Steel Rehab
Sepsis, a return to ICU and some extra special rehab
The past couple of weeks I’ve stepped up my cancer rehab work, after the preparation for my next surgery was rudely interrupted by a chest infection, pneumonia, another ambulance ride to the Emergency Department and a very unwelcome stay in Intensive Care being treated for sepsis.
Recovering from all that, let alone cancer treatment, is a complex business. I’m fortunate to have the expert help of Jo, my Steel Physio.
Steel is a non-profit physio rehab programme for cancer patients, whether in treatment or after treatment, first developed in NZ and now delivered by hundreds of specially trained physiotherapists in 30+ countries.
I first tried out the programme in 2010 to help recover from my radiation, chemo and surgery; and have since done a little bit of fundraising and promotion of its benefits over the years (from representing Steel in an off-road triathlon in Wanaka, to paddle-boarding in Takapuna, for example).
This year, I’m back as a patient, and a substantially more complex patient to boot. Now presenting with a history of radiation scarring, surgical grafts, neck dissections and multiple tracheostomies, I’m the hospital pass personified, with a set of medical discharge notes sufficient to make the most seasoned physiotherapist gulp and wonder where I’d come from and where to start.
However, Steel physiotherapists are trained to deal with people who’ve had the various gruelling forms of cancer treatment. Jo knew exactly how to best navigate my radiation scarring, graft and various surgical sites to accelerate my recovery and prepare me for further treatment.
In June and July, Jo liaised directly with the speech & swallowing specialist in my medical team and with guidance from my surgeon, to target the crucial ability to open my jaw, so that I could have further surgery at the back of my throat. Without that focused rehab and exercises, I was at risk of not being able to open my jaw the necessary minimum of 15mm for the surgeon to operate.
Following treatment for sepsis in early September, and at the recommendation of my medical team at hospital, we’ve shifted focus to rehabilitate my cardiovascular and lung health, using a progressive programme of careful assessment, strength and cardio training.
Sepsis patients can face a recovery period of three months or more for recovery, depending on the damage done. In my case, the sooner I fully recover, the sooner I will be able to have my next surgery for cancer treatment. So I need all the help I can get, and I’m very fortunate to have access to the best in the business.
Pinc & Steel physio cancer rehab is a programme that every type of cancer patient or survivor will benefit from, and often via a fully funded referral. So if you know of someone who has struggled physically following any type of cancer treatment, in NZ, Australia, UK, Canada, USA, Europe or anywhere else, tell them to check out the Pinc & Steel programme here.
Nick mate, you're an incredible and inspirational individual. I remain hugely impressed by your resilience and determination through what seems like a very difficult and challenging time. Kia kaha.
Hey Nick it's great to read of your good progress after an alarming early September. You are so determined but matter-of-fact about what you're experiencing, which seems to me the toughest cancer treatment ever, with pneumonia and sepsis thrown in. Your incredible strength of character and Maree's support will get you through this. Lots of love, Rowena