I had cancer treatment last year and really benefited from the PINC & STEEL Program. I was an active person before my operation and found I needed something that allowed me to gain that independence back.
I thought the program was wonderful. I started getting results straight away. I was also having trouble sleeping and learning to breathe properly helped with this. I was able to focus and relax my mind. So as well as helping me physically, it definitely helped my well being too. My main focus was to gain strength that I had lost during my treatment and to gain confidence to get back into exercising without worrying about what I was and wasn’t allowed to do.
Since doing the programme I felt confident enough to return to the gym (with my new workout provided by my PINC & STEEL Physio). I don’t think I would’ve felt comfortable doing so without going through this programme first. I have also suggested this programme to other ladies I know going through the same thing as I.
It’s hard to cope with everything that’s going on as well as finding something specially designed for cancer patients. It’s not like just walking into a gym and going up to any trainer and asking for help because you could cause more damage if they haven’t been trained in this sort of thing.
I found the program to be very beneficial to my recovery. I am going to have more surgery tomorrow and I feel more confident in my recovery knowing I have a programme I can use afterwards. Especially designed just for me.
Many thanks
I found the PINC & STEEL programme fantastic! It's not something I would have thought I needed before I got sick and it wouldn't have been a priority (for financial reasons) after my surgery. Having the funded sessions was great. My physio was brilliant, helpful and positive. She worked with me and my limits and the targeted exercises helped increase movement and reduce fatigue, exactly like she said they would!
I enjoyed the exercises and did them faithfully and this, no doubt, played a bit part in my healing. I now have much more strength and mobility in my shoulder and also in other areas that she targeted. It wasn't targeted at just recovery from cancer but an improved overall wellness.
Having completed the 5 sessions, I signed up for Pilates classes with my physio as I found her to be so supportive and easy to work with.
I would HIGHLY recommend this programme (and have done) to anyone in a similar situation and cannot stress its value enough.
Thanks
After surgery, chemo & radiation, my body had taken a bit of a battering. My PINC & STEEL Physio did an exceptional job assessing what my current limits were, and identifying potential improvements through the right exercises and manual physiotherapy. Before PINC & STEEL, I had given up on being able to do some basic types of movement, which other people would take for granted. This has made a huge difference to me - it gave me a sense of normal movement, and removed the feeling of being permanently limited from my treatment. I would highly recommend PINC & STEEL to other cancer patients - it has been an exceptional way to return flexibility & strength post-treatment, beyond what I had thought were my limits.
My PINC & STEEL Physio was fantastic, she was sensitive to my experience, while also encouraging me to push myself a little within a safe range.
Understandably, I had a lot of anxieties floating about, but my physio was reassuringly well-informed on the issues I was confronting (real and imagined!) from having a bilateral mastectomy, especially my concern over developing lymphoedema. She took time assessing where I was at, including carefully recording my arm measurements. Her approach to the sessions was gentle, yet the exercises were substantial and beneficial. She has a particularly strong knowledge of anatomy which showed in the way she explained the technique and purpose of each exercise. She also provided me with illustrated instructions on exercises I could do at home in between sessions, and these have been very helpful.
I found that participating in the PINC & STEEL Programme helped tremendously in my recovery, on a number of levels – from increased strength and range of movement, to the mental reintegration of the affected part of my body to the rest. As a result, I became less tentative and more confident of what my body could cope with. One of the key benefits for me is that these sessions have helped me accept my changed body, and to realise its strength. I feel proud of the way in which my body has coped with the somewhat brutal trauma of surgery and chemotherapy, and the PINC & STEEL sessions have certainly contributed to that.
The benefits of the programme have been such that I have now enrolled for twice-weekly group pilates classes with my physio.
I am spreading the word about PINC & STEEL among fellow cancer patients.
Best wishes with the continuation of the programme.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47. With every treatment I undertook there was the most terrible side effects. This resulted in total deconditioning of myself. I felt unsure if this surviving was really so lucky. I do feel that I was lucky to hear about PINC & STEEL at this dark time.
It has helped me learn so much about the recovery process and reclaiming my life back. I didn't want to survive, I wanted to live. My Oncology Physio set up a personal training programme, treated my lymphoedema; hands-on reduced my scar tissue and motivated me, helping with fatigue and poor sleep. I'm empowered. I live.”
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. I had degraded physically due to the disease and – a decline from an active marathon runner to managing only small slow daily walks. Treatment covered six months and was not straight-forward – I was on two different chemotherapy regimens, and associated medications. While I did my best to keep the walking up, my physical abilities lessened over this time and with it my wellbeing.
Post-treatment, I was fortunate to participant in PINC & STEEL ‘s individual and group cancer rehab programmes. They have helped me re-build my physical self – strength, balance, cardio fitness – and also benefited my well-being greatly. My family have a happier Mum and Wife – with more energy and positivity in their lives.
