Pinc & Steel

My name is Rachel and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer at the age of 38. This consisted of surgery and six months of chemotherapy. I was fortunate to be accepted into the Pinc & Steel Targeted Class Program with Daina from Evoke Physiotherapy. This was a six week program where I met other Cancer patients on similar journeys. It was a great way to share stories and discuss similar side effects from treatment. As a group we were able to provide support and advice and also be guided by Daina.

The classes were small which meant that each person got individualised support Exercises were able to be tailored to each person's capability, individual needs and accommodate how everyone was feeling given treatment side effects.

I enjoyed the fact that it was a small group that gave me a sense of motivation and commitment to turn up even if I wasn't feeling the best. I always ended up leaving feeling accomplished and energised. My favourite part would have to be the meditation at the end. It was a great way to reflect and I liked that there was a focus word for the week.

I would definitely recommend the program to others.

I have attended the Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Pilates classes with Sarah Paxford from Recover and Wellbeing in Currumbin, Gold Coast Queensland. It is a 6 week course made possible by you.

I had a double mastectomy. I suffer from Lymphodema and have recently had a total hip replacement and previously a knee reconstruction.

I see Sarah once a month for a Lymphodema massage on my arm. I used to go to Pilates with Sarah but life got in the way and I haven’t done a Pilates class for many years.

When I commenced the class I was stiff and sore. After only one session with Sarah I had so much more movement in my joints. Sarah has devised a programme for me to strengthen my upper core and work on my tightness in my chest due to scar tissue.

I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to Pinc & Steel for making these classes available to me. I had not heard of your organisation before but you truly offer a wonderful service for women like me. You truly are a blessing. Sarah is a caring and dedicated provider for the free service you offer. After breast cancer surgery I don’t think you ever truly recover you just learn to live with your new body. Your provision of the Cancer Rehabilitation programme is a huge step in rehabilitation.

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.