So how can that be? Exercise can have a number of benefits for people living with cancer helping to:
- manage any side effects of treatment – tiredness , mood changes, feeling anxious or depressed
- improve motivation and quality of life
- speed up recovery where possible and lower the risk of certain cancers returning
- reduce the risk of developing other health issues
There is no right or wrong way to react to living with cancer. There will be good days and days that are not so good, but if exercise can help even just a little, why not give it a try?
Is Exercise Right for Me?
You may have enjoyed exercise before your diagnosis but not since, or you may never have exercised at all, you may have a fear of doing too much, too soon or you might just feel a bit lost and worried since the pandemic, particularly if you’ve been shielding. Wherever you are at on your journey, remember you’re not on your own. Our team of Cancer Rehab specialists, who have worked in partnership with the Macmillan Cancer programme over a number of years, are here to help.
A Programme Just for You
The Total Wellbeing Luton cancer rehabilitation programme is initially for 10 sessions over 12 weeks, is tailored to your needs and ability, and is suitable whether you are:
- Newly diagnosed or several years into your journey
- Undergoing treatment
- At a curative or palliative stage
How It Works
You can be referred to Total Wellbeing Luton via the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital Macmillan Cancer Unit, your GP, or you can also self-refer at Total Wellbeing Luton.
The team will arrange an appointment with you and the first step is a 1 to 1 assessment with one of our Cancer Rehab Specialists where they will find out about you and how you’re feeling, physically and emotionally.
Different cancers respond better to different types of exercise, so that will be worked out in your initial appointment. Also, if it is felt you need additional support emotionally or in areas such as diet and nutrition, this will be arranged.
Take it at Your Own Pace
Exercise can take many different forms but what’s really important is there’s no need to worry; your rehab specialist will work out what is the right activity for you and take you through at your own pace.
Whatever stage you are at in your treatment, your programme can be adapted or paused. For example, if you know you’re going to undergo treatment don’t delay getting in touch. You can start your exercise programme to build up your strength and then return at a point when you’re ready.
Sessions can range from 1 to 1 support working in our gyms, to lower intensity sessions such as Tai Chi or swimming, to small group sessions such as Pilates, dance, Nordic Walking, Bowls and even some gardening.
One huge bonus of taking part in the programme is the social side and meeting others who may be on a similar journey. David, describes how the programme has helped him:
‘The people on this programme, they inspire me. Most of them had a lot worse to deal with than I had. There is nobody judging you in these sessions. You go at your own speed and your own capabilities…this programme has helped me mentally and physically…the trainers are fantastic, it’s like being a member of a very big family and no arguments, it’s made a big difference to my life.’
David has 3 key messages for anyone thinking about the programme:
- ‘If you can stand up and sit down you can do this course.
- ‘Every journey starts with that small step -take that small step and join this programme you won’t regret it.
- ‘If I can do it, anybody can'
After you have completed your 10 sessions, you can continue exercising, joining in with some of the groups. There is a small charge of £2.50 per session for your first 10 sessions and then £3.00 for any group activities you join afterwards. You won’t be on your own and the rehab specialists can still check in with you from time to time.
If you’re still feeling unsure or would like more information, give the team a call 0300 555 4152 or email [email protected]