one chats with the team were such a support where I could air my individualised worries and concerns. But what I found particularly supportive were the group sessions. Being in a room with people in a similar situation to yourself (although you don’t wish this on anyone) provided great comfort and strength.

The post op physio sessions have really motivated me to work on my fitness to aid a full recovery and be fitter for the future. Being in a group with others made it feel more like a regular fitness session taking the pressure off the individual. We learnt from each others experiences, knowledge, questions and queries and even had a good laugh at times which really was a tonic.

I can’t rate the service more highly and know without it my journey and recovery to date would not be the same.