Exercise - Working Back to it After or During Treatment

jjames76

Thanks! Yes spoke with my Onc and my primary care physician, Onc says everything should be out of my system by now and primary care says my body is still builing up muscle mass after treatment....but its not getting better only worse...so this may be an "only me" thing. I was just wondering if it was "only me" thing. If I dont run, im just a little stiff in the morning or after sitting for long periods..if I run, I am literally stiff and sore to the point of not being able to walk without great discomfort. Its just so wierd.  

gonegirl

I think everyone is different. I know that for many months after my last Taxol, I was so stiff.  I still am stiff, but just better. The key is to keep moving.  My oncologist also told me it takes about a year for the chemo to come out of the system.  Maybe add some yoga (I should talk - I've been trying to get myself to do this for awhile). And keep track of when things are worse or better and what is happening.  Chemo is just darn tough on the body.  I know it saved my life, and I am grateful for that. But chemo has consequences.

Glad you're here.  Come back often and let us know what you're doing, and we'll cheer you on.  

jjames76

THANK YOU! I will

FLwarrior

I walked 2 miles last Saturday and did ok.  I don't try to go any further than that because of the nerve damage in my feet (thanks to taxotere). I walk at a comfortable pace and hope that it is still doing some good. I can not power-walk anymore like I used to.  I don't think the nerve pain will ever resolve completely, as I finished taxotere June of 2011 and my feet still bother me a lot (most every day ). Have any of you found anything that helps relieve your nerve-pain?

jjames, I am stiff in my hips for a few steps after sitting for a while, which is new since chemo. Once I take a few steps I am ok.  I have not tried to run since chemo, my feet wouldn't allow it.  I have noticed that I can not ride my bike near as far as before chemo because my leg muscles tire out SO much faster now. 

I work full time, so I admit, I was was exercise lazy during the week. I am trying to psych myself up to go walk my 2 mile walk today.

SpecialK

FLwarrior - what about swimming?  That would be good aerobic exercise without the pressure on your feet.  Have you tried Lyrica or Neurontin?

gonegirl

i still have neuropathy too, but luckily it's ust numbness.  still, i can't wear those cute shoes anymore, just practical ones. :-)

i'm going to california tomorrow for a conference. i'm packing yoga clothes just in case i'm inspired.  i'm hoping to find some goo walking places near where i'm staying.  we'll see.  i can only make my promises. :-)

SpecialK

gritgirl - where in California are you going?

carol57

Flopsie, your mention of PALS for Life caught my eye.  I was able to work with some local sponsors to bring that exact workshop to my tiny town in Michigan, so the personal trainer where I work out, plus trainers from other gyms, could get first-hand guidance for working with those of us who have or are at risk of lymphedema.  The workshop was amazing, and if anyone else in this forum is interested in learning about it, look here: 

http://cancersurvivorfitness.com/

There's been a fair amount of research about exercise and lymphedema, although most of it relates to weight lifting.  So a group of us (with LE, sigh...) worked with some exercise experts to extend the PAL guidelines using a hefty dose of common sense, to other forms of exercise (and used whatever other non-weight lifting/LE research we could find). Here are links for two documents, the first meant for personal trainers and exercise instructors, including yoga, and the second for BC survivors.  The trainer one is more detailed, but not technical, so either one is a good read for those interested in safety guidelines for exercising if you have, or are at risk of LE. Even yoga brings some risks, so I hope anyone who's thinking of starting yoga or exercise after treatment will take a look.

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Trainer%20doc%20for%20SUSO-040113.pdf

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Handout%20doc%20for%20SUSO-040113.pdf

As for exhaustion during and following BC treatment, well, like so many other things in life, one step at a time, slow but sure, etc. etc. etc. Any exercise, however short or simple, is good for us. So every step, whether at a walk, jog, or run, is a good step, even if the number of steps is limited for now.

gonegirl

Specialk. I'm going to Dana Point. It's not far from Anaheim I think think.



Welcome, Carol and everyone else

SpecialK

Carol - I printed the guidelines out and gave them to my Livestrong trainer - she was so happy to have them.

Gritgirl - Dana Point is beautiful you will love it! It is in the OC like Anaheim but closer to the beach. Check www.mapmywalk.com/us/dana-point-ca/  The Monarch St. Regis is an awesome hotel there - worth going for lunch, or a sunset, if you can.

gonegirl

specialk. thank you so much.  i'll have to check it out. :-)

FLwarrior

SpecialK, swimming is a great idea, but I do not have access to a pool right now.

