February 1, 2005 -- The recently published 'Duke Energizing Exercise Program' (DEEP) is a breakthrough helping fatigued cancer sufferers to find their 'get up and go' when it has 'got up
and gone'.
Trish Duke, English-trained Physical Therapist who wrote the DEEP program for Cancer Fatigue research for Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia says, "the problem is often with well
meaning health professionals or family that think they are caring by keeping the patient rested and medicated. Any healthy person who stayed relatively stationary on a chair or bed for
several days or weeks on end would end up feeling very unwell from the lack of mobility. Imagine how you would feel if you did several round-the-world flights non-stop That is how we
typically 'care' for most of our cancer patients. "
Fatigue has been identified consistently among the top 10 of the most disturbing and clinically important symptoms in all adult cancers. Patients commonly report battling with chronic
fatigue which adversely affects their ability to tolerate treatments, work, cope with relationships as well as maintaining their independence and motivation to live.
However, fatigue is the least researched and most overlooked cancer symptom. Patients often develop 'rest-resistant fatigue' and then steadily go downhill. This deterioration is
frequently blamed completely on the cancer, when a major contributing factor can actually be wrongly advised inactivity.
Ms Duke is spearheading an international campaign to change this 'rest and medicate until you die' mentality in global cancer healthcare.
The DEEP program, which is the first ever home-based Oncology exercise program to be published, benefits adult cancer sufferers from diagnosis right through to palliative care.
Further info and a free excerpt can be obtained at www.successfulcancersolutions.com
Alf, an 86-year-old cancer victim, was told he would never be able to drive again, so he gave his car away. He claimed " I went from what looked like a gloomy end to within a few weeks on
the DEEP program to walking well enough to buy a new car and start driving again."
Other participants of the DEEP program report increased energy, physical and emotional strength, less discomfort, easier breathing, increased independence, improved appetite and sleeping
patterns, motivation to 'do things' again as well as the desire and ability to enjoy social functions such as weddings, parties, visits to the beach and art galleries.