Breast cancer survivor finds strength through exercise

“Hey, Brent,” Risa Rehmert called out as she walked into the exercise area at the Ascension Via Christi Cancer Center. Over the past two years, Rehmert has become part of a tight-knit group at the center who support each other through cancer treatment and recovery.

After being diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, Rehmert went to her first appointment with breast surgeon Dr. Therese Cusick with an important question: What can I do? Cusick gave her a list of seven things she could do to support her health during breast cancer treatment.

Rehmert then called her pastor, Terry Williams, who encouraged her to make a two-column list: “grace” for the things she couldn’t control and “grit” for the things she could. Rehmert put Cusick’s seven recommendations in the grit column. Her pastor told her to get busy with everything on that side of the list.

Exercise during breast cancer treatment

One of Cusick’s recommended actions was to meet with Trish Gaston, a fitness instructor at the Cancer Wellness Center. Gaston helped Rehmert turn her determination into a personalized exercise plan.

“I start by coming up with a program design based on each patient’s specific treatment, surgery and long-term needs,” said Gaston. For breast cancer patients like Rehmert, that often includes improving range of motion and strengthening the upper back.

“People can’t fathom adding exercise to what they’re going through,” Gaston said. “They think, ‘Why now?’”

But even light exercise can help maintain strength during treatment. For some patients, that might mean walking around the block or simply walking to the end of it.

“The less you do, the less you’re able to do,” she said.

Rehmert said working with Gaston helped her become healthier, stronger and more confident as she followed through on the “grit” column from her pastor’s list.

Finding strength through cancer support and community

Exercise was only one part of Rehmert’s recovery. She also drew strength from her community. A group of friends helped fill her refrigerator with foods that supported her new diet, while the cancer wellness center gave her a place to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“Everybody’s fighting the same fight,” she said of the people she’s met at the Cancer Wellness Center. “It’s a powerful place to be.”

Today, Rehmert says she loves her “new normal.” Her identity has changed through her cancer experience, but she feels grateful for the people who helped her along the way.

Gaston said Rehmert embraced every part of the process.

“She did it all,” Gaston said.

The six-week, grant-funded wellness program is open to cancer patients and survivors, regardless of where they receive care. To learn more, call 316-268-6100.