Table 3.

Patient and spouse comments on acceptability of Exercising Together© during patient’s radiation therapy

Patient comments

• I liked that it was a couple’s class. The experience was pleasant and beneficial. It exceeded my expectations. The biggest thing is it encouraged and supported communication between us focusing and working toward common goal. I think “communication” can certainly suffer during stressful times. I/we certainly weren't prepared for cancer.

• Very good idea having this kind of class, I feel very lucky to have been a part of it. This is a very good way to deal with the cancer problem. I hope you continue this program, I felt it was a great benefit to everyone.

• Motivated me to stay active. Was good for spouse to get some exercise. Motivation to be positive, meet role models and share cancer experience. Was good to see my spouse be involved.

• A unique program as most fitness programs are only for individual, not couples. I don’t know any fitness programs that enable couples to learn how to coach each other. Highly recommend the partner exercise program as it enables empathy, understanding, respect, sharing, caring that are essential to marriage. I will never forget the experience.

• Very good program, really helped get my spouse to be more involved in exercise...more capable than she would ever have thought. A FUN diversion to the daily radiation treatments.

• I enjoyed exercising with my wife. Exercising together had much more value than if I did it by myself. I always looked forward to each class. My treatments are over and we plan on attending these exercise classes as long as we can.

• Very good idea to do couples, especially for the motivation. The motivational value as well as the coaching when we do the exercises as a couple at home.

• The best part about the program was learning to help each other to do the exercise correctly.

Spouse comments

• The classes were really perfect for us, it felt empowering and we really grew closer because of it. My spouse is a work-a-holic, so not much interaction. We had the opportunity to “work” together. Gives purpose, like we are fighting the cancer with all we had.

• Really did help me keep moving. I would have just gone home and sat if it wasn’t for the class. I most definitely would recommend this class for everyone going through cancer treatment and their partner because it brings couples closer together. You work as one unit. You help each other and strengthen each other and learn to support each other in ways you don't necessarily think of otherwise.

• It was fun and something we had never done, but I think we will continue to do together.

• Liked the social and communication between the couples. Formed new friendships. This class provides a connection and informal group support for radiation. Keep this program of exercise with couples.

• I know this was a boost for my husband’s moral through his treatment process.

• Being with my spouse put me in a safe, non-judgmental, supportive place right off the bat. It was the bright spot in each day of treatment it fell on, and the strength we gained felt SO good. I do believe the fatigue was lessened for my spouse. We both hope this gets put into the treatment protocols. We gained a great deal from being in the classes.

• The partnered exercise program is a great idea and we are hoping that we will be able to carry it on and keep up what we have learned and gained. It's always good to exercise with a partner. It helped to keep our spirits up and our bodies energized to the extent that one can be during radiation.

• I do not think my husband would have participated if they were not for couples. They seemed to brighten the day to spend some time with other couples going through the same processes.