PINC & STEEL is benefitting so many people who have already been through a very tough, exhausting time, but are keen to re-build themselves. People who have not been close to someone dealing with cancer treatment and recovery don’t realise that the journey is still a long one post-treatment. But with PINC & STEEL, the qualified Physios do – we feel their support and it makes our recovery so much more manageable and positive. My recovery road would have been a lot longer, more challenging, and a lot less enjoyable without PINC & STEEL."
“In February of this year I was diagnosed with head & neck cancer. I had major surgery followed by radiotherapy. One of the key things that helped me cope with going to radiotherapy was seeing my Oncology Physio. It was something active and positive I could do to help myself both physically and emotionally. The Physiotherapist I worked with was knowledgeable about what my body was going through, and encouraging for me to keep working and stretching- particularly the neck and shoulder area. It was so rewarding to see the improvement in my movement and flexibility. After each session I felt I had taken care of myself and achieved another step. I was in a very vulnerable time in my cancer treatment and found it so helpful to have one on one time with my physiotherapist. I would highly recommend PINC & STEEL to anyone who has been through cancer. It was encouraging, confidence building and built up my strength and flexibility. I am so grateful to those who work to provide the service.”
"After the shock and then trauma associated with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of my melanoma I needed to find something constructive I could focus on to bring back some normality to my life. In my case I had been lucky enough to have had a positive result after the full axillary node clearance surgery but really was still in a state of shock and disbelief.
To be able to start a program of pro-actively healing my body with PINC & STEEL at my local physio clinic in Wanaka was the first step in regaining control over my life and health.
After my surgery I was bombarded by the potential negative side effects of a full axillary node clearance but I needed to start thinking positively and working around these limitations and focusing on what I could do to minimise the side effects and get back to my active lifestyle.
My PINC & STEEL Physio, Vicky was fantastic right from the start and listened to what was important for me and what we needed to do to start on my pathway to regaining my fitness, health and general feeling of wellbeing. The results and the process where fantastic. My doctors and surgeons could not believe the softening of the scar tissue around my wound site. The nerve pains and cording I was suffering earlier are now hardly recognisable with only a slight numbing sensation. My shoulder mobility is quite astounding really with nearly full range of motion regained and I am now back kayaking! What I liked about working with Vicky is that she listened and worked with me at my pace. I am quite a driven person and Vicky enabled me to use this drive to positively work on the rehab process even when we chucked obstacles such as a broken arm in the way!
For anyone going through the process of cancer treatment or cancer rehabilitation I not only recommend but encourage you to get PINC & STEEL support."
"I enrolled in the PINC & STEEL program after going through an extended period of intensive treatment for Stage 3 bowel cancer including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After the treatment I was feeling very fatigued and physically weak. My PINC & STEEL Physio helped me focus on my physical recovery and as my fitness and strength began to improve, I noticed an improving quality of life and renewed enthusiasm towards achieving my numerous goals in life. I also feel that this program was important in allowing me to return to the workforce in a positive frame of mind and take on the tasks/responsibilities I previously performed before being diagnosed with cancer. I also feel that this program was important in allowing me to return to the workforce in a positive frame of mind and take on the tasks/responsibilities I previously performed before being diagnosed with cancer."
“In recent years I have had bowel and liver cancer. At the completion of chemotherapy I developed problems with my left leg and hip. The pain from this made it very difficult to return to the normal activities that I usually took part in. Before treatment I played golf twice a week, and enjoyed mountain biking, along with walking. The pain meant that I struggled to do any of these activities without pain and also had to stop riding. These activities were things that my wife and I enjoyed doing together and this was no longer possible. This affected the time we had become used to sharing together. After my first session with my PINC & STEEL Physiotherapist I noticed a marked improvement. By the end of my physiotherapy sessions I had managed to get back on my bike and was walking 18 holes of golf. More importantly my wife and I now enjoy doing all the activities that we used to. Since my treatment, I have spoken to other people suffering as a result of their cancer treatment and pointed them in the direction of PINC & STEEL. I would like to thank all the peoplethat have made it possible for me and my wife to enjoy doing things more often together. Many thanks."
"The first time I went to see my PINC & STEEL Physio Jacinta I cried. She is wonderful. Through PINC & STEEL I have met so many other women also going through this cancer journey, I’ve got my confidence back and I’m now into paddle boarding. If you’d ask me before if I’d ever be able to paddle board I’d have said ‘absolutely not!’. The whole experience of what PINC & STEEL offers is indescribable, it literally gives you your life back."
