Tag: cancer blog

And Another One…

And Another One…

by bridewitt ♥ 2 Comments

I’m coming up on the 3rd anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis this week. It was April 8, 2020, when I went in for the ultrasound that quickly led to my first mammogram and a same-day (pandemic-style) biopsy. I’ll never forget the ultrasound tech saying, “I hope it all goes well for you,” and that was probably the exact second I realized I was in for a wild ride.

Today, I went in for my annual mammogram and MRI. Actually, I’ve been putting off my MRI since 2021 when I had an MRI and another MRI biopsy back to back and my face broke out in horrible acne which I now know was related to my body having difficulty eliminating the gadolinium from the MRI contrast… So, it’s been 18 months since I had an MRI, and I still hesitate whenever my doctor recommends it. The benefits are that they are more sensitive than a mammogram (great option for additional screening for someone with dense breasts like me) and the downfalls are that they are more sensitive and often lead to more biopsies (hopefully of the benign sort)! The contrast is still a concern for me so I’m using a support protocol that my naturopath has recommended so I can avoid any weird side effects, especially the kind that come with heavy metals toxicity.

Anyway, while I wait for official results (I already got the preliminary “mammo looks good” from my radiologist), I’m manifesting 2.5 years officially cancer free! Even though I finished treatment, the work has still continued toward optimizing my health for prevention of recurrence. I continue to work with my naturopath, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise (aerobic and strength training), manage my stress levels, and do all my cancer screenings. We can’t ever know what the future holds because we’re not in control of a lot of things, but I stand by the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Even though the cancer-y stuff is still prominent in my life, it’s no longer at the forefront and I’m thankful for that. Some days my diagnosis feels like it was yesterday and some days it’s like none of it ever happened. I know that someone out there needs to hear that life CAN go back to feeling normal again after cancer, if you make it so.

I get to go to work and treat my patients every day, I get to teach really awesome PT students, and I’ve been busy learning and teaching Pilates, too. I’m the strongest I’ve been since treatment, and I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in. I’m working on saying yes to the things that light me up and NO to the things that I don’t feel 100% sure about. Justin and I have had fun becoming cat parents and we just got back from a 2-week trip to Europe! There are many adventures to be had after cancer and I say, “Keep ’em coming!”

Here’s hoping you’re all out there seeking the next adventure today. Wishing you all good health and happiness!

Aloha ❤

Been There. Doing That.

Been There. Doing That.

by bridewitt ♥ 1 Comment

This post is just proof I’m still kicking…actually, the past few months have been a total blur! Get busy livin’ or die trying (as they say)!

In July, Justin and I adopted our first fur-baby, Indy, and we’ve been having fun being cat parents and learning how to be responsible for another tiny life. He’s the sweetest and it’s ADORABLE to see my husband be a “cat dad.” We also got to see Jack Johnson’s Kokua Festival with our friends. There’s just something so nostalgic about Jack’s music that always brings me back to simpler times. All the feels!

I N D Y Y Y !
My sis & I at Manoa Falls hike!
Witnessing Justin’s business
partner’s marriage!

August started off with a visit from my whole, wonderful fam! It may have been slightly interrupted by a few of us catching COVID, but we did our best to have a great time all together. I love hanging with my nephews and nieces and seeing them grow into the coolest kiddos.

After two and a half years, I officially completed my mat Pilates certification. I hope to be teaching some group classes in the near, near future (stay tuned!). Being the crazy person that I am, I jumped right into the Pilates equipment training (unplanned), and eventually I’ll be able to teach on the reformer, Cadillac, chair, and all the other wild equipment invented by Joe Pilates 100-some years ago. I’m extremely grateful to Pilates O Ka La owner, Chelsea Peck, for her guidance and patience with me as I navigated training through my diagnosis and treatment in 2020. I don’t really believe in coincidences, and I know that having the mat routine to keep me active during treatment was more than just chance. If you’re ever on Oahu, go take a class at Chelsea’s gorgeous studio!

