Exercise for Cancer Patients

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090402-LIFE-904020335
Exercise for cancer patients
n Elisa Fraser 'Dream Time' gets a workout in York
By Rachel M. Collins
April 02, 2009 6:00 AM

Physical therapist Elisa Fraser knows first-hand that rest does not make cancer-related fatigue go away.

Having been diagnosed in 2003 with breast cancer herself, Fraser recounts vividly that year in which she had five surgeries, four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation.

"You don't feel like doing anything," she said. "And the longer you rest the less you feel like doing something."

That is a sentiment well-known by the 14 cancer patients, or cancer survivors, who can be found twice a week doing stretching and strengthening exercises in the Next Step class led by Fraser at York Hospital's Heart Health Institute in York, Maine.

"I call them my 'Dream Team,'" she said. "If ever there was a group of people who have every right to complain ...; none of them ever complain ...; ever ...; They are just awesome."

The group exercise class actually is designed to combat cancer-related fatigue — which is being recognized today with Cancer-Related Fatigue Awareness Day — by focusing on improving a person's flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance and balance.

After all, studies have shown exercise not only can reduce fatigue, it can improve well-being, functionality, bone density, assist an immune system and enhance mental function, Fraser noted.

But the proof is in the amazing stories told around the classroom by Fraser's "Dream Team."

For instance, when Don Simard first was diagnosed with multiple mylenoma he was at times bedridden.

But then he decided he would begin the journey to get in better shape so that he could be a viable candidate for a stem cell transplant.

Now in Fraser's class, he alternates between stretching exercises and some strength training, such as balancing on an exercise ball while doing bicep curls with small weights.

"This has changed me in a lot of ways," Simard said of the class, which he is supplementing with walking and physical therapy. "Coming into this class was like coming into one big family where we all have the same problems and are coming from the same place."

Phyllis Bachi, whose uterine cancer has required surgery and 24 chemotherapy treatments over an eight-month period, agreed.

"She (Fraser) has been able to make us each feel equal, even though we all have had different types of cancers and surgeries, we all feel equal," Bachi said. "It has helped me greatly."

During the class, while working out to tunes such as Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," participants do exercises with exercise balls and small weights, but they also take time to joke with each other and socialize.

"This class is incredible," said Bobbie Stephenson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer four months ago. "It's really been life-changing. It gives you a lot more energy and it makes you feel you can do some things."

It is clear, Fraser said, through the research and her experience personally and in this class, that exercise is a key to battling cancer-related fatigue.

Certainly she seems to be right. Not only is there a long waiting list for the class, but when Fraser announced that she was beginning a "Step Up" class for those who no longer were qualified by their insurance to stay in the beginner's class, immediately it had its minimum of nine students. Fraser said she also is considering adding a second section to the beginner's class, if possible.

"After you've had surgery and treatment you know exercise will help you heal, but you don't want to do it alone," said Ann McHugh, who had her cancer surgeries and radiation beginning last November. "You know you're all starting with limitations you have to overcome, but this way you do it with someone who has professional knowledge."

Fraser, with her boundless enthusiasm, is also someone who easily motivates the class participants not only to exercise, but to bond with each other.

"Psychologically it's a little bit difficult to recover from this," said George Schumacher, who was diagnosed with cancer a year ago last December. "You can't do things you did before. This is a big help to get you back on track."

Certainly Fraser said the class includes "people on all parts of the cancer journey."

"When you get a cancer diagnosis it seems like people always want to relate with someone who has had exactly what they had and they're still here," she said.

Think you or your group should be profiled in Get off the Couch? Contact Rachel Collins at Rcollinsme@aol.com.