In May 2022, Justin received a life-changing diagnosis, lymphoma, after finding a lump on the left-hand side of his neck that wouldn’t go away.
Like many people, he was shocked and didn’t know what to expect when it came to cancer treatment. Justin knew one thing – he didn’t have time for cancer. He had too much living to do.
Justin wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to chemotherapy. He heard about an exercise program that talked about the benefits of exercise during treatment and decided to sign up. Looking back, he’s grateful he did. “Physically and mentally, it helped a lot”, he says.
“I was ecstatic when I got into the Life Now Exercise course, the 12-week program took me right through to the end of my chemo”, Justin says. “The biggest benefit for me was mental. It’s very easy to feel fatigued. Getting the motivation to actually turn up to the gym was the biggest kick for me.”
By going to the Life Now classes I proved to myself that, yes I’ve got cancer, yes I’m going through chemo, but I can still get up and do things.
Justin found the accredited exercise physiologists who facilitated the course to be incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and he was impressed with how they catered the program to each individual. He also learned about the close link between physical exercise and the lymphatic system, which helped push the chemotherapy through his body, providing better circulation and making him feel physically stronger.
Justin’s wife said, “since you’ve been exercising you’ve actually perked up in yourself”.
Since completing the Life Now Exercise course, Justin has become a regular gym-goer. “I’m really proud – I’ve gone through cancer, six months of chemo, and I’m still going through immunotherapy now, but I’m getting up and doing something about it. I’m not just sitting back and giving in,” he says. “I tell anyone who will sit down and listen to me about the benefits of exercise.”
When asked what he would say to anyone considering doing a Life Now Exercise course, Justin answered, “Do it, most definitely. Even if exercise is not for you, I’d still recommend it, because going there where there’s a group of people all going through a similar experience helps mentally.”
Justin’s story is a testament to the power of exercise during cancer treatment. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can find strength and resilience within ourselves. Justin would like to pass on the following note to anyone going through a similar experience – “you can do it, you can get through it.”
Life Now courses are facilitated by an accredited exercise physiologist and tailor-made for people affected by cancer. Thanks to generous donations from the WA community, courses are free for cancer patients and their primary carer (eligibility criteria apply).
How to get involved
- Find out more about our Life Now courses
- Register your interest in a Life Now exercise or meditation course
- Get in touch with our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line