Client Success Story: The road to recovery after Cancer

Today, Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay, Coburg – Melbourne, and Barrie, Ontario – Canada  share a Client success story at with our Exercise Physiologist, James, who works at our Drummoyne location.

Client success story with managing Cancer fatigue

I currently see an 87 year old male client, who came to me for help in regards to his fatigue and pain levels. This client is a Prostate cancer survivor, having had over 39 treatments of radiation and chemotherapy. In addition to prostate cancer, he has hypertension, poor sleep, shoulder, knee and back pain. Having had surgery and many treatments of cancer killing therapy, my client has endured the brutal consequence of reduced energy levels and is now highly fatigued. This person came to me with a clear goal in mind. Their goal was to reduce pain, increase energy, but overall continue to play golf. When I first met this person, they had a very low aerobic capacity, and minimal overall strength. They were unable to cycle on a stationary bike for more than 60 seconds, and could only do 9 sit to stands.  They had a reduced walking capacity and would have to take an hours rest after bringing the bins down his driveway. This client stated he was near giving up on his passion, golf, as he can no longer finish a round of 18 holes even when he uses a buggy. He is in pain for days following and can’t sleep for longer than 2hrs at a time.

 

“They were unable to cycle on a stationary bike for more than 60 seconds, and could only do 9 sit to stands.”

 

Together we sat down, made up a plan, and executed a strategy to help improve his activities of daily living, and improve his quality of life. We discussed the need for consistent exercise, and followed a plan to train 3 times a week, working on his aerobic levels, and overall strength. I managed his intensities, pain, and progression on a day to day basis, and we have now seen each other for 6 weeks. It was a slow start but small wins turn into bigger wins, and bigger wins turned into goals achieved. This client can now ride an exercise bike for over 3 minutes, and complete multiple sets of sit to stands with weights.

 

“This client can now ride an exercise bike for over 3 minutes, and complete multiple sets of sit to stands with weights.”

 

But what does this mean for them?

This client can now finish a round of golf without pain, he doesn’t need to rest after getting the paper or brining in the bins, he can get quality sleep for up to 5hrs at a time, and notices his back doesn’t hurt that much anymore.

“I don’t think I have to give up golf because of the exercise.”

These are the wins that improve independence, his ability to perform activities of daily living, and increase overall quality of life. His fatigue levels have decreased, energy levels increased, and overall strength noticeably improved.

This is the power of individualised exercise programming.

 

If you or someone you know needs help in managing their fatigue & achieving their goals, give Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay, Coburg – Melbourne, and Barrie, Ontario – Canada a call on 1300 964 002 today!

 

Written by James Calacoci