Then, just in case I didn’t have enough going on, I also started on adjunct faculty at Hawaii Pacific University’s new Doctor of Physical Therapy program. I assisted with cadaver lab (yes, I dissected human bodies). It is and always has been a very humbling experience to learn from these donors who so graciously give their earthly bodies to those of us learning. I learn so much more now that I’ve been practicing for several years, and I also realize how much I still don’t know! I’ll be helping with their labs in October as well, and I look forward to facilitating the next generation of PTs.

September has flown by, too, but Justin and I were able to sneak up to the north shore for our 4th anniversary. We spent the whole weekend camping by the beach and it was just magical. There’s so much to be said about spending time in nature with no agenda and NO cell service! Highly recommend. Cheers to our year 5 and all the new adventures that will bring! Hopefully a trip abroad…

At this point in the year, I’m always looking forward to the holiday season, but in the present moment, I’m grateful that my hair is now officially long enough to pull back into a bun, several of my friends are about to have sweet babies join their families, and my work has been consistently fulfilling.

In the cancer realm, it’s been one of those weeks. The kind where my recent scans were squeaky clean and we celebrate, but also the kind where you learn that you lost a friend to this awful disease. The kind where another friend’s miracle post-cancer baby passed away shortly after birth. The kind where a new friend got the same diagnosis as you had. So, I just pray because what else can you really do? Give it to God and put lots of love out there.

As my friend Kate says, “If you’re very lucky, life goes on…”

And so it does.

Current hair update – 23 months post-chemo (at my new home away from home!)

As Breast Cancer Awareness month rolls around in October, please consider donating to organizations that fund breast cancer research like the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, Metavivor, or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. If you’d rather, you can donate money directly to someone going through treatment. Or take them a meal. Or pick up their kids from school. And if you have a survivor in your life, tell them you love them and you’re happy they’re here.

Wishing you all a great week ahead – will be in touch again soon…er or later?!

Aloha ❤

Another Trip

Another Trip

by bridewitt ♥ 3 Comments

Today it’s been two years since I read “consistent with invasive ductal carcinoma” on my biopsy report. The time and space between then and now is unfathomable to me. Like 100 years wrapped into 730 days. I’m both surprised at how quickly I’ve jumped back into “normal” life and at how the memories of having cancer are still woven so carefully into my daily thoughts.

It probably doesn’t help that I work with other survivors on a daily basis so I’m constantly educating and supporting those people. But it’s not just that – my port scar, the faint tan from radiation, the tightness in my chest and shoulder are all physical reminders that keep me living with one foot in regular life and one in cancerland.

April 2021
April 2022

The healing doesn’t end when treatment ends. I am seeking out ways to calm my grief and anger over the fact that I went through something so life-altering at 30 years old. I am healing physically and trying to regain a lot of strength. I have residual pain from treatments, and my body physically reacts with anxiety any time I get a scan done. I am learning how to navigate new and old friendships without oversharing or totally withdrawing from the situation.

It might sound like a lot, and it is, but I promise that I do my best not to dwell on the hard parts of survivorship. I’m thankful to have more days to continue experiencing lovely things and connecting with my favorite people. If you want to read a more about my experience in survivorship so far, you can read my essay “Trusting the Redirection” in Wildfire Magazine’s Cancer Culture Issue from February/March 2022. Use code ‘FRIENDSANDFAMILY’ for 15% off.

I also had my annual mammogram and an additional ultrasound yesterday. The results came back clear, besides the ever/never-shrinking hematoma (so dramatic!) that I developed after my MRI biopsy in November. So all is technically well, and I’ll keep celebrating these results and anniversaries for a long, long time I hope.

I honestly thought I’d have more to say when I sat down to write this, but I think I’ll just keep it short and sweet. I wish you all health and happiness and I hope you have a great week!

Aloha ❤

Aerobic Exercise during Cancer Treatments

Aerobic Exercise during Cancer Treatments

by bridewitt ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Aerobic exercise (a.k.a. “cardio”) has many proven benefits for all humans. Cardio relates to cardiac, meaning it’s for the heart! For cancer thrivers, aerobic exercise can have many excellent benefits (including improved survival rates and decreased rates of recurrence!) and should be recommended for all oncology patients. Read on to learn about the benefits and general recommendations for aerobic exercise during cancer treatments.

