Posted in Lifestyle

Hello, my name is Kate Caine. I've been a patient at MIOG as part of my treatment for breast cancer. In my regular world, I am an Osteopath with my own practice here in Melbourne. I have also been a Medical Scientist and Lecturer to student Osteopaths and Massage Therapists. I've been used to making a diagnosis for my patients and guiding their recoveries but recently, I've had to sit on the other side of the desk and receive a diagnosis myself. And then listen to others...

Excerpt from Silver Linings - Stories from lockdown to uplift and inspire.
Have you ever felt lost? Or stood still in the middle of chaos, paralysed by fear? Sensed that your world was crashing? Heard something completely unfathomable? I have. To the point that I felt numb all over and all I could do was find comfort in my worn-out sunken armchair. It was in that moment, as I sat and stared out of the window, confused and anxious, that I became aware of the need to surrender. Bu...

The traditional notion of resting your body to overcome cancer treatment related fatigue has been debunked a long while ago now. Instead the research is heavily supportive of exercise and movement. Research shows that moving your body during and after cancer treatment can help with: Improved mood Improved physical function Improved strength and muscle mass Improved quality of life Improved cardiovascular fitness Improved fatigue And most importantly reduce the...

The art of tapping.
When we say "tapping" we are referring to Clinical EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques. It is a gentle, self touch technique in which we use our own fingers to tap on specific acupressure points around the face and upper body. Based on the ancient technique of acupuncture from Traditional Chinese Medicine, EFT has been combined with modern psychology and contains elements of Mindfulness, CBT, ACT, Exposure Therapy and Positive Psychology.

Mindfulness pra...

Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It presents as swollen mouth and/or gums, ulcers in the mouth or on the lips, painful swallowing, feelings of dryness or burning in the mouth and throat, reflux-type sensations, and increased mucous or saliva in the mouth. Mucositis can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, however if in the mouth (ie oral mucositis) it is particularly noticeable and painful.   Why am I getting mucositis ...

Dear MIOG Community. Well there goes another week where the themes are physical distancing, anxiety and uncertainty. It can be very stressful time for oncology patients, especially with treatment - induced immune effects and changes to your current treatment plans and options.  The results of efforts are looking promising, and the distancing measures are succeeding at "flattening the curve". We are, however, still at the beginning of a long road ahead. Ipatien encourage e...