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PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.

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PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.

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Your Cancer Is Not My Cancer: The danger of comparing your recovery to others

Teddy Roosevelt is quoted as saying “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’ve found this to be particularly true in the area of cancer treatment and recovery. Cancer is the single most complex disease ever researched. There are over 200 different kinds and every single diagnosis manifests itself differently in each individual. There are also many different types of cancer treatments, numerous different types of chemotherapy and hormone therapy drugs and each person heals and responds differently. Therefore, although it is really helpful to share your cancer experiences and learn what has helped others, burning mental cycles by speculating and comparing your situation to others is a waste of time and energy.

What is important is to make sure that you listen to your medical team about what is right for you. When it comes to recovery you also need to make sure that you get the right advice and support tailored for your particular needs. Your health and recovery process is always changing. It’s important to have your blood count, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and fatigue monitored.  It can take a long time to trust your body after a cancer diagnosis and you may worry about every little symptom, pain, or bruise meaning the cancer has come back. However, instead of letting your fingers do the walking on the internet - It is best to get these checked out by either your physiotherapist or doctor early.

Try to be patient and treat yourself gently. Your recovery speed depends on many things including your pre-treatment fitness level, the type and stage of your cancer and the treatments you’ve had.   Some people with cancer can still go to school or work and do their usual everyday tasks while they get treatment. Others need a less demanding schedule, like taking extra days off or going part-time for a while. Many people find that they need more rest or are just too unwell to do anything.  It is not useful to compare your situation to others. If you are struggling to cope at work or school make sure you seek help to manage this for you. 

PINC & STEEL is dedicated to helping 'every' individual get back on their feet; men, women and young people with any type of cancer. Our certified cancer rehab Physiotherapists assess each person individually for physical impairments and effects of their treatment. They then work to create a rehabilitation program to suit your stage in recovery. Cancer rehab Physiotherapists can teach you what you can do to get stronger again and help you understand why your body is reacting to the treatments in certain ways. They will provide information to help you feel more in control of your body and life again. 

 

Another important part of recovery from the debilitating side-effects of cancer surgery and treatment is correcting postural changes, muscle imbalances and improving stamina. A cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist can help you re-educate your body to restore its’ normal balance. If left this can impact other parts of your body, limit function, cause pain, inflammation and reduce your stamina further.

The good news is your ‘window’ for rehabilitation has not closed!! You can still get the benefits of individualised rehab whether you are currently receiving cancer treatment or are many years down the track.

Instead of comparing yourself to others - focus forward and set small goals in your recovery. This is really helpful to appreciate how far you have come – and to give you strength to keep going. Taking the first step to write down a goal gives you something to strive towards, as well as look forward to.  The sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving your goals can feel very empowering, satisfying and healing. Celebrating the smaller things is an important habit in living life to the fullest. We need to remember to celebrate more often – not just the big accomplishments, but all the small victories in our lives as well. 

You are unique and your road to recovery is unique to you. Don’t compare your journey to others or suffer on your own.   There are rehabilitation experts who can help and understand the challenges you are going through. Take care of you, all the best to Move Over Cancer.

#roadtorecovery #cancerrehab  #onesizedoesnotfitall #individualcare #moveovercancer 

Lou James (MNZM)