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

  • Increase your sensitivity to treatment = better tumor cell destruction!
  • Prevent muscle loss and build strength (including your heart muscles)
  • Reduce treatment-related side effects
  • Reduce depression and anxiety
  • Improve your sleep
  • Reduce your recurrence and mortality risk significantly (up to 50% for some)
  • Improve your quality of life

Psstttt… if you’re not convinced already, I’m not sure what will get you on board this point!

Types of Aerobic Exercise

  • Walking
  • Riding your bike
  • Running*
  • Interval Training
  • Swimming**

*If running was part of your pre-treatment routine, it may be ok to continue, BUT as some treatments can put you at risk of cardiac dysfunction, it may be best to stick with more gentle cardio until your heart gets stronger. Always check with your doctor or physical therapist!

**Avoid swimming in the ocean or public pools if you are neutropenic, have recently had surgery, or have open wounds/blisters from radiation therapy due to increased risk of infection!

Aerobic Exercise Guidelines

We’ll use the FITT principle for aerobic exercise guidelines:

  • Frequency: 3-5 days per week
  • Intensity: RPE 2-3 – keep it light for cardioPROTECTIVE benefits!
  • Time: 10-60 minute sessions for total of 150 minutes per week
  • Type: Choose your favorite from those listed above!

What is RPE, you ask? RPE, or Rate of Perceived Exertion, is a measure of how hard you feel you’re working. Use this Modified Borg Scale to guide your intensity during your workouts!

Modified Borg
Scale
0RESTING
1VERY EASY
2SOMEWHAT EASY
3MODERATE
4SOMEWHAT HARD
5HARD
6
7VERY HARD
8
9
10VERY, VERY HARD

Special Considerations

  • Understand if the chemotherapeutic agents you received can cause cardiotoxicity. If so, be sure to request a baseline cardiac workup. Know that low-intensity exercise may have a cardioprotective effect during treatment!
  • Monitor your vital signs!
    • Use your fitness tracker to monitor your heart rate OR here’s a video on how to check your heart rate manually!
    • Report any significant or unusual shortness of breath to your physician.
    • Watch for swelling that may be early signs of lymphedema or cardiac dysfunction.
  • Monitor lab values! Generally, if your lab values fall in the following ranges, you should check with your provider before exercising:
    • Neutrophils (ANC) <1.5 x 10^9/L
    • Platelets < 20,000 cells/uL
    • Hemoglobin < 8g/dL (anemia)
  • Be cautious if you know you have any of the following:
    • Bone or lung metastasis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Abnormal sensation or dizziness/imbalance which may increase your fall risk

Now you know some general guidelines for aerobic exercise for cancer patients! By the way, these general guidelines apply to those without cancer as well! Always seek medical advice before starting a new exercise program and remember: All information shared on this page is for educational purposes only. If you are thinking of starting an exercise program, consult with your physical therapist or physician to determine what is right for you!

Aloha ❤

Resistance Training during Cancer Treatments

Resistance Training during Cancer Treatments

by bridewitt ♥ 2 Comments

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” right? Well, it’s true! For oncology patients in particular, resistance training is an important way to maintain strength, balance, and quality of life during and beyond cancer treatments.

Benefits of Resistance Training

  • Maintain functional STRENGTH to continue to do the activities you love
  • Improve or maintain MUSCLE mass
  • Improve or maintain BONE health
  • Improve QUALITY OF LIFE
  • Reduce MORTALITY risk by 33% [Hardee, et al, 2015]

Types of Resistance Training

  • Bodyweight Training
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Weightlifting (free weights, machines, resistance bands, etc.)
  • TRX / Suspension Training

*Pro tip: Choose a type of exercise you enjoy to make it fun and something you look forward to!

