Half Dome here we come!!

goodvibes

Half Dome here we come!!

goodvibes

My wife was diagnosed last summer with IDC. She had double mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction in August. Just finished 6 rounds of Taxotere/Carboplatin on 12/26 and continues with Herceptin drip for another 8 months. We wanted to do something special and set a goal that was both challenging and reasonable. We are planning on climbing Half Dome in Yosemite on September 17th. We basically have 7 months to prepare. We are in pretty good shape and could have done this "pre-cancer". We hike and bike ride all the time.

Is it too soon to expect Barb to be able to train for and complete this hike? Does anyone know if Herceptin or Aromasin cause side effects that would hinder her?  She is one tough babe and thinks she can do it but I worry.

any thoughts, comments or concerns would be greatly appreciated!

GOODVIBES!

bomber410

I can only speak from my experience.  I did not have a mast./trans flap.  I also am not on Herceptin and am taking Tamoxifen, not Aromasin.  I did do 4 AC and 4 of Taxotere.  So that's my basis.  Now for my two cents.  :-)

I finished chemo September 7 and radiation day before Thanksgiving.  I, too, went into this thang physically fit and active.  Went backpacking overnight up a small mountain in the snow the day after diagnosis.  Did the Mount Wash. road race (NH) and BC 3-day while on chemo.  Not bragging (well, maybe a little) but the point is I was/am active.  

With that time line outlined, I do feel stronger everyday.  I can push a little more everyday.  Your wife is going to feel that also.  She may not feel it yet, but when it starts kicking in, it's noticeable and glorious.  But I'm still tired by 3 or so everyday.   Working full time on a brain stressing job doesn't help.  But I can also see now that my brain is more agile than it was on chemo.

For the Half Dome hike, altitude may be an issue.  Also her energy may make for slower going and more rests.  As you get back to training, you'll know.  But here's the kicker.  You both have to be okay with not going the entire distance.  Get there, approach it, get on the trail, with an established cut off point/turn around time.  Of course, we'll all hear that you guys did it.  :-)  But remember it is the journey, not always the end point.  And know that you are doing more than most people would ever dream of doing.  I'll be rooting for you!

I know I've chattered on.  I hope this helps.   

Debbie 

AnneW

Oh, I'm envious! I wanna climb Half Dome!!

The Aromasin won't cause any problems. I'm on that and very active. If she had bilateral TRAMs, I would recommend starting with a good physical therapist to get the abs going well and get her started now on endurance training. Then she can move to weights and aerobics, and all the things that will help her enjoy the trip.

Many women train while they are in treatment. Just start slowly and with guidance. Keeping a training log will be a motivator for you both.

I love active vacations. One year after my first cancer (radiation only) my husband and I trekked the Alps for two weeks. It was amazing. Barb should think about doing Mt. Shasta with the Breast Cancer Fund next year!

Anne

yarrowfern

Sounds like a lot of fun! My goal was to go surfing in Costa rica to mark the end of treatments. Of course I had never surfed before. I trained like crazy while in treatment. Some days I was so tired and I think I was tired for 7 months after the treatment but the exercise and trip was great! I felt strong and it took my mind off my misery.



Go for it and have fun

goodvibes

Thanks for all the info and words of encouragement. We did our first "post chemo" hike the other day.  Probably about 4 miles, with some hill work in there as well. We climbed a hill that Barb would have EASILY done last year. This time she was very winded. It just showed us how far down the chemo had taken her and how far we have to go to make it to Half Dome.

AnneW

She may be a bit anemic, too.

I live at 7200 feet, and for about 4 weeks after my mastectomies, it wore me out to walk up our hill from the mailbox. I found out a few weeks later that I'd had some blood loss during surgery and was anemic.

Certainly her chemo took that kind of toll on her, as well as just the muscle fatigue. But 4 miles is fabulous!! She'll be ready for Half Dome when it's time!

Anne

Jorf

Has she been keeping up with exercise the whole time? I was able to do a vigorous test for my preliminary black belt a month after the same chemo (no herceptin, no AI, no TRAM) if that helps. It's pretty individual. I'd plan on it taking a lot longer than you think and make plans to cut it short if need be.