"Living with & beyond cancer"

Living with and beyond Cancer – My Story

I only have positive feedback concerning my Personal Exercise physiotherapy as experienced at Exmouth Hospital throughout my recently completed 6 month period.

Firstly, I would point out how extremely important and significant it was in being able to receive my therapy at my local hospital (which was a new location for the service).

Secondly, I would like to provide feedback on what I regard as the high quality of all aspects of my physiotherapy:-

1. Following an initial assessment, I followed a number of straightforward personal treatment exercises that over time were suitably adjusted. Some new ones added and a few, following discussion and progress, were reduced or exchanged with an alternative.

2. All exercises were always introduced in person, through demonstration and accompaniment. This approach provided me with a clear set of targets to meet (and extend) at home between follow-up sessions, for example, their frequency and/or how long some of the individual exercises should be carried out. (Communication was also available and made use of using the RD&E My Care System).

3. Crucially, it soon became clear that I was being listened to and considered through friendly, very thoughtful and helpful responses. Throughout my months of treatment /review sessions I had no doubt that I was genuinely receiving and following personal and adjusted exercises (via each follow-up session).

4. This approach was also particularly meaningful for me. Having my thoughts listened to and being able to chat about them I found that I could better prioritise and process matters in my mind. This was significant in motivating me to stick with and follow my exercise programme and my key aim of positively being able to live beyond cancer. (I feel that it also helped my general well being).

In conclusion I would like to express heartfelt thanks for all the excellent work and support I received. Through my story I hope it is obvious that I am very pleased with the delivery (and patient-focused approach) of the Therapy Team’s work. Above all, in combination with all of the other treatments and support that has been given through the NHS (and Force Cancer Charity), I feel positive about achieving my personal goal aimed at continuing to do all I can to think positively about my Cancer and hopefully living beyond it. Presently my future in that respect is still awaiting scans and other tests to be held. However, importantly, I know that my personal exercise regime which I am continuing with is putting me in a good position to be able to think positively and be hopeful of a good outcome of follow-up results.