ENCORE - Hunter Region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. Just a quick one to let you know we're still going strong in the Hunter region, NSW! ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the pool sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at our Encore programs! We're now taking enrolments for two upcoming programs, and we'd love for you to join us. VALENTINE: Tuesdays | 3 February–24 March 2026 | 11:00am–1:15pm MAITLAND: Thursdays | 5 February–26 March 2026 | 1:45pm–4:00pm Please reach out if you have any questions: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and enrolments here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore Thanks Nat, Caz, Cindy, Jodie & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 info@ywcahunterregion.org.au www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore
Exercise and Cancer
unsure if this has been posted before but here is a link for a doco on catalyst on the ABC. Before I started teaching, I was an exercise physiologist. This study is very very interesting and promising. I know it is hard for people to exercise throughout chemo but here is a doco on the benefits. As I know about the benefits of exercise and cancer from previous study I have continued to exercise: walking 3 times a week, yoga once or twice as well as started back doing gym work. I feel it has helped with my side effects. And received an amazing compliment from a doctor the other day that has never met me before (I don't know whether to say it or not as well I don't want to jinx myself haha). here it is: Watching Catalyst Series 17 Ep 14 Exercise And Cancer in iview http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/catalyst/SC1502H014S00
On Our Walks
A while back there was a lovely thread of sunrises that the early risers among us posted. I loved it, so I thought I'd broaden it to a thread for all the lovely sights we see as we do our slow staggers through chemo, or those walks we take after active treatment has finished and we're trying to get our strength and fitness back. In Melbourne today the weather was sunny, still and mild; perfect for a walk. I have followed my GP to a small town in the Yarra Valley (a good GP is worth the 30 minute drive I reckon), and right outside her surgery is the start of a beautifully laid out walking track. It's 7kms long and I've been keen to explore it. So today I walked halfway along it and back. At over 7kms it was the longest walk I've done since the day before chemo!
Pilates
Hi Ladies, I have just been to see my Physio and she mentioned a program specifically catering to people going through or recovering from Cancer treatments. The program is run by qualified Physiotherapists and includes many options for aiding in your physical recovery. You can find participating clinics in your area by going to the PINC & STEEL website.Liz O'Riordan - breast surgeon with BC Recommended to Read
I found this blog by an English breast surgeon who got BC herself to be incredibly useful & informative when I was first diagnosed. And then most especially the chemo guide when I found out I had to have it myself. She hasn't posted for a long time but a notification just popped into my inbox, she's writing again. So if you're into blogs, check it out. http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/MovingOn_files/this-is-who-I-am.html
getting fit again
It is a lovely cold morning with overcast skies and I have just completed morning nine of my new get fit regime. After finding gyms that suited me far too expensive I searched alternatives. I found a free app that is amazing and you can do anything from 'only' stretches to a rigorous workout. I have been doing the stretches and some of the basic dance routines and feel fantastic. My breathing is much more relaxed and each day I feel more flexible. The app does try to get you to update to their Pro programme which costs but after a few days the ads for this settle down to one per session and I just click the x button. You can choose whichever workout you feel like for the day and the times range from ten minutes to ??? Check it out and let me know what you think. Free works well for this chicken. FITON is the app name.
Exercise and Taxol
Hey Ladies. I've finished the dreaded AC and starting taxol today. I've been walking a lot during the whole process with some light workouts but want to get back to my usual fitness stuff. Maybe not so heavy but definitely hiking. How has everyone else coped with working out or whatever was manageable?
