"Eastern Health Oncology Rehab program (Wantirna)."

Following up a referral from the Cancer Council of Victoria, I contacted Eastern Health (Wantirna) to enquire about and enrol in their exercise and information program for patients diagnosed with a serious cancer.

After a short wait, the seven week program commenced with about 10 participants. There was a one hour exercise session twice weekly - (tailored by the Physiotherapist to individual needs), followed by an information session on a variety of topics given by Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Registered Nurses.

The program was extremely valuable, my fitness and knowledge improved markedly, and the Wantirna staff were, at all times, genuinely committed to improving the quality of life for the patients in the group. Basic measures were made at commencement and end of program to show progress made. Take away notes were prepared so that exercise could continue at home, on course completion.

As an additional bonus, getting to know other patients dealing with a variety of medical circumstances was interesting and comforting. Many stories were shared.

I highly commend the Oncology Rehab course and hope it can be expanded to other campuses and hospitals.