Carissa, a beautiful, kind lady, mum and Inclusion Teacher for year 3 students – she’s also had the fight of her life this year, receiving an unexpected Breast Cancer diagnosis in February 2024, at the age of 40. Carissa is the embodiment of strength, grace and focus; taking three months off work to go through cancer treatment, yet still maintained regular Pilates classes and a deep connection with our Inna Essence studio community.
Hear from Carissa as she describes how her fitness motivation has changed, and how the studio provided her with a haven away from the stress of treatment, surgery and medical appointments.
What challenges or goals first brought you to Inna Essence?
Carissa speaks about how she started Pilates around 2018, and at that time, an initial goal was weight management through movement. She continued regular Pilates classes at Inna Essence, and comments on how much she enjoys the technique focus during class.
“I really like how the focus is on form and technique, rather than pushing yourself until you get exhausted.”
As Carissa has moved through her late 30’s, she has continued to develop an appreciation for how well trained the Inna Essence instructors are, “I love how the instructors know the body so well, and how the focus is on correct and efficient movement.”
From beginning Pilates over 6 years ago with a motivation on how she could change her weight, Carissa’s goals changed drastically in February 2024.
At a routine appointment with her GP, Carissa’s doctor could see that she had recently turned 40, and in an almost casual way, mentioned she should think about getting her breasts checked. Carissa was proactive with this information and arranged a mammogram; she was healthy, doesn’t drink or smoke, and goes to Pilates a few times each week. She thought of this as just part of keeping up with her regular health checks.
However, the mammogram identified calcification in her left breast, which lead Carissa to getting a biopsy. From out of nowhere, no lump, no visible changes to breast tissue, no feelings of being unwell; she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
“A biopsy confirmed cancer cells were found and I was diagnosed in Feburary 2024; surgery then followed to remove the cells, and a course of chemotherapy and radiation was needed. Unfortunately the cancer had spread from the milk ducts to the rest of breast tissue so chemo and radiation were needed as a precaution, in case the cancer cells had spread.”.
“I cannot stress this enough – from 40 years old, get a mammogram! If I hadn’t listened to the advice of my GP and booked that mammogram, I wouldn’t have made it to 50”
Carissa took a term off from working as an Inclusion Teacher, supporting students in year 3. She her cancer journey started with surgery, then nine weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. It’s been quite a steep learning curve for Carissa, in that all of the treatment following her surgery is precautionary, ‘just in case’ the cancer cells have spread. Carissa has overcome the physical discomfort of surgery and treatment, and maintained as much routine as possible with her regular classes at Inna Essence.
“I can’t imagine not being here for my daughter. The treatment is to give me the best chance of a full and long life with her”
Since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Carissa’s goals have significantly changed. “I’m wanting to regain my strength, especially in my upper body. The surgery and scar tissue has slightly changed and restricted my range of movement in my left arm. Pilates is really helping me improve my strength, and gradually improve movement in my shoulder.”
Carissa still attended classes during her treatment, and found the sessions during her chemotherapy helped support her from an emotional and mental health perspective. She spent a great deal of time in bed fatigued from the treatment, and she talks about how it was great to get out of the house and have a routine of coming to classes. “It provided an escape from home whilst I was having treatment. I was too tired to work, but coming to Inna Essence was so important for my mental health”.
What is it about Pilates & Yoga that motivates you?
“I feel like I suffer from back and knee pain if I DON’T come to Pilates! After just one class, I’ll almost instantly feel better. My husband laughs at me when I say I feel sore if I don’t go to Inna Essence! “
Carissa describes that a huge motivating factor for her is the special community of members and instructors. She say’s, “The studio always feels amazing and it’s a really calm place to visit. I never cancel a session if I don’t feel like it; classes have become a routine and part of my life. I’ll only ever cancel a session if something comes up at home or at work that I can’t get out of!”
“I’m so proud that I have made exercising a habit. It isn’t a chore or a task that I need to psych myself up for.”
Carissa really enjoys our more active yoga classes, and can find it a real challenge to clear her mind for the slower paced Restorative classes. “I do prefer the more active classes, and I know that it’s positive for my mental and physical wellbeing. Since having Breast Cancer, I don’t have any aesthetic goals; this experience has really brought things into perspective. If you don’t look after your body from an exercise and health viewpoint, it could fail you.”
Another motivating factor is Carissa’s little girl Winter. She was only nine years old when her mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and it caused their entire family so much worry and concern. Carissa describes how the diagnosis affected Winter, “She was really worried initially that I would lose my breasts, and then she was worried I would lose my hair when I started chemotherapy. The day I cut off all my hair was really upsetting for her, but she and my husband have provided me with so much support and love.”
Tell us about the Retreats at Inna Essence!
Carissa had never been on a Retreat before, and prior to her cancer diagnosis, was already considering booking a place on the Inna Essence Retreat. After chemotherapy, Carissa wanted to celebrate the completion of her treatment and do something just for her.
“I wanted to treat myself, and I’ve never done anything like this, just for me. I hadn’t left my family for any length of time before; but I was really excited to go on the Inna Essence retreat. I had completed my chemo and radiation, so I wanted to celebrate!”
We asked Carissa what she enjoyed most about the Retreat, “I loved meeting new people, not having to clean or cook, and going to a destination which was beautiful and totally unique. A highlight of the Retreat was doing a really tough bush walk with two other attendees; it was such a huge achievement for me. I was really surprised that I could physically manage it!”
What do you love most about the studio?
“I love everything – I love feeling welcomed and supported.”
Carissa really enjoys our Reformer classes, and feels her technique and strength has improved greatly over the years. In particular, Carissa feels empowered in Mel’s classes, “I love how Mel has an end goal for every session, and you leave feeling really accomplished.”
What would you say to a friend who is keen to try a class at Inna Essence?
“The studio is very supportive and welcoming, and every instructor knows how to adapt to the physical needs and injuries of everyone in the room.”
Carissa says that some new visitors might be worried that they are too unfit or too broken, and they don’t want to be a burden. “The small classes means the instructors can watch and manage everyone’s technique, so regardless of your fitness level, everyone is welcomed.”.
“The memberships are so affordable for the quality of instructors and the variety of classes. There are heaps of membership options, and you can go for a pack or a membership depending on how often you want to attend. And the coffee shop downstairs is great after class!”
