Patient Perspective on Living Well After Cancer – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center shared on LinkedIn:
“Susan Saunders discusses how taking care of her body, mind and spirit during treatment helped her cancer outcomes and encourages other survivors to seek cancer support services.
By Debby Tech
Susan Saunders, 65, had been eating right, exercising and taking good care of herself when she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021.
“I have always been passionate about health and wellness,” said Saunders. “I did everything right and still got cancer. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I accepted my diagnosis, developed a plan of attack and started fighting.”
Making Lifestyle Changes
Her plan included changes to her diet and exercise routine, as well as safe ways to continue doing all the things she loved.
Although she had always eaten healthy foods, she kicked it up a notch. She began following a Mediterranean diet, eliminated alcohol and only ate whole, organic, unprocessed foods. Given her fatigue, she also had help with preparing her meals.
She adapted her exercise routine to accommodate her weakened immune system. She practiced yoga online, went for nature walks and worked out with a trainer in an isolated part of the gym.
To help her relax and cope with the stress, she meditated, sat on the beach, swam in the ocean and listened to audiobooks. She turned to her faith to help her maintain a positive attitude.
Having a Positive Impact
She also made sure to be kind to herself. A former fashion model, she bought a beautiful wig and applied makeup, knowing she would feel better if she looked good. Although she was typically the caregiver, she accepted help from friends and family for the first time in her life.
“I believe that all of these lifestyle changes were critical to my treatment, recovery and survival,” said Saunders.
Now cancer-free, Saunders has been sharing her story with others, hoping to have a positive impact on them during treatment and throughout their cancer journeys.
“I give them the same advice I followed,” said Saunders. “I encourage them to have a positive attitude, focus on their health and wellness, and find ways to keep doing the things they love.”
Supporting Clinical Research
In gratitude for the excellent care she received from her oncologist, Craig Moskowitz, M.D., she and her husband, David, have been supporting his clinical research.
“Dr. Moskowitz and his team gave me the confidence and survival tools I needed throughout my treatments,” said Saunders. “I want to make sure other cancer patients have the same opportunity.”
In 2022, Dr. Moskowitz launched the Lifestyle Intervention of Food and Exercise for Lymphoma Survivors (LIFE-L) study with Tracy Crane, Ph.D. RDN, co-lead of the Cancer Control Program and director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Moskowitz and other colleagues are working with newly diagnosed lymphoma cancer patients to explore whether a Mediterranean diet and increased aerobic and strength training exercise can improve outcomes from treatment, including reducing side effects from chemotherapy and enhancing well-being and quality of life.
“The LIFE-L study is among the first to test a lifestyle intervention during treatment for lymphoma,” said Dr. Moskowitz, physician-in-chief at Sylvester and professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Researchers at Sylvester Cancer Support Services are helping patients navigate the physical and mental impacts of a cancer diagnosis before, during, and after treatment so they can recover faster and have better outcomes. Survivors have access to resources for exercise and nutrition.
“Lifestyle interventions during treatment for cancer hold high potential for improving outcomes and decreasing the risk of recurrence,” said Dr. Crane. “We are learning more and more about how to help patients live well, starting with things they do every day—eating and moving their body.”
Patients can also participate in support groups, seminars and workshops, as well as various therapies like art, music and massage.
“When you receive a cancer diagnosis, it is so important to take care of your mind, body and spirit and use available resources when you need help,” said Saunders.”