what should I expect - will I turn into a donut?

katiec

Hi

I wonder if anyone can help me. I've just been diagnosed and still not sure exactly what surgery (although was told mastectomy) but still waiting for results so could be lumpectomy plus chemo/radio. I spent about a year losing weight(last year) and lost about 20kg (just think of your airplane suitcase!!!!) so now go to the gym/swim most days. I'm afraid to not go as I don't really like exercise but know that if I start to miss once, it will then be twice and I'll start making excuses then soon be like a donut again.

I've just had a core biopsy and told I can't swim/ shower/ exercise for 48 hours but I feel fine. Not even sore unless I poke the bit they sliced.

what should I expect going forward - am I going to turn into a donut or will I be able to do exercise or sorts - I've read some stuff where it looks like the last thing I'll be able to do but...

thanks

AmyIsStrong

Katie - I also spent the year before I was diagnosed losing a lot of weight and getting into really good shape. Probably about 40 lbs (not sure how that translates into kg). I think the losing the weight and having smaller breasts is what allowed me to feel the lump. So actually losing the weight may have saved my life! Anyway I had huge concerns about gaining the weight back as well and asked my doctors a lot about it.  I probably looked a little obsessed in the beginning, I was so scared of losing all the progress I had made.  My oncologist said "I not only allow exercise, I insist on it!" which helped. So I did take some time off during/after surgery but started walking daily (a good few miles at a pretty fast pace) and continued straight through chemo - only missing when it was really raining. I went running a few times and went back to the gym once (but am still self conscious about my bald head there and concerned about too many germs).  It was very odd to let myself eat whatever I want after chemo, and I ate more toast and bread than I have in AGES, and pasta and other carbs like that as well. But I found that I lost some weight the week right after chemo and then put it back on the 2 weeks after that. And then repeated the cycle six times (once through each chemo!).  I just finished chemo (YEAH!) and am moving on to radiation. I think I am close to the same as when I started all this.  I have definitely lost some muscle tone (since no weight work) but my trainer assured me that whatever happens, I needed to just take care of myself, get better and then we would work to either gain anything I lost, or lose anything I gained. That made me feel better!  I start radiation soon, and should be finished by Oct. THEN I am going to go back to the gym and re-start my program.  I also am hoping to run in a Breast Cancer 5k in Oct. So if you make it a priority to stay active and be reasonably responsible with what you eat, you should be fine. I am DEFINITELY not a donut!

On  a serious note, part of the reason I think I was so concerned about my weight was that it was a way of staying in control when so much was happening so fast.  My friends thought I was crazy to worry about it, in the midst of having cancer. But it was important to me. I can see now, in hindsight, that I was trying to normalize SOMETHING and didnt' want to go back to being heavy and lose my fitness along with losing my hair, breast, etc.  But the habits and discipline I developed through the weightloss period REALLY helped me through the treatment. Also, being fit and strong made a BIG difference in my body's ability to withstand everything. I came throught the chemo really well (with the help of a wonderful natural doctor who developed a supplement regimen for me. You might want to consider finding someone like this - it REALLY helped!). 
So be confident - you are going to make it and you are NOT going to be a donut.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to send me a private message.

GOOD LUCK and best wishes. You ARE going to be ok!

Amy

katiec

thanks - that's so much like I feel. I'm feeling realy worried about BC but at the same time almost obsessed with not stepping backward exercise/weight wise after I put in so much effort to lose weight. Both issues hitting me and it seems silly to worry about my weight/fitness but I've done so well and and the issues are spinning around my head. I'm almost afraid to ask my doctor as it seems so petty but it's important to me. I've finally started weight training and for the first time ever - have arms which don't look like sausages!

don23

Katie-it is not silly to worry about your weight and fitness level right now. When I was first diagnosed that was one of my fears as well. Since I was diagnosed in April I can honestly say I have only gained two pounds from this horrid event in my life. I did try to watch what I ate and some days that was hard because I am an emotional eater. After surgery I could not go back to my fitness routine but I did take a lot of walks (something is better than nothing). It has taken me a while to get back in to a routine but once you get there you will feel empowered once again. My recovery went well and I have had no complaints and I attribute that to taking care of myself before all this started. It does help the healing process. You will be OK!!!!