Mater helps women recover faster after breast surgery
A first-of-its-kind wellbeing service at the Mater Hospital is helping women recover from breast reconstruction surgery faster by ensuring they are in the best possible shape pre-and post-operatively.
The Renew program, based at the Kay Van Norton Centre for Wellbeing, brings together specialist oncology physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians, psychologists and massage therapists to optimise patient recovery before, during and after cancer treatment.
It also offers a unique service in breast cancer osteopathy, which focuses on issues such as scar tissue, pain, and restricted movement using gentle manual techniques.
Breast Care nurse Clare John said chemotherapy caused a loss of muscle mass and deconditioning, so was important to be strong going into surgery.
“It’s all about ‘prehab’ – getting patients as fit as possible from the beginning of their cancer diagnosis,” Ms John said.
“Plus group sessions foster a sense of community which is important from a psychological point of view.”
Jackie Lipman had a double mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction surgery at the age of 36. She attended individual exercise physiology sessions, counselling, massage and group sessions on nutrition while she was undergoing chemotherapy to help prepare her for surgery. Post operatively Ms Lipman has also seen an osteopath to help with scar tissue.
“The program helped me exercise appropriately during chemo and build strength in different muscle groups to prepare for the surgery,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful place, filled with people who want to help you, all working together to ensure you’re as well as you can be while going through cancer.”
Exercise physiologist Brendan Cummins said it was vital that breast cancer patients maintained a level of conditioning throughout the rigours of treatment.
“People who are fitter and stronger pre-surgery have better outcomes post-surgery, but the exercise has to be at the right level at the right time for each individual,” Mr Cummins said.
“We work with patients to develop a program that’s right for them at each stage of treatment.”
For more details about the program, contact Alison on 9923 7246 or admin.materwellbeing@svha.org.au
Supplied by The Mater Hospital