Pinc & Steel

Thank you for taking on the Dry July challenge this year. We are delighted to announce that with your help Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation Australia raised an astounding $24,120.61. Such a great result.

We are beyond grateful for your fundraising efforts and dedication. By taking part in Dry July, you have helped us support more people in their recovery from cancer. This not only reduces the burden of cancer for the individual but also for their loved ones too.

Our PINC & STEEL cancer rehab programs are focused on improving the quality of life and experience of people diagnosed with any type of cancer. Helping them overcome symptom distress, regain strength, mobility, and energy so they can participate fully in their life again.

The funds raised through Dry July ensures that more Australians have access to cancer rehab services when they need it most. The impact of this is that a growing number of people are moving forward after a cancer diagnosis with confidence, hope for the future and are returning to work and to the activities they love.

On behalf of the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, we would like to thank you for being part of this success.

Hugely appreciated by,

Lou & the Team at Pinc&Steel AUS

Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation Australia.

I had noticed a need to get up more frequently to urinate during the night. Having just turned 51 I was reasonably sure this was purely age related but mentioned it to my GP.

I had no other symptoms.

I was referred to a urologist who sent me for an MRI and biopsy, after which I was diagnosed with a rare variant of prostate cancer known as poorly differentiated neuroendocrine small cell carcinoma. I was referred to an oncologist who told me the cancer was rare and aggressive. PET scans showed the cancer had spread to my iliac bone, abdominal lymph nodes and lymph nodes in my chest and neck. I was told without treatment they would expect I would die of the disease within 2 to 4 months. I was told my worst case scenario was that the cancer was too aggressive or unresponsive to the treatment in which case the oncologist believed I would have a similar life expectancy.

Within a week of this conversation, I had started chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. The treatments took a toll on me physically and mentally. I lost my hair, gained 7kgs very quickly and had a bloated, jaundice appearance. I lost confidence feeling like everyone could see I looked sick. Such a poor prognosis was difficult to accept and combined with the emotional fluctuations caused by hormone therapy I struggled to enjoy the time I did have.

I was referred to Restore Oncology Care and Lymphodema Clinic for cancer rehab. The PINC & STEEL Oncology Clinicians understood the effects that the treatment had on my strength, endurance and stamina and they structured my exercise rehab accordingly. After an a few 1:1 sessions I joined a targeted group class, which I was able to access through the Dry July funding. The classes made me feel like I was making positive decisions for my health rather than being dictated to by the disease or the treatment side effects. I felt a big improvement in my self-confidence and my mental health after starting exercise. I also found I was better able to tolerate the side effects of the therapies. I also enjoyed the social aspect of training with the group regularly. It was also a great help to be able to access these funded classes without the financial stress and burden, at an already difficult time.

I am currently at 7 months since my biopsy and my most recent scans are encouraging. I look forward to my future and thanks to the help I received from Restore’s PINC & STEEL certified cancer rehab therapists, I am certain exercise will be an important part of that future. 

Your Dry July fundraising ensures that more Australians have access to cancer rehab services when they need it most!

This not only reduces the burden of cancer for the individual but also for their loved ones too.

We are delighted to announce that with your help Pinc&Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation raised an astounding $53,331. Such an amazing result.

Our PINC & STEEL cancer rehab programs are focused on improving the quality of life and experience of people diagnosed with any type of cancer. Helping them overcome symptom distress, regain strength, mobility, and energy so they can participate fully in their life again.

The funds raised through Dry July ensures that more Australians have access to cancer rehab services when they need it most. The impact of this is that a growing number of people are moving forward after a cancer diagnosis with confidence, hope for the future and are returning to work and to the activities they love.

On behalf of the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, we would like to thank you for being part of this success.

“Finding Debbie and the STEEL Program has changed my life." 

After being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in February 2020 and requiring a bone marrow transplant in August 2020, I lost my confidence and sense of self. The thought of getting back into shape on my own was a terrifying one. I didn’t know where to start and was nervous to work out. I was concerned that the muscle loss I suffered due to treatment would mean I no longer had the foundations to attempt exercises I’d done many times before getting ill.

