Building one’s muscles after a complicated cancer surgery isn’t easy, but Dance Moms coach Abby Lee Miller is determined to get back on her feet.
In an Instagram post, Miller, 53, shared a video of her walking down a hallway while holding onto a walker. Even though she still needs assistance with movement, she celebrated the fact that she accomplished 200 steps in one day thanks to her physical therapy.
Read MoreAbby Lee Miller’s Journey with Cancer
Miller was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in April 2018, and underwent an emergency surgery on her spine as well as six rounds of chemotherapy treatment. Despite regularly attending physical therapy treatments, Miller is still confined to an electric wheelchair in order to be mobile. However, she has reassured fans that she is working hard to build her strength and walk again. Judging by this video, she's not giving up on her progress anytime soon.The Importance Of Staying Positive During And After Cancer Treatment
Despite Miller openly talking about how difficult life has been after complications from surgery, she’s clearly been trying to appreciate her health and focus on the future. During and after cancer treatment, it’s critical that survivors and patients’ spirits are high and that they stay positive in order to help them recover. This is especially key for those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
Related: 'Family, Friends & Faith': Ovarian Cancer Survivor Diana Faison Keeps it Positive
“I believe that a positive attitude is what’s really important,” says Dr. Zuri Murrell, the Director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center. Of course, if you have just been diagnosed with cancer, negative feelings are normal. Men and women react differently, and anger, shame, fear, anxiety is to be expected. Experienced doctors will tell you that people who find a way to work through the emotions and stay positive do end up doing better.
Dr. Zuri Murrell explains why it’s important cancer patients stay positive during treatment
How Physical Therapy Can Help Patients Recover After Cancer Surgery
Following cancer surgery, many people may assume that avoiding exercise is the way to go. However, starting a physical therapy routine can actually offer a huge benefit when it comes to recovery. According to experts, easing into exercise after surgery can improve your circulation â which improves your wound healing and the fluid movement through your body, help soften any scar tissue that may be in the area (especially exercises that involve deep breathing or extending your chest and arms), and improve your endurance after surgery. However, it's important that people recognize their limits and don't strain their body too much which is where a physical therapist comes in.
"Physical therapists can help with assessing any issues with range of motion, mobility, fatigue, balance, and then create a program that is very much a prescriptive program," says Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos, an oncology physical therapist for Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine in Austin, Texas. "So a program that's based on what you are at the time of your treatments."
Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos explains how physical therapy can help patients recover after cancer surgery
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