“The service saved my life.” Cancer patient thanks hospital team following major surgery.
Helene Trabuc, 56, who is originally from France, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in June 2023 and was told she need chemotherapy, radiotherapy and oesophagectomy surgery. This is major surgery which involved part of her oesophagus (food pipe) being removed.
After Helene was given her diagnosis and a treatment plan was agreed, she took a personalised assessment comprising elements of physical activity and exercise, emotional wellbeing, practical support and lifestyle behaviours. Helene then started to attend Prehabilitation (Prehab) sessions at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) several times a week.
The Prehab Team provides a service for people living with cancer due to undergo surgery as part of their treatment. Prehab works with the patient holistically to make sure they are in the best place possible before their surgery.
Helene said: “I started with a fairly good level of fitness before my surgery, and I attended as many sessions as I could whilst having radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I then had another assessment before the operation, and I was even fitter than before; I did really really well!
“After the surgery I couldn't even stand up due to being in the Intensive Care Unit for two weeks. I believe all that muscle mass I gained during the Prehab sessions is what helped me make it through the complications after surgery.”
Patrick Meakin, Prehab Exercise Professional, said: “Making sure patients are fitter and stronger has shown to help them get through surgery better and recover quicker. This means they can go home sooner and increases capacity within our hospitals.
“The team looks at everything from emotional and physical wellbeing to healthy eating and finances. Whatever the patient is worried about, we try to help so they can be focused on their health and surgery.”
Helene added: “I would definitely recommend Prehab. It was good to meet other people going through a similar situation. We had fun and giggles, and even met up for a coffee after a session.
“For me it made sense to have a fitness regime before my operation and being able to access this through the Prehab Team was just amazing. Honestly, I do believe the service saved my life.”
Joyce Widdowson, 74 from Lowdham, said: “I didn’t complete any Prehab sessions as my surgery was brought forward, so I have done a few rehabilitation sessions instead.
“I would recommend Prehab to anyone who is having an operation. Just getting out the house and seeing other people is great, and then also doing some exercise to regain muscle has really helped.”
You can find out more about the Prehab service on our website.