Discouraged about not enough exercise during chemo

jenlee

I've read that exercise during chemo is crucial.  I've read that exercise during chemo increases survival rates.  First few cycles, I was depressed.  Middle cycles, I was dligent about exercise.  Toward end 5th and during 6th, side effects set in (big swollen feet), etc.  Testing for heart issues.  Now, severe acid problems in throat causing coughing, gagging.  So to make a long story short, for most of chemo, I have not managed to exercise.  

I was very diligent about exercise before diagnosis, always at the gym, BMI was usually average or lower (a few slightly overweight periods).  I'm sure I'll get back into exercise right after chemo, if not sooner.  (Though some delay during BMX recovery).  I'm getting a recumbent exercise bike to help with that during BMX.   Just really discouraged that I didn't manage to keep it up during chemo, if that really does affect survival rates.    Any thoughts?

Momine

I have never come across anything to suggest that survival is affected by exercise during chemo. What I have seen evidence for is that exercise during chemo can help counteract the fatigue and other SEs.

Keeping up a good level of exercise in general does seem associated with better survival, but I don't think that it has to be during chemo specifically. 

Moderators

Hi Jen!

Don't beat yourself up! It's completely understandable that you need a little downtime from exercise during chemo.

You may be interested in our new Exercise section, specifically the Exercise During and After Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies page for tips on when to exercise during chemo and precautions you should take.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

bcisnofun

Hi Jenlee - wow, I think maybe you're being too hard on yourself.  I felt like my job during chemo was getting through chemo (and working full time, and spending as much positive time with my family as I was able).  I think exercise is always good, but I also think chemo is a hard time in your life and certainly a time when you deserve to give yourself a break physically and emotionally.  I finished chemo in late August, was feeling much better in late September and started working out hard again shortly after that.  I work out 6 days a week and am in better shape than I was pre dx.  You'll be back again in no time.  thinking of you and wishing you well!  Pam

NHsmiles

Hi Jen--

I had so many complications from chemo that the only exercise I got was going to doctor appts, getting dressed, walking to the little girls room...you get my drift.  I only had enough energy to make it through the day, and the thought of exercise was not the first thing on my mind. Chemo literally sucked the life out of me.

Don't beat yourself up.  Chemo is so tough in itself. There is plenty of time to worry about exercise once you complete chemo.

And no, I have never heard of exercise during chemo effecting survival rates.

Hugs,

Heather 

Morgan513

Jen--

Don't be so hard on yourself.  I managed to walk for 30 minutes when I exercised during chemo and that was a huge workout, very tiring.  So, just be kind to yourself and walk if you can.  Get outside and enjoy the weather and being in nature.  It will help so much.

There's plenty of time for harder exercise when you are done with treatment.

Lorrie 

ruthbru

Just do what you can for now, you can make up for it once you are done.

NancyHB

Jenlee - Good advice to be had here - don't be so hard on yourself.  As a runner and diligent yogi (who has been unable to practice either for the last two months, which breaks my heart to no end), I have learned to honor my body and spirit.  I do what I can when I can:  some days getting out of bed is the only exercise I can manage.  Today I was able to weed the garden and mow the lawn.  Every day is different, and I do what I can when I can.  Someday chemo will be behind me and I'll have the energy and ability to exercise again.  Right now my body needs me to take it a little easier so it can heal (I'm having very difficult SEs).  I've met others who don't struggle and can easily exercise, and I admit that I envy them. 

Do what you can; don't beat yourself up for what you can't do.  Take care of yourself in this short-term so that in the long-term you'll be in better shape emotionally and physically.  

*hugs*  Nancy

Heidihill

Haven't heard of this but even if it's true, there are many factors that determine outcome so you can certainly make up later with exercise or with other things now. Like being in nature as Lorrie mentioned. Also I read somewhere that if you were exercising regularly at least two years before diagnosis, this gives you an edge. You're good already in that department.

jenlee

Ladies, thanks so much for taking the time to respond and be supportive.  Sometimes I get teary at how kind people are here!

ruthbru

If you want to; check out the 'Lets Post Our Daily Exercise' thread. Lots of great ladies in all phases of treatment and beyond.