While most of us will associate “Movement is Medicine” with exercise, I believe we need to think about movement more broadly. In addition to exercise, there are other forms of “movement” that are important for living well both during and after cancer treatment. In this 3-part blog series, we are exploring these different forms of movement.

While most of us will associate exercise with “Movement is Medicine”, I believe we need to think about movement more broadly. In addition to exercise, there are other forms of “movement” that are important for living well both during and after cancer treatment. In this 3-part blog series, we are exploring these different forms of movement.

If so, you are not alone…

Do you find yourself being more forgetful since your cancer treatment; forgetting people’s names, important dates or even what you went into that room to get in the first place? Or maybe you’re struggling to focus on a conversation or a recipe you’re following. Maybe it’s taking you longer to process the directions to that restaurant. Or maybe you’re struggling to find the “right” word to say something in a conversation.

If so, you are not alone…

I’m sure it’s nothing new to hear that we should all be exercising.

However, during and after cancer treatment, it can be really difficult for some to get and stay active. Fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety, pain, and lymphedema are some of the very real side effects that people going through (or recovering from) cancer treatment live with each and every day. In addition to these treatment side-effects, changing a behaviour can be really difficult.

Every year I struggle to know what to write about during the month of October, a month commonly known as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month.

When was the last time someone from your medical team asked you about your pelvic health? Or when was the last time you mentioned a pelvic health concern to your medical team? If you did bring it up, what was their response? If you didn’t bring it up, why did you make that decision?

This summer, I have spent a significant amount of time up at a family member’s cottage… I call it “my ultimate happy place.” I have repeatedly experienced the progressive sense of relaxation while being up there.

This 4-part blog series on lymphedema is designed to provide you with accurate knowledge about the lymphatic system and lymphedema. By the end of this series, you will be one step closer to knowing how to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema and how to detect it early.

Overdoing it, we’ve all done it. Pushed ourselves “just a little longer” to get that last bit of cleaning in, even when we’re exhausted. Gotten caught up in the joy of gardening (or insert your favourite past-time here) only to realize you’ve been out there for 4+ hours. Picked up the rake to gather “just a few” leaves as you’ve lost patience waiting for someone else to do it.

This 4-part blog series on lymphedema is designed to provide you with accurate knowledge about the lymphatic system and lymphedema. By the end of this series, you will be one step closer to knowing how to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema and how to detect it early.

Many of us go to the dentist every 6-9 months for a “checkup” and cleaning.

Many of us see our family physician every year for a “checkup”.

Heck, many of us bring our car to the mechanic for an oil change or bring our bikes in for a “tune-up”.

So why aren’t we doing the same with Cancer Care?

This 4-part blog series on lymphedema is designed to provide you with accurate knowledge about the lymphatic system and lymphedema. By the end of this series, you will be one step closer to knowing how to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema and how to detect it early.

May is “Pelvic Pain Awareness Month”, so this article is dedicated to anyone diagnosed with cancer – past or present – who has experienced or is currently experiencing pelvic pain.

“How do I prevent lymphedema?” In my nearly 13 years of working in cancer rehabilitation, this continues to be one of the most common questions I get from my clients.

When I began physiotherapy school back in 2003 I knew very early on that, one day, I wanted to use my skills to help men and women affected by cancer.

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions, but I read an idea around the new year that spoke to me. The suggestion was to set a one-word intention for 2020 with the idea that it was to help guide your decisions for the year. I can’t tell you how I eventually came to my word, but that word was “believe”.