Found this research paper - sounds great ! Just as we get support from each other on here, so a local group (for group exercise and hearing about a new BC related topic each week) would do the same but face to face. Different to the usual Support Group - as the ladies in the study said - they didnt want to sit round a table talking about cancer but be active , yet in a supportive group setting.
How about it ? the NHS not likely to fund, good case for volunteer organised I reckon.
Abstract
There is evidence that physical activity improves the psychological and physical health of patients with cancer. However, relatively little attention has been paid to understanding their experiences of exercise. This focus group study explored the experiences of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer who had taken part in a supervised group exercise trial. We found that setting up classes solely for women with breast cancer, led by an expert instructor, helped to reduce gender-related barriers to physical activity, such as difficulties in prioritizing exercise over caring roles and worries about changed appearance. For example, some women challenged traditional expectations of femininity by removing their wigs in the classes in order to exercise in comfort. Respondents valued exercising with women in the ‘same boat’ because of the empathy and acceptance they received and the opportunities to exchange information and form friendships. However, the action-orientated format of the group was preferred to a talk-based format such as a support group; some respondents felt that the ‘last thing’ they wished to do was to talk about cancer. Our findings therefore challenge stereotypes about women invariably preferring to cope with cancer through emotional disclosure.
This sounds like a fantastic idea - being an active person I’m finding it difficult having to work around exercise restrictions partly because I don’t know just what I can and can’t do and I do miss the mental de-stressing that running used to give me. There was a TV feature recently that looked at a group of people with various mental health problems who got together as a walking group. People came and went as they felt but all said they gained enormous benefit from the adhoc conversations they had as they did their walks.
At our local support group we recently had an evening “Singing for Wellbeing” which was great fun and we are planning Pilates for Women affected by Breast Cancer next.
It’s cooperation between the BCN and volunteers. There is time to exchange experiences and meet new people and usually a project. It’s very friendly and welcoming. X
I just wanted to let you know about a new initiative we’ll be launching soon. Breast Cancer Care is launching Walking Clubs across the UK, which will bring people together to walk on a regular basis, whether they are taking part in a fundraising challenge or have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.
We know that many people exercise alone, and that it can be tough to stay motivated. Walking with a group can help keep you committed to walking, as well as being a great way to meet others.
The Walking Clubs will be run by volunteers, many of whom have supported Breast Cancer Care for a number of years. Walking Clubs will be launching with a section on the Breast Cancer Care website soon. In the meantime for if you want to register your interest in joining a Walking Club, or if you’re interested in becoming a Walking Club leader and setting up a club in your area, please email Georgina at <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%67%65%6f%72%67%69%6e%61%2e%62%61%77%64%65%6e%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%67%65%6f%72%67%69%6e%61%2e%62%61%77%64%65%6e%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>.
What a great idea, thank you. I’ve e-mailed Georgina.
I have got back to doing my Wii fit step but the jogging is still too uncomfortable! Not sure how much I will be able to do during radiotherapy, but hope to keep going.
The exercise groups and the walking groups are both excellent ideas. I too will be emailing georgina.
Besides being a “safe” arena to exercise in, it also provides a support structure for people who might not otherwise access one. Sometimes it can be hard to put yourself forward as needing help or support, and therefore being able to access it but with another motivation (ie exercise), is such a benefit. When i had my first baby, i desperately needed friends at the same stage as me and my son and in my area, but i would never have accepted i needed a support group. However, when my local clinic sent details of a baby massage group to me, and explained the benefits to the baby, I was more than happy to go along as i percieved there to be no “weakness” in accepting support in this way. It turned out to be a lifesaver for me and we are still good friends with the mums and children we met.
The pilates for women affected by bc is a great idea. When I finished my physio the physiotherapist recommended I join a pilates class to help me with my posture etc but I can’t find a pilates class (never mind one that specialises in women affected by bc)
Hello Great to see all the new ideas this has sparked off.
Can i add another one, something that helped me in dark days , after chemo session, when felt as if my insides had come to a halt ! … Tai Chi - only the simple warm up exercises, I have a DVD from the Bristol School of Tai Chi and remembered some of the exercises from sporadic classes have done over the years. Very simple moves really did seem to get the energy moving around my body, can only be a good thing, some of the dark cloud lifted. Wish I could have got to the classes but getting around the house was an effort.
Maybe someone could make a special DVD - Tai Chi for BC treatment ? there is one already - “Tai Chi for Osteoporosis”.
Have emailed the BC Nurse at local hospital about all this, Hope something comes of it. BCC new walking groups sound great. For older ladies (BTW, this means over 50 for the purposes of AGe UK and Gov initiatives for “older” people - Sorry about that !!), AGe UK may help with funding and organising and for all ages, Health promotion depts of NHS have set up Healthy Walks , so they may be keen to help too, but bet these will first to suffer cuts soon.