Hollings Horizons Winter/Spring 2026 - Magazine - Page 19
Living 昀椀ercely: MUSC program helps
gynecologic cancer patients to regain
quality of life from side e昀昀ects of treatment
D
ubbed Fierce Foundations, the 10-week program
gathers up to 12 gynecologic cancer survivors for
a structured program of exercise, introduction to
physical therapy and occupational therapy, education in
nutrition and breathwork and more, all tailored to the unique
needs of people who’ve gone through gynecologic cancer and
the accompanying treatments.
It’s the third such program at the Wellness Center, following in
the footsteps of Fit Club, designed for breast cancer survivors,
and Strength Camp, designed for prostate cancer survivors.
Developed by clinical exercise specialists, each program
works on problems common among all cancer survivors, like
fatigue and cognitive troubles, while also zeroing in on physical
symptoms specific to that type of cancer, said Cindi Day,
clinical exercise program coordinator.
The women not only benefited from the professionals working
with them but also from each other.
Just as important as the directed physical exercise, Day pointed
out, are the wellness components like nutritional counseling
and therapeutic gardening.
“The camaraderie with the
women – we’re all so di昀昀erent,
but we all have this weird one
thing in common.”
– Caroline Dabney
Caroline Dabney, an ovarian germ cell tumor survivor, said she
was surprised by how much the program resonated with her.
Dabney encourages women who are undergoing treatment to
make a note of the program. They may not feel up to the idea
of exercise and socializing now, but it’s something they should
try once treatment is finished, she said.
“It’s been amazing. I think I underestimated what it would be
like, what it would mean,” she said. “You just see the care team
pouring support and resources into this group of women,
myself included, and it’s so intentional. It was really, really
profound, and it made me realize that I had been shelving my
own health.”
“Where else does this exist, where, for free, you are receiving
this intense amount of almost one-on-one care? It’s a huge
benefit to having your treatment here in Charleston,” she said.
“It feels like a luxury to have this programming available at no
cost to the patient.”
hollingscancercenter.musc.edu
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