Written by Eliane Munier-Dautigny, APPI Pilates Instructor.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here, at APPI, we feel passionately about this cause as cancer is something that for most people has either affected the lives someone they care about or has affected their life personally.
For me, it’s both. I am a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed quite early at age 46. While it’s uncommon at that age, research tells us it is becoming more and more common in younger women. Further, my cancer was discovered by accident. Having found an unusual lump followed by a suspicious scan when I was 43, I proceeded to visit with a specialist who immediately biopsied it. The results were surprising: negative- no cancer. Two years later, something in me told me to follow up. To revisit it. To get another opinion. Call it instinct, but something never felt right.
Strangely the lump had grown and changed. I was offered the choice to biopsy it again or remove it. I oped for the latter. Once removed, the lump was biopsied again, and to my surprise, it was cancer. Stage 1, but nonetheless a cancer that if having remained undiagnosed, would be still growing today.
I am passionate about being pro-active in our healthcare. Awareness is key. Awareness of early diagnosis and treatment, but also awareness of keeping ourselves fit and healthy. Changing our mindset to preventative medicine and doing what we can to be strong, balanced- in mind and body- and reducing or eliminating pain is achievable through Pilates.
The benefits of Pilates have been well documented for its effectiveness in balancing the body and correcting postures than can create pain and injury through practice of strength and mobility exercises; however, the psychological benefits should not be dismissed. Boosting self-esteem and confidence in a positive social environment makes Pilates not just an exercise regime we force upon ourselves, but a lifestyle choice that enhances the way we live.
At APPI, we consider ourselves experts in movement medicine. We help by educating, encouraging and training the incredible human body for optimal alignment, balance and movement. In doing so, the effects on one’s mind, spirit, confidence and outlook is enormously positive and powerful. And we have developed a unique and effective form of Post Breast Cancer rehabilitation, based on the world renowned Pink Ribbon programme, the APPI Pilates method and core theoretical and practical concepts from the science of rehab therapy. We have specially trained rehab therapists who are committed to helping you through this next stage of your recovery.
Living best the one life we have is a rewarding goal that now, post Cancer, I do not forget.