"Having been diagnosed with stage 4 Cervical Cancer was such a huge, massive shock, I didn’t know what this really meant for me and my family moving forward. Taking part in the PINC & STEEL classes has been one of the best decisions I have made throughout my cancer journey. Not only for slowly getting my body back into shape but for the amazing and wonderful friendships you make along the way. Shannon (my PINC & STEEL Physiotherapist) is one special lady. She is always there to push you and guide you so that you do the best of your ability. Shannon listens and has this demeanour about her that shows that she is just so passionate about the work she does and the special people she meets along the way. I always looked forward to attending each session. PINC & STEEL are an amazing organisation that help all cancer patients get the help and attention we need, so that we can live our very best whilst battling cancer every day and to ensure our quality of life is surmountable."
" I was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer, so I needed surgery and 7 months of chemotherapy. Sadly, at that time they failed to diagnose a mass in my bladder, so 1 ½ years later I was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. I had another round of surgery, the bladder was removed and a neo bladder was installed. All up, I had 13 months of chemotherapy. As result of all the surgeries and treatment I lost a lot of my lymph nodes and my body has lost the ability to deal with lymphatic fluid. At any time my right leg can have about 2 ½ litres of extra fluid build-up and swelling. They do tell you that slowly after all that chemotherapy things just start to pack up – for me it’s been my hearing, my eyesight and my kidneys are pretty bad. I’ve been able to do the PINC & STEEL programmes. It’s bloody marvellous for 2 reasons – firstly, I need to constantly exercise my leg to keep the fluid moving and the courses stimulates you to manage yourself better and come back and do more. Secondly - the mental side of it. I certainly notice with the men and women there it really pushes us and it’s a huge deal. It’s easy when you have cancer to say “stuff this”. The fact that I’m still able to function normally is a lot down to the care I had thanks to my PINC & STEEL Physio in Albany. Quite simply, they do an amazing job. It’s a really big deal being able to do these programs that PINC & STEEL offer and you know when people line up to come back, then it’s obviously great. PINC & STEEL should be proud of what you do."
“I have had the benefit of PINC & STEEL and I cannot speak highly enough of the programme. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery and I lost quite a high degree of mobility in my chest/shoulder area and was totally amazed that after only 3 sessions with the oncology physio that I had gained more mobility in those 3 weeks than I had in the past year. I not only had immediate results but I was able to take away some new exercises to continue to work on at home and I have seen a great improvement. It was fantastic to be seen on an individual basis as it felt safe. It was so important for me that I was being cared for my someone who was so knowledgeable in this specific area as I have found that I don’t fit as well in mainstream exercise classes so to be introduced to rehab classes in this manner was wonderful. I have financial constraints with a young family to care for so without the opportunity to attend these sessions through the PINC & STEEL Foundation funding then I doubt very much that I would have ever received this wonderful opportunity.There is very limited support in this area for women and yet we hear everywhere how important exercise is to prevent the reoccurrence of cancer and yet our healthcare system does not allow this to be part of our treatment. I am not sure how I can express myself well enough to describe all the benefits, not only physically but just as importantly mentally as it can be that first step towards getting back towards some normality in what can be an anything but normal time in our lives. Thank you once again for your support of this programme. It is invaluable and long may it be available to all those brave ladies out there.”
"During treatment for brain cancer I suffered from so much vertigo and fatigue I wasn't really able to participate in normal life, let alone exercise. I participated in PINC & STEEL funded individual and then group program sessions. During the classes I slowly regained confidence in my body's abilities, in a supportive, friendly and positive environment. I'm definitely not a gym bunny or someone who finds it easy to motivate myself without some sort of class or group so without my PINC & STEEL Physio Susan's help with instruction and technique I never would have tried using the different weights and machines. Knowing my classmates were in a similar place to me, even though we all had different challenges, really helped. Susan has the skills and experience to help us build strength and fitness safely. My motivation progressed from being stuck in bed, to walking the kids to school, and now biking with them just for fun! Thanks again for all your support!"
Life changed dramatically for me after Myelofibrosis treatment. I was unable to walk due to a rare reaction to Stem Cell transplant treatment. After living a very healthy life, I found myself in a wheelchair and relying on everyone for help daily, which just wasn't in my makeup. I had amazing support from my partner and friends but needed some sort of professional guidance to help me on my journey. Being introduced to PINC & STEEL and then connected to a local PINC & STEEL Oncology Physio gave me some confidence that I could recover from this. My Physio Jo, is one of the most positive people I have met and has encouraged me through my rehabilitation. She had every confidence that I would recover and gave me the confidence to carry on with the programme, which was challenging at times. I'm walking again and still recovering strength. I believe that it's absolutely essential to be engaged with a rehabilitation programme and wouldn't hesitate to recommend PINC & STEEL. If I hadn't engaged with PINC & STEEL, I don't believe I would be at the same level of recovery. Their support has turned a very negative situation into a very positive one." Dave
.jpg)
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
