"Physiotherapy has given me my confidence back"

In 2022, Naz, 66, was diagnosed with sarcoma in his right thigh. Following surgery at The Royal Marsden, he was referred to the Rehabilitation Team to help his recovery. This is his story.

29 January

“At first, I just thought my clothes were too tight and I kept buying looser clothing. It’s hard to describe but I felt very uncomfortable, like there was something growing in me."

“I was referred to The Royal Marsden where I had an MRI scan and then a biopsy, after which I was told it was sarcoma. I was shocked, but Mr Dirk Strauss, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at the Sarcoma Unit, was excellent. I had my surgery in June and Mr Strauss arranged for me to have the physio straight away."

Naz with Adrian Fautly, both seated and smiling and surrounded by exercise equipment. Adrian is demonstrating how to use an exercise band. — Naz with Adrian Fautly

Rehabilitation

“Adrian Fautly (a Cancer Exercise Specialist whose role is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity) has been wonderful.

"The first thing he asked me was, ‘What is your aim?’ and I said, ‘I just want to play badminton again.’

“He provided me with a very detailed programme with a step-by-step guide to my exercises and it is so helpful for me."

"Initially Adrian referred me to the Sports Clinic for six weeks, and I come to see him in Chelsea every three weeks too."

"I’ve been having the physiotherapy for just over a year now and it has given me a sense of purpose. Just recently I was back on the badminton court, where I managed to play a bit – it was an emotional and proud moment. It is about having quality of life back and being able to do those small enjoyable things again.

“I have almost completed the gym programme and using weight machines – I can finally do a single leg stand on the right leg, which I haven’t been able to do since I had my surgery."

Upper half of Naz. He is wearing a blue hoodie and smiling, with a green exercise ball behind him.

Regained confidence

"The rehab programme has given me my confidence back. Confidence that I can walk up the stairs again, and that I can leave the house without using a stick. Even going to the washroom had been tricky before but now I can do it and all these things have improved the quality of my life.

"I am so grateful to Adrian and the Rehabilitation Team at The Royal Marsden. Their support has meant I can enjoy my life."

Help us support more people like Naz

Naz credits the Rehabilitation Team – and specifically Cancer Exercise Specialist, Adrian Fautly, whose role is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – with giving him his confidence back.

Naz has been able to walk again without using a stick and go back to playing badminton, his main goal following his surgery.

Donate today and help us to support more people like Naz.