“I used to enjoy walking. Because of feet numbness, I worry about falling.”
Breast cancer survivor Sue Barnum, Eau Claire, (right) experienced reduced numbness in fingers and toes after completing 12 weeks of cancer rehab and recovery sessions.
“I would like to easily reach into my kitchen cupboard or bend to tie my shoes.”“I would like to have the energy to run errands or clean my house.”
These comments are common among cancer survivors in the midst of treatment or when it ends. The desire to return to everyday activities and routines that may have included regular exercise is a motivator for cancer recovery. Taking advantage of cancer rehab and recovery services may help.
“Current research indicates that physical activity and exercise have a significant positive impact on the physical and emotional health and wellness of cancer survivors,” said Physical Therapist Lori Stress, Marshfield Clinic Clairemont Center. Stress specializes in post surgical care of breast cancer patients, physical problems caused by other cancers, and lymphedema treatments and risk-reduction education and training. “With lifestyle changes and exercise, cancer recurrence for some types of cancer may be substantially reduced. Cancer treatment side effects, such as fatigue and mood, also have been shown to improve.”
Cancer rehab and recovery services blend gentle motion, strengthening and endurance exercises with physical or occupational therapy services and home exercises, to create a personal program for recovery and renewed fitness. Marshfield Clinic Stepping Stones Cancer Rehab and Recovery Services are for adult cancer survivors and start with an evaluation and fitness assessment by an exercise specialist or physical or occupational therapist.
Cancer rehab and recovery services at Marshfield Clinic have been developed from a model physical reconditioning program created by Professor Matt Wiggins, chair of the Kinesiology Department at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (UWEC). Dr. Wiggins has been involved with exercise and cancer research for more than six years. Compelling personal experience with cancer among family members and his professional work in sport and exercise psychology prompted Dr. Wiggins’ interest in developing an exercise program to help with cancer recovery.
“My father died of lung cancer, my father-in-law of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Wiggins. “The real idea behind my work is to help moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas live longer and healthier as cancer survivors.”
Under Dr. Wiggins’ supervision, UWEC students doing coursework in kinesiology, the study of human movement, work with cancer survivors referred into the program at the university’s McPhee Physical Education Center.
Sue Barnum, 54, Eau Claire, completed the UWEC Cancer Recovery and Fitness Program following a mastectomy for breast cancer.
“I was experiencing numbness in my fingers and toes and had trouble with my balance,” said Barnum. After 12 weeks of cancer rehab and recovery sessions, Barnum says her fingertips have normal feeling, and numbness in her toes is much improved.
Although each session is individualized with one-on-one attention, cancer rehab and recovery services offer a social benefit to patients. “Coming to exercise was fun because the students made it fun,” said Barnum. “I met people who were going through the same situations and struggles as me. Together, we were finding a light at the end of cancer’s shadow.”