Thanks for the overwhelming response in readership I have received over the past few weeks from all around the world, it is great that there is growing interest in taking charge and moving forward after diagnosis. I would like to use this post to try and get the word out, to share some lifestyle tips and provide encouragement to those who have been affected by cancer. My previous posts have highlighted that exercise is safe and provides numerous evidence-based benefits during various treatment types and after treatment.

Today, I would like all of my readers to share this blog with somebody they know – a friend, a family member, a work colleague, through Facebook, Twitter, email or word of mouth, who has had somebody in their lives (as so many of us have) affected by cancer. I want them to know that they are not alone in their journey, that there are many people, including myself, a complete stranger, who is willing to help improve their quality of life.

By connecting the community, we can share each others stories, experiences, challenges and triumphs – and that can be valuable to encourage people. I wish to gain peoples stories from diagnosis and thereafter, including how they began to exercise, what routines they got in, their likes/dislikes etc. so people who come along earlier into their journey can have some inspiration.

In the chemotherapy suits last year at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, one of my patients who I had trained, was telling other ladies with ovarian cancer in the clinic how she had built up over the previous 6 months and was attempting her first City2Surf run (14km charity run). I was so impressed with her, she was so proud of herself. Although she stopped halfway for a coffee to enjoy the beautiful Sydney harbour views, it was a most amazing accomplishment.

Recruitment for my study went through the roof after that. Women were asking around the clinics to sign up, it was a great advertisement for living a healthy lifestyle, despite undergoing chemotherapy every week, and an example of a great supportive network.

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It is this power that I want to use by connecting people so we can share stories, read stories, have the inspiration to try go for a long walk, to have the inspiration to try and jog on the beach, to be inspired to go to a yoga class or a gym class, to ask my doctor what exercise services are on offer.

Please follow and share this with somebody who can benefit, who can re-gain strength and get more out of life, and feel free to get in touch with any questions, comments or stories you may have.

As always,

Your Exercise Physiologist,

David

Twitter: @davemiz_EP

E-mail: d.mizrahi@unsw.edu.au