"Physio care after cancer surgery and treatment"

I had my treatment at the Mater Hospital & Belfast City Hospital. 

Following a cancer diagnosis I had bilateral surgery and lymph node removal. The professional care and treatment I’ve received from the doctors, consultants and breast care nurses, led by Dr Irwin for the surgical team, Dr Hurwitz for the oncology team and also the radiotherapy team, has been phenomenal. 

Everyone I have encountered from each departments, from admittance to the current time has been professional and caring. I would also like to specifically mention the chemo helpline for their calm and helpful approach. 

For the rest of this feedback I’m going to specifically focus on my follow-up physio and complimentary care. I received this at the City Hospital, Action Cancer and MacMillian. 

I had the expected issues regarding restricted movement and discomfort after the surgery, chemo & radiotherapy treatment and was offered complimentary and physio therapy. 

After a few sessions of in-person physio I was then offered an exercise programme. I chose to do the classes on line. The classes were weekly and lasted about 45 mins. 

I was initially hesitant because I had no experience of doing regular exercise and didn’t know if I could maintain doing the programme while going through treatment.

At the same time I applied for and was offered a programme of complimentary therapy with Action Cancer. Both have been life enhancing and changing. The complimentary therapy in particular covered a wide range of therapies and treatments, that I have found it to be essential to getting back to living a more normal life. 

1. I had both in-person treatment and on line exercise classes. I found both to be pitched at the right level and duration. I was given all the tools and equipment needed to do the exercises and therapies myself, without any added inconvenience or cost. This felt very special and particularly caring. 

2. There was a recorded online option specifically for the exercises, to do more or catch up at my own time if the effects of treatment meant that I couldn’t make the class.

3. My therapists & instructors were  professional, knowledgeable and patient. I regard them in as high a regard as the surgical and oncology experts, as they are helping me to rebuild my new life. 

4. The therapy and exercises helped me to greatly improve my range of movement and gave me the confidence to do more. I now exercise daily and attend independent alternative therapy classes. 

5. At the end of the programmes I was given information and guidance on the next stage of treatment available to me, so I didn’t feel abandoned that they had come to an end.

6. My physical and mental recovery were greatly enhanced. 

7. I have adopted a new approach to consistent, appropriate self-care and exercise. I attribute this to the duration of the programmes as they were long enough for me to establish a proper routine and absorb the learning. 

7. For me, my physical & alternative therapies has been as valuable as my surgical or medical treatment. They have given me back strength and provided me with tools for life.