Quietta regained strength and energy after her breast cancer diagnosis through participating in our free Life Now exercise course.
At age 35, Quietta was shocked to find an unusual lump in her breast. She went straight to her GP who referred her to a woman's clinic for an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy.
"I knew straight away that it was bad news because of the way the staff treated me, sadly. I had surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in quick succession and now I am on long term hormone treatment" Quietta said.
The emotional and physical impact of a cancer diagnosis
Quietta described her cancer diagnosis and treatment as if she was on an emotional rollercoaster.
"Emotionally and mentally, it's been very hard. There's been times when I have been very low, there has been a lot of tears, feeling scared, nauseous, in pain, and overwhelmed."
"One of the hardest things initially was that every time I went to an appointment, I was the youngest person in the waiting room by far, and that was really confronting. It felt very unfair."
"There would also be times leading up to my chemo sessions when I would say to my husband 'I don't want to do it' but I had determination and I was motivated to be the most joyful cancer patient they had seen," she said.
Quietta found that accepting help from friends and family really helped her get through the diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
"Bring a friend with you to chemo who will help pass the time. Someone who will make you laugh and cry with you if need be. Don't be afraid to accept help and accept meals because you'll need it!"
The benefits of Life Now
Quietta first found out about Life Now through her husband, an Exercise Physiologist who led one of our previous Life Now courses.
She participated in a face-to-face Life Now exercise course and encourages others to take part if they get the opportunity.
"I was positively impacted by doing the Life Now course in a massive way. It brought back my strength and energy reasonably quickly after finishing chemotherapy, I was able to connect with people who were going through the same thing as me, and I always felt mentally better after each session. I learnt that I do actually enjoy exercise (which I hadn't previously) and I now continue to go to the gym every week," she said.
She found the Life Now exercise instructor very knowledgeable and sympathetic.
"The instructor was fantastic! She encouraged us to do more if we were capable but didn't push us beyond our limits."
Quietta also used other services we provide, including our counselling and wig services.
"I used the counselling service which I found very helpful, especially as I was able to do it over the phone which meant I didn't have to leave the house and was very convenient for me. I also used the Wig Service, where I borrowed some beautiful headscarves which I still use now. The lady was very helpful and made some lovely suggestions for me," she said.
What other participants are saying
Lesley, a 68-year-old Manning resident also participated in our Life Now exercise program.
"The Life Now instructor was excellent. You were shown exercises and at any time she was there to explain or give you advice. You weren't just left on your own to figure it all out."
She found the sense of connection with others very beneficial and encourages others to get involved in the program.
"Give it a go. Don't even hesitate about doing a Life Now course. The comradery with others is so good for your mental health as well. I have in fact continued doing the sessions at a very reasonable cost. I still see some of the original participants and I admire people who are well into their 80's doing these sessions."