Resistance Training Guidelines

  • 2-3 days per week
  • Focus on major muscle groups
  • Moderate Intensity
    • 40-60% of maximal effort
    • RPE 3-6

What is RPE, you ask? RPE, or Rate of Perceived Exertion, is a measure of how hard you feel you’re working. Use this Modified Borg Scale to guide your intensity during your workouts!

Modified Borg
Scale
0RESTING
1VERY EASY
2SOMEWHAT EASY
3MODERATE
4SOMEWHAT HARD
5HARD
6
7VERY HARD
8
9
10VERY, VERY HARD

Special Considerations for the Oncology Population

Take extra precaution AND work with a specialist if you know that you have:

  • Bone Metastasis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Abnormal sensation or dizziness/imbalance which may increase your fall risk!

Now you know some general guidelines for resistance training for cancer patients! By the way, these general guidelines apply to those without cancer as well! Always seek medical advice before starting a new exercise program and remember: All information shared on this blog is for educational purposes only. If you are thinking of starting an exercise program, consult with your physical therapist or physician to determine what is right for you!

Aloha ❤

BCAM is BACK!

BCAM is BACK!

by bridewitt ♥ 1 Comment

I know I’ve been terrible at keeping y’all up to date on my life lately, but that’s because I’m just busy living right now. When I look back on my life one year ago, I still have a hard time believing any of this actually happened. Cancer treatments consume your life for nearly a year (or more for some), and then you’re just done? When chatting with other survivors, we all seem to comment on how none of it seems real. We were in survival mode for so long, and when the dust finally settled, we had to come to terms with the fact that, yes, indeed, we did have cancer. What a trip!

  • September 2020
  • September 2021

Every day gets easier, but some days all the feels creep up and you don’t know whether to be sad or angry or go hide in the corner until it passes. I try not to take anything for granted, but I’m just human, too, and I often get sucked back into the usual work, sleep, eat, repeat. With that said, I’ve been making a concerted effort to go for walks by the beach, do yoga, hit up weekly farmer’s markets, and get together with friends when I can. Those things help. A lot. Make time to do things that bring you joy.

On Monday, I had my annual MRI – just a follow up scan to keep a close eye on things. Thankfully, all looks clear. There is a small area of enhancement in the same area where I mentioned I needed a biopsy back in July which already came back benign so here’s hoping I don’t need another biopsy! In my professional opinion, I’m right in the middle of tissue healing from radiation therapy, and there’s a lot of scar tissue forming right now. With that comes a lot of tightness and discomfort in my left chest wall, and I think that friction is creating a small cyst in that region.

Again, the survivorship game is not all sunshine and rainbows. While everything is technically “all good” now, sometimes it isn’t. There are a lot of things that I still need to work through, but I just choose to take it one day at a time.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This brings me to the main point of this post which is that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is back! I personally choose to refer to BCAM as “Breast Cancer ACTION Month” as I think it’s a great time to donate to breast cancer research, reach out to family/friends you know going through cancer and offer your support, and speak up to lawmakers and organizations with power to make change in medical care for cancer patients.

October is a time of pink ribbons and shameless promotion of products that support breast cancer. Breast cancer thrivers have coined this “pinkwashing” and want to remind you to be mindful of any products you purchase this year. Any major company that claims to put proceeds to support breast cancer better be donating at least 20% of their profits to organizations that fund breast cancer research. And, if you choose to make a donation to breast cancer organizations, choose one or two that fund research primarily or that you know directly supports thrivers with care packages, financial support, or practical support (like providing free wigs, offering transportation or house cleaning, or fertility preservation assistance).

Here are a few of my favorite breast cancer organizations to support:

My BCAM Action Plan

This October, I’ll be focusing on holding the American Cancer Society accountable for their recent change in recommendations to delay annual mammogram screening for those age 45 and older. This is a recent change in recommendations and adds insult to injury to prior recs that both breast self-exams (BSE’s) and clinical breast examinations are not indicated for early detection of breast cancer. These recommendations are based off a study out of Shanghai in 2018 that indicated that more benign lesions were found on BSE’s than malignant ones, and therefore led to unnecessary procedures like imaging and biopsies. In case you can’t guess who benefits from these recommendations, let me spell it out for you…INSURANCE COMPANIES.

For adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer thrivers (ages 15-39) who are ineligible for annual mammograms, the only way for us to detect cancer early is through BSE’s. The more frequently we do these screenings, the earlier we can seek care for any abnormal findings, and the better our prognosis if we should be very unlucky to find a malignancy. I found my lump on a BSE and it saved my life. I will advocate for BSE’s until my lungs give out. Should you feel so inclined to support this cause with me, please reach out to the American Cancer Society via phone/chat or social media to let them know how you feel about this!

I’ll also be sharing a bit on social media about how PT can be helpful before, during, and after cancer treatment because October is also National Physical Therapy Month. Follow me on Instagram for more – @bri.d.pt!

Beyond that, October is my favorite month, so I’m going to get some Halloween decorations out and get ready for Spooky Season! Maybe I’ll pull out the old purple wig for Halloween this year, too! Stay well, friends!

Aloha ❤

Oh, hey!

Oh, hey!

by bridewitt ♥ 2 Comments

It’s officially been a minute (or a few months, but who’s counting?)! I had every intention of continuing to write, but in all honesty, I just needed a break from the cancer updates and info sharing.

Recently, Justin and I have been super busy! We were finally able move into our new home a few weeks ago (thanks, mom & Malia!), and then we immediately left on vacation to Montana and Washington, leaving our cute new place a mess with unpacked boxes and mismatched furniture. We are so grateful to have a new space where we can start fresh after navigating so much uncharted territory in 2020. I’m looking forward to lots of memories made here ❤

While traveling, we were able to visit with all of my family, celebrate the 4th of July in Butte, America (there’s no better place to be on the 4th – don’t knock it til you’ve tried it!), catch a few fish on the Big Hole, reconnect with our best buds from PT school, and even witness one of them get married (Congrats, Riki & Anthony!). I was so elated to be able to hug everyone and see all my favorite kiddos. Hawaii is great y’all, but it’s times like this when you realize living on an isolated island in the Pacific isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be! I cried so hard before we came back home because I know I truly have such special relationships with all of you.

Besides our recent adventures, all is well down here. I’ve been working heavy part-time and I’ve realized that I’m now able to help my oncology patients on a much deeper level. I’ve always tried to empathize as much as I could, but the reality is that, unless you’ve gone through cancer yourself, you probably can’t relate. This isn’t to discourage anyone from working with oncology patients, but rather a reminder that what they’re going through is far more than just physical discomfort.

As far as my health goes, I had an ultrasound on my left breast a few weeks ago due to a suspicious spot I found while doing one of my way-too-frequent self-checks. It turned out to be just scar tissue (as expected), but they also found a small cyst-like area above it, and I’ll go for aspiration next week just to be safe “because of my history.” I wonder if it will ever get easier hearing that, but likely not…

I’ve continued to work with my naturopathic doctor to get to the root cause of my autoimmune thyroid dysfunction. I completed a urine test to determine heavy metals toxicity and the results indicated high levels of mercury and platinum and moderately-high levels of lead. Mercury is linked to many environmental sources, but is primarily associated with high levels of dietary fish. The platinum levels are residual from the platinum-based chemotherapy (Carboplatin) that I received over 12 weeks last year, and lead is also find in many environmental sources including water, pipes and paint. So I will treat it with a chelating agent which will strip the metals from their sneaky hiding places in my body….after I eat one last giant poke bowl!

I also completed a food sensitivity test and will get those results back in a few weeks. Again, I am a huge believer in holistic care. If there are things I can do to optimize my health going forward, then it’s worth a shot to me. I still go to acupuncture about once a month and have continued seeing a mental health professional. It truly takes a village to make it through a cancer diagnosis, and you are all part of that team for me!

I’ll try to be more consistent at posting updates and sharing helpful information, but for now, I’m just going to keep focusing on LIVING and finding joy in each day. Sending you all my love!

