As a childhood cancer survivor of over 20 years and as someone who currently works in paediatric oncology, I feel as though I am able to navigate the system relatively well. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible resources that exist for survivors of childhood cancer. At the same time, I’m also aware of the gaps that still need to be addressed.

For a long time, I didn’t even realize I was dealing with fatigue – I just thought feeling tired and sleeping poorly was my “normal” after cancer, a long-term effect of all the treatment. Looking back, I can see how much it was actually affecting me.

I am a bit skeptical of psychosocial resources in Ontario, especially as a childhood and AYA (adolescent & young adult) cancer survivor. I have tried a number of them and many are just education, cost a lot of money or put the responsibility solely on the patient to continue to follow through with the action.

I met Scott (Dr. Adams) MANY years ago and we had crossed paths over the years. So when Scott reached out I was a bit skeptical of this new service. I walked everyday between 2-5km, had no issues with my daily living and felt pretty healthy but there were moments when I was tired. I didn’t think I needed these services. We had a meeting and I asked A LOT of questions, many repeatedly and I still was like BUT WHY?

The bike was the hardest part for me to grasp – I walk, I get done what I need to get done I don’t understand, why does it have to be the bike. I asked this like a broken record.

Nevertheless, I gave it a shot. I did the assessment and the CPET (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and I didn’t realize how unhealthy I was when I received my initial testing numbers.

So I did the 6 week plan. When I went in to do my repeat CPET and talked with Matt and Scott and I had to eat my words. I don’t understand it but it worked, I got energy back. I don’t get why I had to use the bike but something about it was different and it worked.

No one does anything about fatigue in the cancer community. We all hear about it as a possible side effect but what happens when you are done treatment and you need additional assistance, there is no one to help walk you through the process aside from just go exercise. Cancer Fatigue Services helped me – I have the numbers to prove it – and they also did it with me so I didn’t feel like I had to solve the problem alone.