Janis Andrzejewski: Cancer Exercise Specialist

24/10/2023

Are you struggling to regain your physical and emotional fitness following your cancer diagnosis? Do you feel afraid to start, or indeed continue with any kind of fitness following surgery/treatment for fear of harm?

Being a cancer survivor myself I understand what you're thinking - and I know that the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercising. However, exercise is a vital part of your journey, whether you're at the beginning or long into survivorship. There are so many types of exercise for each stage of your recovery.

Obviously, each CES works differently. There are three options available for working with me as your CES: option one is to work with me on a 1:1 or 1:2 basis, (maybe you have met or know someone who would like to work with you), option two is in a group setting, the classes made up of cancer patients/survivors. In this type of setting you are able to gain knowledge and support from each other in a relaxed friendly environment. Option three is via Zoom, this would be on a 1:1 basis.

Whichever option you choose you would first undertake a full postural assessment, and strength and flexibility tests. Following these assessments I would work out a 12 week programme for you that can be adapted as you progress. Throughout your programme I would liase with your care team as necessary.

If you would like further information about taking your recovery and future into your own hands please DM or contact me on:
07506050630 (outside UK +44)

03/10/2023

What is a Cancer Exercise Specialist?

Many cancer exercise specialists are former cancer patients themselves, or have been touched by cancer in some other way. Following my own diagnosis it soon became apparent that there was very little, to no help pre or post surgery with regard to maintaining or gaining physical fitness.
However, working in the fitness industry for many years I knew the importance of exercise before, during and after treatment.

I had been a yoga instructor for many years but realised that there were significant gaps in my knowledge with regard to cancer exercise and recovery.
Having a passion for helping people through their cancer journey I decided to study with the Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI) under Andrea Leonard, one of the world's leading authorities on exercise for cancer, herself a cancer survivor.

Andrea, along with many cancer medical specialists and university fitness professionals put together a very comprehensive course. The course is continually updated as new treatments and surgeries are developed.
In Andrea's own words, "cancer survivors no longer have to accept the fact that they have limited range of motion, poor posture, neck and back pain, lymphedema, chronic fatigue, etc, following their treatment".

So, what can you expect from me as your CES?

Once you have obtained medical clearance from your doctor or cancer treatment team, (essential), I will liase with them throughout your journey.
A comprehensive and individualised exercise programme will be created for you. In the programme we not only work with the limitations brought about by the diagnosis itself, but any co-morbidities you may have developed from treatment, for example diabetes, heart and lung damage or disease, lymphedema, osteoporosis and neuropathy.

What will the programme involve?

Following medical clearance you will be asked to fill in an in-depth health questionnaire, and a quality of life questionnaire.
Your first session will include a Sit and Reach Flexibility Test, a Squat Test, a Postural Assessment, Shoulder Range of Motion Test, Muscular Strength and Muscular Endurance Test. We will also take arm girth measurements.

The exercise programme will then be designed for you upon collation of all the above findings.
Physical fitness following a cancer diagnosis is a commitment that should be continued long into survivorship. Working with a CES will help you to achieve this.

If you, or anyone you know that has been touched by cancer would like more information on how we can work together, please message to arrange a free fact finding phone call to discuss further.

Janis: 07506050630

21/09/2023

ALWAYS ask for the second opinion 🙏

When your doctor advises you to "watch and wait" with a lump in your breast, it means they want to monitor the lump over a period of time to see if it changes in size or other characteristics before making any decisions about further testing or treatment. This approach is often taken when the lump appears to be benign (non-cancerous) based on initial evaluations, such as physical examination or imaging studies.

Read Full Article:
https://www.thecancerspecialist.com/2023/09/20/what-should-i-do-when-my-doctor-says-to-watch-and-wait-with-a-lump-in-my-breast/

19/09/2023

Exercise is by no means a replacement for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. However, it is an important complimentary therapy that has many benefits, for example rebuilding strength both during and after treatment, correcting postural deviations due to surgery and reconstruction, and helping with the prevention/progression of lymphedema. Particularly lymphedema which can occur years after surgery or irradiation. It also helps to support our mental health and general wellbeing.

18/09/2023

"If we could turn the benefits of exercise into a pill, it would be demanded by patients, prescribed by every cancer specialist, and subsidised by Government. It would be seen as a major breakthrough in cancer treatment".... Dr Prue Cormie of COSA.

Not once during either of my cancer diagnosises was I told of the benefits of exercise. Fortunately, because of my training I was well aware of its many advantages. My clients were amazed at how quickly I returned to not only wellness, but teaching.
If you have a heart attack or stroke, the first thing you're advised to do is gentle to moderate exercise, this advice is sadly lacking in cancer care.