A cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down. Beyond the physical toll of treatment, it often disrupts daily routines, careers, and a sense of normalcy. For many, the journey to recovery isn’t just about beating the disease—it’s about regaining strength, confidence, and the ability to return to the life they once knew. Exercise for breast cancer plays a pivotal role in this recovery journey, helping individuals rebuild their physical and emotional well-being.
At Specialised Health, we love sharing real-life stories of the clients we’ve had the privilege to work with, showcasing their resilience and the incredible outcomes they’ve achieved. Today, we’re excited to share *Sarah’s journey—a story of determination, tailored support, and a triumphant return to work, stronger than ever.
*Name changed for privacy
A New Chapter Begins
In late 2023, Sarah’s life changed when a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment put her full-time work on hold. As a physically demanding role, her job required long hours, heavy lifting, and stamina—all of which were impacted by her treatment. Through the integration of exercise for breast cancer recovery, Sarah began rebuilding her capacity step by step.
When Sarah began her program, she reported significant physical fatigue, struggling to lift even a 2-4 kg shopping basket and requiring multiple trips to carry groceries. Standing for long periods or walking more than 2.5 km was a challenge, far from the 10 hours and 15 km her job required. These physical limitations, combined with cognitive fatigue, poor sleep, and the side effects of her treatment, posed real barriers to her return to work. Despite these challenges, Sarah was determined to rebuild her strength through exercise for breast cancer recovery strategies and resume her role by mid-2024.
Sarah meets our EP Ryan
Ryan created a program to gradually rebuild Sarah’s physical capacity while considering her treatment timeline and recovery. The plan included:
- Hybrid Support: Combining in-person and telehealth sessions to minimise travel and maximise flexibility.
- Gradual Progression: Starting with home-based exercises, Sarah transitioned to gym-based activities as her strength improved. These programs were carefully designed around the principles of exercise for breast cancer recovery.
- Functional Goals: Targeted exercises addressed fatigue, muscle weakness, and range of motion to prepare her for the physical demands of work and daily life.
- Collaboration with Her Medical Team: Ensuring alignment between Sarah’s health plan and her return-to-work strategy.
From the start, the focus was on realistic, step-by-step improvements, helping Sarah see progress while working toward her ultimate goal of returning to work.
Measurable Progress and Full Recovery
By the end of the program, Sarah had not only returned to her role full-time but exceeded expectations. She managed up to 48 hours per week, including early starts and 12-hour shifts, all without significant fatigue or symptom flare-ups. Her progress was evident across all areas of her life, supported by outstanding assessment results:
- RAND-36 Quality of Life Score: Improved from 41% at the start of the program to a near-perfect 94.63/100, reflecting exceptional improvements in her physical and emotional well-being.
- MFIS (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale): Reduced from 36 at the start to 0/84 by the end of the program, indicating no fatigue-related limitations in her daily activities or work.
- PSFS (Patient-Specific Functional Scale): Progressed from an initial score of 5/30 to a perfect 30/30, showcasing her ability to fully perform key tasks such as mowing the lawn for 40 minutes, attending the gym 3-5 times per week for weight training, and working full-time hours without issue.
Sarah’s results were so impressive that the team had to double-check to ensure they weren’t typos (though we know Ryan is just that good). In addition to these exceptional scores, Sarah walked an impressive 114 kilometres in one month and confidently resumed all aspects of her work and personal life. These achievements highlight her return to a vibrant, active lifestyle and her ability to maintain her demanding role with ease.
Ready to See These Results for Your Customers?
Sarah’s story highlights what’s possible with the right support, expert guidance, and a tailored approach to rehabilitation. At Specialised Health, we’re dedicated to helping clients rebuild strength, regain confidence, and return to work—stronger than ever.
If you’re ready to partner with a team that delivers real results, get in touch with Specialised Health today.
Author: Tessa Nielsen
Author: Tessa Nielsen