A Tribute to My Second Mom: Celebrating a Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey - Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

Celebrating a Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey

Growing up, I was fortunate to have a second mother in my best friend’s mom.

Our families were intertwined in the small Polish community of our town, and my best friends—twins—along with me, formed an inseparable bond since kindergarten.

For years, I was unaware that my second mom was navigating her own challenging journey with breast cancer.

Now, as I reflect on her experience, I see how profoundly it has shaped her, and by extension, my life.

Today, I want to honor her journey—a testament to strength, resilience, and the importance of comprehensive care.

The Journey 24 Years Ago

Twenty-four years ago, my second mom faced the daunting challenge of breast cancer.

Upon her diagnosis, she was thrust into a world that often overlooked the significance of post-surgical care.

After her surgery, she received little support regarding a direction toward physiotherapy treatment or education on potential complications following her lumpectomy and mastectomy.

Fortunately for her, she worked in a rehab unit in an acute care hospital, surrounded by an incredible team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists who guided her through recovery.

Her journey included a lumpectomy, removal of nine lymph nodes, a radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, and 16 rounds of radiation.

Her greatest concern?

Developing lymphedema—a lifelong and sometimes irreversible condition.

Determined to educate herself, she dove into understanding post-surgical issues like scar tightness and shared her knowledge with friends and family.

As a busy mom of two toddlers, maintaining her mobility was crucial.

She cleverly integrated rehabilitation into playtime, turning it into a family affair, demonstrating how determination can turn challenges into opportunities for movement.

Two years post-surgery, she underwent a TRAM flap reconstruction, prioritizing the healing of her incision sites and lymphatic vessels through gentle mobility exercises.

Her commitment to rehabilitation was evident as she recounted how vital these movements were in reducing scar tightness and nerve pain—issues many survivors grapple with long after

Modern Support for Today’s Patients

Today, we have come a long way in supporting breast cancer patients. My second mom’s story is just one of many that underline the incredible resources available now.

Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and registered dietitians, all dedicated to providing holistic care.

We now have full-time physiotherapists in lymphedema clinics, available five days a week, along with regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. Specialized treatments for lymphedema—like manual lymphatic drainage and compressive bandaging—are now standard practices, alongside exercise programs tailored to individual needs.

Moreover, complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aqua fitness are becoming more common, offering additional support to patients on their healing journeys.

The inclusion of meditation, yoga, and Pilates is also noteworthy, as these practices foster both physical and emotional well-being.

Reflecting on my second mom’s journey inspires me to advocate for patients today.

Her resilience not only served her own health but also educated those around her to be better prepared. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of comprehensive care and the enduring impact of love and support.

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Celebrating a Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey

The Journey 24 Years Ago

The Desk Worker’s Guide to a Pain-Free Neck

Hip Osteoarthritis: Why It Hurts and How Physio Can Help

The #1 Mistake Athletes Make After an Ankle Injury

The Secret to Beating Back Pain? Walk This Way!

OPENING HOURS

HELPFUL PAGES

OPENING HOURS

HELPFUL PAGES

Our GOLD COAST PHYSIO Location

HELPFUL PAGES

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

OUR SERVICES

OPENING HOURS

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED

Monday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Tuesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Wednesday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Thursday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Friday	6:30am	–	8:00pm
Saturday			CLOSED
Sunday			CLOSED