Mhairi

In 2021, 34-year-old Mhairi was diagnosed with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer in the bone. Secondary breast cancer is when cancer cells from a cancer that started in the breast spread to other parts of the body. The secondary breast cancer spread to Mhairi’s spine causing a metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) and spinal fractures, this happens when a cancerous tumour damages or presses on the nerves in the spinal cord. Symptoms include sever back pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. The cancer had also spread to Mhairi’s hip. Oncologists prepared a gruelling treatment plan which included treatments such as radiotherapy which uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, medically induced menopause, a hip replacement, physiotherapy, and a back brace.

Upon being discharged from hospital Mhairi underwent 2 physiotherapy sessions per week over the course of 8 months. She was told that she may never walk again and so with her rehabilitation came great uncertainty. Initially she set goals of daily tasks which she achieved and then incredibly, she regained the ability to stand for a few minutes and walk short distances. At this point she was discharged from physiotherapy and for 4 strong and determined months she worked on her stamina and continued to test her mind and body to see how far she could go.

Mhairi had always been active and enjoyed exercising, following a meeting with her Spinal Consultant she was given the positive news that she was now stable enough to engage in exercise once again. Whilst she was happy about this prospect, she was unsure of where or who to turn to. She felt a mainstream gym wouldn’t be the correct fit and wanted to know that she would be working safely with specialists within this field. She went on to reach out to her Advanced Nurse Specialist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre who made her aware of the MorphFit Gentle Movement Project.

At the point of registering with the programme Mhairi was experiencing extreme fatigue, she notes that she is always learning from her body, her rehabilitation journey, about her conditions, treatments and the various side affects they present. Upon beginning the course Mhairi admits that she didn’t set any expectations, it has however become a life changing decision for her. Initially she began exercising in the seated position, now only a matter of months on she completes the entire session and every movement standing. She acknowledges that her energy levels have improved massively since enrolling. Mhairi’s spinal compression has caused a hunch in her back, through the exercises she can see a noticeable difference and feels her shoulders which were once raised and tight, loosen and drop. A positive and driven individual, Mhairi feels that being active throughout her life helped her to challenge her conditions, she now walks with no aids, using just a walking stick for light support when she is out and about.

A diagnosis can alter so many aspects of a person’s life, Mhairi’s whole day to day routine changed drastically and these sessions bring about a sense of normality. Returning to exercise was a natural transition and she viewed this as the next stage of her journey having gone as far as she could with physiotherapy this was something she felt ready to push forward with. She explains that that she knew her body was ready to return to movement and her familiarity with it really supported her in bouncing back. The sessions are pitched just right for her, and she appreciates instructor, Nicola’s experience, awareness and ability to guide the group.

“Nicola is a complete expert; she just gets it!”

Another aspect of the sessions that Mhairi enjoys is socialising, she has formed friendships with her fellow participants and instructor, Nicola. In addition to exercising together the group are always happy to have a general chat and laugh, the vibe is fun and light and whilst she is safe in the knowledge that she is exercising safely and within her parameters, it really could be any exercise class at any gym. Mhairi credits the programme with helping to alleviate and manage some of the trauma she has faced throughout her journey so far.

“The programme has positively impacted so many areas, it has turned what was a really bad situation around”