For many cancer survivors, the road to recovery can be filled with unexpected challenges. Kaylene Stokes, an Ipswich grandmother, knows this journey all too well. After undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, she was left with severe pain that impacted her daily life. Despite her best efforts, relief seemed out of reach.
This remarkable story was reported by 9News Australia, shedding light on an unconventional treatment that gave Kaylene a new lease on life.
Kaylene endured two years of debilitating pain following her radiation treatment. The discomfort was constant and made simple tasks unbearable. “It just ached,” she said. “You couldn’t lie on that side, you couldn’t do anything.”
Initially, doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her pain. It wasn’t until an MRI was performed that the real issue came to light. The scan revealed she had a radiation injury, a condition affecting about 10% of cancer patients.
With limited options and little hope for relief, Kaylene turned to a lesser-known treatment: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves sessions in a pressurized chamber where the air pressure is increased to simulate conditions equivalent to being 14 meters below sea level. This elevated-pressure environment enhances the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. During these sessions, patients wear a specialized mask that delivers concentrated oxygen directly to their lungs.
The pressurized setting enables oxygen to dissolve more efficiently into the bloodstream, reaching areas of the body that typically receive limited oxygen due to injury or damage.
This process is especially beneficial for healing damaged tissues because oxygen is a vital element in the body’s natural repair mechanisms. By increasing oxygen supply, HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and accelerates tissue regeneration.
For patients recovering from injuries caused by radiation or other treatments, this therapy promotes targeted healing and alleviates persistent pain, offering a renewed sense of comfort and mobility.
Dr. Susannah Sherlock explained the process: “We’re actually healing it by getting the body to recognize that it’s been injured. It requires daily treatment over weeks.”
Kaylene underwent 40 sessions of HBOT. Gradually, she noticed a reduction in her pain. Over time, it disappeared almost entirely. “It just kept abating all the time, and eventually, I virtually have no pain,” she shared.
The therapy not only addressed her physical pain but also gave her back her life. Kaylene now enjoys activities she once thought were impossible. “I wouldn’t be able to go camping with my kids. Now, I’m going camping with them and my grandchildren. I’m back to being me.”
HBOT works by delivering high doses of oxygen to the body’s tissues. The increased oxygen levels promote the growth of new blood vessels and improve circulation to damaged areas.
The therapy is particularly effective for radiation injuries, as it helps repair tissue damage caused by treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
In Australia, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is covered by Medicare and most private health insurers for cancer survivors and those with radiation injuries. Accredited clinics across the country provide this life-changing treatment.
Wesley Hyperbaric in Queensland is one such facility advocating for broader coverage of HBOT. According to their CEO, Aiden Turner, the therapy’s potential extends beyond cancer recovery.
Research is uncovering new applications for HBOT. In the United States, the therapy is being used to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. It has also shown promise for managing long COVID symptoms and aiding recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
Aiden Turner is optimistic about the therapy’s future. “We’re seeing it applied to more conditions. The benefits are becoming clearer with each study,” he said.
For patients like Kaylene, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a game-changer. Her story highlights the importance of exploring alternative treatments for pain management and recovery.
Today, she lives a full, active life surrounded by her family. HBOT gave her more than pain relief; it gave her a second chance to enjoy life’s precious moments.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an unconventional yet effective solution for those battling chronic pain from radiation injuries. With its growing applications, more patients could benefit from this treatment in the future.
This inspiring story, first shared by 9News Australia, reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the advancements in medical science. For cancer survivors, HBOT represents hope, healing, and a chance to reclaim their lives.
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