Aloha ❤

Radiation Fibrosis

Radiation Fibrosis

by bridewitt ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Radiation therapy is used as an adjunct treatment for cancer to kill off any remaining cancer cells in the surrounding tissues which are often called “micrometastases.” Radiation therapy is not appropriate for all cancer patients, but for those who do have treatment plans which include radiation, the short and long-term effects can be difficult to tolerate. Today, I want to share more about one long-term effect of radiation therapy called radiation fibrosis.

What is Radiation Fibrosis?

Radiation fibrosis (RF) refers to tissue changes which occur locally after someone goes through radiation therapy. Tissues which are most often affected are the skin, subcutaneous tissues (fat, muscle, bone), organs such as the lungs or heart, or the gastrointestinal/genitourinary tracts depending on the part of the body that is irradiated. Ions from radiation beams cause DNA damage and localized inflammation around the tumor site as well as in the surrounding normal tissues. The degree of damage often depends on each individual’s sensitivity to the radiation itself as well as the dose given and area of tissue treated.

Who is at Risk for Radiation Fibrosis?

Anyone who undergoes radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatments is at risk for RF. Some factors that increase susceptibility of developing RF include:

  • Those who also have concurrent chemotherapy or surgery
  • Those with pre-existing connective tissue disorders (scleroderma, lupus, or Marfan’s syndrome)
  • Those with a genetic mutation in the ataxia-telangiectasia (ATM) gene which assists to repair damaged DNA

How does Radiation Fibrosis Present?

RF onset can be immediate, early delayed (0-3 months after treatment), or late delayed (>3 months after treatment), however most find that symptoms begin to show up 3-4 months after treatment ends. Symptoms usually come on gradually and they are, unfortunately, not reversible.

Some of the symptoms include:

  • Thickening of the skin
  • Muscle tightness or atrophy
  • Limited joint mobility
  • Lymphedema
  • Mucosal fibrosis (mouth, throat, GI tract, genitourinary tracts)
  • Pain

What Treatments are Available for Radiation Fibrosis?

Physical therapy is proven to increase range of motion lasting up to six months post-treatment (and probably longer if the person continues their exercises)! PT’s can use manual therapy or prescribe specific exercises to mobilize the skin and myofascial tissues, increase range of motion in affected joints, improve strength, and manage lymphedema (if they are a lymphedema specialist – if not, then they should refer you to someone who is a certified lymphedema specialist).

For reproductive/colorectal cancers in particular, seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist may be indicated to ensure independence with toileting (especially bowel movements) or to assist with sexual concerns like pelvic pain or tightness.

Other potentially-beneficial treatments may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, pentoxyfilline (a drug that helps to improve blood flow to the tissues) with or without the addition of vitamine E (a powerful antioxidant), and botox injections – but the research is still pending on the true benefits of these treatments!

If you or someone you know is going through radiation therapy, let them know about RF & send them to a physical therapist to help with any mobility concerns they may have!

Aloha ❤

References:

  1. Radiation-induced fibrosis: mechanisms and implications for therapy (Straub, et al. 2015)
  2. Supervised physical therapy in women treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer (Braz da Silva Leal, et al. 2016)
  3. Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome: Neuromuscular and Musculoskeletal Complications in Cancer Survivors (Stubblefield, et al. 2011)
Cancer, Sex, & Intimacy

Cancer, Sex, & Intimacy

by bridewitt ♥ 1 Comment

Cancer isn’t pretty. Besides generally feeling unwell, the hair loss, body composition changes, aches and pains, and hormonal fluctuations are not exactly sexy. Having cancer (or loving someone who does) can certainly challenge intimate relationships. It’s important for cancer warriors to know this isn’t unusual and there are plenty of ways to maintain healthy relationships with their partners ❤

Some cancer- or treatment-related challenges that may affect someone’s sexual function, sexuality, or intimacy with their partner can include:

