Episode 9

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Published on:

28th May 2024

Strength Through Struggles: The Power of Fitness During Chemo and Beyond

The episode features a conversation with Jessika Wheeler, an occupational therapist specializing in cancer rehabilitation, discussing the role of occupational therapy in supporting individuals through their cancer journey, including prehabilitation and rehabilitation aspects. They delve into how occupational therapy helps manage physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients, emphasizing the benefits of tailored exercise programs and highlighting the importance of assembling a supportive care team to improve overall well-being during and after treatment.

00:00 Welcome to Saddle Up Live: A Journey Through Cancer and Therapy

01:01 Discovering Occupational Therapy: Jessika Wheeler's Story

02:24 The Impact of Occupational Therapy on Cancer Rehabilitation

03:02 Navigating the Emotional and Physical Challenges of Cancer

07:18 Exploring the Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment

12:19 The Importance of a Supportive Team in Cancer Recovery

18:09 Encouragement and Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey

Navigating Cancer Rehabilitation with Occupational Therapy

Jessika is an occupational therapist currently working as the ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program Director in Minnesota with NovaCare Rehabilitation.  She graduated with a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota where she focused on expanding the role of occupational therapy in oncology care.  Jessika has further specialized in cancer rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and lymphedema treatment.  She serves as a Select Medical faculty member and mentor in oncology and cognitive rehabilitation.  She enjoys hiking, camping and traveling with her husband and spending her summers with the St. Paul Saints as Ushertainer “Paula Bunyan”. 




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About the Podcast

Saddle Up Live Podcast
Welcome to Saddle Up Live, a transformative podcast tailored for women aged 40 and beyond, where courage, God’ s grace, and a touch of sass are the driving forces behind conquering life's challenges. Join me, Lesa Koski, as I take you on a captivating ride through the multifaceted aspects of womanhood in this vibrant stage of life, covering everything from my journey through breast cancer, the intricacies of marriage and the joys of motherhood to the exciting adventures of grandparenting.

In each episode, we saddle up for candid conversations about God, health, relationships, family dynamics, and the beautiful chaos that comes along the way. But here's the twist: Saddle Up Live goes beyond navigating the highs and lows of life; it's a platform dedicated to sharing what we have learned along the way. I want to help women thrive through it all. Together, we'll uncover actionable strategies for personal and professional development, providing you with the tools and inspiration needed to blaze new trails and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

Moreover, we're committed to helping you suffer less and live more fully. Through our discussions on God, health, wellness, and mindfulness, we'll explore practical techniques for managing stress, cultivating resilience, and embracing a holistic approach to self-care.

So, whether you're looking for practical advice, heartfelt stories, or simply a supportive community of like-minded women, saddle up and join us on this exhilarating ride. Because at Saddle Up Live, we believe that every woman deserves to thrive, flourish, and live her best life - no matter her age or stage.


Bio: I am a wife, a mama, a grandma and an animal lover. I am blessed to be serving people from my barn office. I am obsessed with learning and communication. I love sharing what I learn with all of you! There is nothing more gratifying than holding people's hands through difficulties and sharing all the joy around us!
I am a recovering attorney who was mostly a stay at home mom; who adopted one and birthed two, ridden the bumpy marriage ride for 32 years. Found my passion at 50, learned how to control my mindset and anxiety and have built an amazing business in the last 6 years. I have journeyed through motherhood, weddings, grandbabies, entrepreneurship and menopause with grace, tears and laughter. I now I will share my story through breast cancer with you. I want to help women suffer less, know God loves them and they are worthy!! I am here to help you and I know all about what you’re going through.

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