For patients at the Spencer Cancer Center, cancer care extends beyond appointments, treatments and test results.
The Oncology Wellness Program at the Spencer Cancer Center provides patients with fitness classes, massage therapy sessions and lifestyle guidance throughout their treatment and recovery.
Fitness classes that bolster energy levels and build relationships
In a room full of treadmills, weights and other fitness equipment, exercise trainer Liz Zenas helps patients build strength and confidence during their journey.
“I view my job as a positive piece of our patients’ cancer journeys,” Zenas said. “It is all about how I can help influence them in a beneficial way that affects them for years to come.”
Through 12-week training classes, Oncology Wellness Program patients work with Zenas to improve their endurance, balance and strength. Her classes take a practical approach, focusing on functional fitness that helps patients increase energy levels, improve quality of life and make day-to-day activities easier.
“I am passionate about making exercise fun and approachable,” she said. “Exercise can feel intimidating, but every activity can be scaled to fit all abilities and fitness levels as long as the individual is willing to put in the work.”
In addition to traditional classes, Zenas also teaches yoga and helps patients identify healthy lifestyle changes they can incorporate into their treatment and recovery.
As patients move through classes together, they often encourage one another, celebrate progress and build a sense of community during a challenging season of life. For Zenas and the rest of the Oncology Wellness Program team, those connections are an important part of care.
“Everyone on staff here cares deeply for our patients and their experience during treatment and recovery,” she says. “I love creating relationships with my patients and working with a great team.”
Strengthening mobility, mental health and relaxation through massage therapy
Whether patients have just completed a round of treatment or exercise, another part of the Spencer Cancer Center’s Oncology Wellness Program is complementary massage therapy for all patients.
Massage therapy plays an important role in recovery from treatment. Cancer treatment can leave patients feeling fatigued, making rest and supportive care important parts of recovery.
The Oncology Wellness Program’s three-person massage therapy team helps patients reduce pain, relieve stress and regain mobility.
“The most rewarding part of my role is bringing comfort and relaxation to our patients while they navigate a hard and trying time,” said Jessica Shabo. “I have had numerous patients tell me over the years that being able to receive massage therapy when they come in for treatment makes their day so much better.”
The benefits of massage therapy extend beyond pain reduction and increased mobility. It can also enhance mental wellbeing.
“Wellness treatments can decrease anxiety associated with receiving cancer treatment,” said massage therapist Cheryl Forney. “In addition, it can also positively affect immune function.”
The calming experience helps patients relax, reduce anxiety and feel more at ease during treatment, reinforcing the Oncology Wellness Program’s goal of caring for the whole person throughout the cancer journey.
“I love the opportunity to help patients get their treatments more easily, feel more relaxed and with less pain,” said James Foster, a massage therapist. “It’s also rewarding to hear from patients who finish their treatment at the Spencer Cancer Center that the massages are the things they will miss.”
About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.