  • Chemo side effects including fatigue, nausea/vomiting, weight loss/gain, or infertility concerns (etc, etc, etc….)
  • Post-surgical or post-radiation considerations like:
    • pain or restrictions from scar tissue or irradiated tissues (especially with cancer of the reproductive organs)
    • decreased sensation around the nipples after mastectomy
    • urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction post-prostatectomy
  • New medications that reduce desire or arousal
  • Hormonal changes resulting in low libido, vaginal dryness, or painful sex
  • Body image concerns including attractiveness to self or partner
  • Depression, anxiety, or PTSD surrounding a cancer diagnosis and treatment

There are many ways that pelvic floor physical therapists (PFPTs) can help support both men and women during and after cancer in this realm. PFPTs can treat the physical changes that come with cancer including post-surgical rehab or prescribe general strength/aerobic training. We can treat incontinence after surgery or radiation. We can recommend sexual positions or devices to reduce or eliminate pain with sex. And sometimes, we help our patients find new ways to connect with their partners when they’re not ready to be sexually intimate yet.

Often, seeing a licensed counselor or psychologist for individual and/or couples therapy can be very helpful to maintain or restore intimacy. Remember, cancer is not pretty, and there is no shame in asking for help! If you’re having concerns or challenges in your relationship, please reach out to me to see if pelvic floor PT or a referral to a mental health professional might be right for you.

Aloha ❤

*This blog is part 3 of Pink October’s Pelvic Floor Series, a way to raise awareness of pelvic floor problems during cancer treatment and discuss sex & intimacy after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer & Pelvic Pain Conditions

Cancer & Pelvic Pain Conditions

by bridewitt ♥ 1 Comment

On today’s blog, I wanted to bring attention to female pelvic pain and dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) secondary to cancer treatments.

Often, when a woman has gone through adjuvant hormonal treatments, chemotherapy, abdominal/pelvic radiation, or fertility-saving drugs during active treatment, the body goes into a state of menopause or “chemopause” as it’s commonly referred to in the cancer world.

Low estrogen levels during chemopause can cause symptoms like:

  • Amenorrhea (loss of menstrual cycle)
  • Low libido
  • Vaginal dryness or atrophy
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes
  • Joint aches and pains

In particular, vaginal dryness or atrophy can have a huge impact on sexual health, emotional health, and relationships post-cancer. If the pelvic floor muscles are compromised by treatment, it can result in pelvic pain (like pain from overactive or tight pelvic floor muscles, pain in the tailbone, lower abdominal pain, or pain around post-surgical scars), bladder/bowel changes, or painful sex.

Thankfully, a pelvic floor physical therapist with specialized training in examination and treatment of the pelvic floor muscles can treat these conditions and are an amazing asset to oncology patients on their road to recovery. Some PT treatments for pelvic pain and dyspareunia may involve:

  • Pelvic floor muscle strengthening or relaxation exercises with or without biofeedback training (computer or ultrasound-based pelvic floor training technology)
  • Stretches for tight muscles around the abdomen, pelvis or hips
  • Manual therapy including general massage, pelvic floor muscle release techniques, or scar tissue mobilization
  • Education and lifestyle strategies surrounding posture, nutrition, bowel and bladder habits, and lubrication options during intercourse
  • Education in the use of vaginal dilators to reduce pain that occurs with tampon insertion, gynecological exams, or sex
  • Encouragement around body image and sexual health (this could include referral to a sex therapist or psychologist when appropriate)

If you’re reading this, and you feel like you could benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy during or after cancer treatment, you can find a qualified pelvic floor PT in your area here or here. Ask your doctor for a referral today!

And a quick reminder for all of us…
The path to recovery from cancer involves a whole host of treatments including chemo, hormonal treatments, surgery, and radiation just to name a few. Each of these treatments can come with significant side effects or long-lasting comorbidities. Just because someone is “cured” from cancer doesn’t always mean they are living without long-term effects from treatment. Keep this in mind, and be kind!

*This blog is part 2 of Pink October’s Pelvic Floor Series, a way to raise awareness of pelvic floor problems during cancer treatment and discuss sex & intimacy after a cancer diagnosis.

Aloha ❤