Thankfully I came across a post on one of the Leukaemia Group pages I follow where someone was sharing the fact that they’d come across the PINC and STEEL program in Sydney.

With Google’s help I came across a site that listed all the accredited PINC and STEEL trainers in each state. This is how I found Debbie and the Body Moves team! With Debbie’s help I saw a rapid change in both my ability and confidence.

After working together 1-on-1 for a couple of months I felt strong enough to join the group Next Steps sessions. My confidence now has completely returned. Debbie’s kindness, attention to detail and her knowledge of working with people who are dealing with cancer is priceless. I’m so happy to have met Debbie and the entire Body Moves team. My sessions with them are a highlight of my week.” Daniel.

“My breast surgeon referred me to cancer rehab physiotherapist Hope Spencer at The Positive Health Project so I could improve my shoulder movement prior to breast reconstruction surgery, and I haven't looked back.”

Leonie was diagnosed with breast cancer Stage 2, Grade 2 in April 2020 just as the first wave of covid restrictions started. Despite having a good circle of support, getting a cancer diagnosis during this time meant that Leonie completed her oncology appointment and treatments on her own. She felt stressed, anxious, and very lonely. The pandemic had added even more stress to what a very emotional time, and Leonie was impacted by high levels of anxiety throughout.

Leonie had a single mastectomy with an expander and sentinel node removal in May 2020 and after five months of chemotherapy, unfortunately, the pathology showed the cancer had spread. That meant Leonie had to return for more surgery, an axillary clearance, followed by four weeks of radiation treatment.

“After my mastectomy I had difficulty moving my left arm. I had some exercises given to me before I left hospital which helped me get my arm moving but it was never quite right. During chemo I gained 20 kilos, I was so sad as I had lost weight prior to my diagnosis for my daughter's wedding which had been cancelled due to covid restrictions. I was relieved to have gotten through chemotherapy but I was now left with neuropathy in both feet and could barely move my arm. I was in a lot of pain, overweight, miserable, and worse of all I felt alone in my battles.”

Leonie’s breast surgeon referred her Hope Spencer at The Positive Health Project for cancer rehabilitation.

“Hope literally gave me hope towards the future. She worked with my abilities and my arm started to move again. I was still battling my weight; I had a very expensive mother of the bride dress to fit back into. I knew I needed to start physical exercise again but it was overwhelming the thought of the pain I'd be in if I started, so I just didn't.”

Leonie thought that was the extent of her rehabilitation. Her arm was moving well but she was far from satisfied with her experience of what life was like after cancer.

“I thought I would be this way for ever an email turned up in my inbox from Hope with a special offer to do the Next Steps Program, I took this a sign. It was just what I need to motivate me to get moving again. Previously I had been too fearful to go to a gym or exercise at home as I knew it was going to hurt and didn't know what I could or couldn't do, I really felt broken. I took the opportunity and signed up and so glad I did. I was so nervous to start. I'm uncoordinated, lacked energy and physically looked a lot different to how I used to look. But I needn't have been worried.”

The exercise program enabled Leonie to get moving in a safe friendly environment. The cancer rehab physio was able to tailor the exercises to suit Leonie’s individual experience, including helping her manage the side effects she was experiencing due to hormone treatments. Leonie starting to not only be pleased with being able to complete the exercises but she was really enjoying the sessions and looked forward to the class each week.

“The program is perfect for cancer survivors, just diagnosed or going through treatment, it's the right combination of cardiac exercising and stretching. It is enough to get the heart rate up but then not feel like you are going to pass out as you have the yoga, stretching and mediation to bring the heart rate back. The bonus to this specific exercise class was that it is done with others in the same or similar situation as you. We can all relate to our struggles with image, abilities and the crap cards we have been dealt, there is no judgement, only support and a lot of laughs. We actually have fun while doing our bodies good. I'm hooked.”

“I would thoroughly recommend all breast cancer patients give it a go, even if you think you can't, you'll surprise yourself that you actually can.”

Ps I got back into my mother of the bride dress and after another two cancellations my beautiful daughter was finally married on 4/2/22 and I danced the night away!

Regards,

Leonie