Gritgirl, have FUN at your conference and enjoy CA!

Anonymous

Gritgirl, how long will you be in California? There are lots of fun things depending on the amount of time you have here (Queen Mary up the coast in Long Beach, Newport Beach). Dana Point is in southern Orange County, Anaheim/Disneyland in northern OC. Hoping you enjoy!

gonegirl

2nd time. I'm here until Thursday. This sure is gorgeous parts.

Anonymous

You don't sleep much? Just north of Dana Point is Laguna Beach, Ritz Carlton Hotel is gorgeous. San Capistrano Mission is really close. Walking on the beaches is great exercise. Enjoy your stay!

MaraUK

Hi gritgirl

Have a great time in California.

I think it's a case of while the cat is away the mice can play(or in my case no exercise). Seriously really enjoy the trip.

Mara

SpecialK

FLwarrior - drive on over and swim at my house!

gonegirl

Mara. I think I just walked your hill but it's in California now.



Specialk. If I was there in Florida, I'd drive over yo swim.



2nd time. I'm here for a conference so won't have time to get out and see. At least the view where I am is nice. I always have a hard time with the coast to coast jet lag. I slept better than I thought I would last night, but still woke up many times

SpecialK

gritgirl - I should get in my pool more - I can't really come with a reason why I don't other than it is in the sun all day, which I try to avoid (have a derm appt today - they usually find something to saw off of me, lol!) and I am home alone so much I don't feel comfortable getting in the pool when nobody is here.  Having said that, mi piscina es su piscina, so come on down!  I would get in because you would be here!  Don't know if you are watching the news but they had a shooter at the Navy Yard - not good.

TarheelMichelle

Enjoy the views, gritgirl. I'll be crossing my fingers you get a little time away from the conference to get out and about. :-)

Anonymous

Hoping you get some time on the beach Gritgirl. Today is really hot, would be great for a wonderful cocktail watching the sun set over the ocean

Ginger48

FLwarrier- I take neuronton and it helps a little. I do find swimming is the best exercise for me although the weather has cooled off too much for outside swimming and we have no pools nearby. We will have a YMCA in about a year.



(SpecialK-I wish I lived closer... I would definitely be your pool buddy!) hope you were able to leave the derm without having anything sawed off.



Gritgirl- hope you can enjoy a little of the sights.



Carol- thanks for the links!

Anonymous

Gritgirl, our timing is off, I was in OC three days last week, would loved to have met you with you being so close. Only Friday in OC this week.

gonegirl

2nd time. Next time I'll make sure I post before I go somewhere. :-(



Today's exercise so far, putting on pantyhose. Really. That was a workout.

FLwarrior

Oh gritgirl! Panyhose in CA? Yuck Hope you are having a great time!



SpecialK Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it! Sounds fun!



Ginger, I have not tried neuronton. What kind of se do you get from it?

TwoHobbies

Grit girl you and I must be the only two who still wear pantyhose. But I get cold without them whether it be cold outside or cold inside from AC.



So my exercise has been sporadic because I discovered I feel much better when I don't exercise. Took four days off last week and felt my old self. Went for a 35 minute walk Saturday and slept 11hours and was achy and crabby for two days. Hard to be motivated under those circumstances. So yesterday I did some stretching and light weights only. Still trying a little.

SpecialK

ginger - unfortunately, I was not able to get away scot free from the derm - three biopsies o my back.  I am not that surprised - it is the hardest area for me to examine myself, and I have had several other skin cancers there before.  The more interesting thing is my referral for an appointment next week with an oculoplastic surgeon for the biopsy of the rim of my lower eyelid!  I had a regular eye exam this afternoon and my long time eye doc says, yup you need it biopsied!  So ... to lighten the mood - I took my car in for what I thought was a headlight bulb replacement this morning, turned out to be a wiring thing, so I had to drive DH's vintage BMW Z3 with the convertible top down (it stays down because it leaks, I don't even know how to put it up!) and it rained on me all the way home from the eye doc.  Looking even more ridiculous because I had to wear my sunglasses because my eyes were dilated!!!  If I was driving past me on the road I would have busted out laughing!

Claire_in_Seattle

The Duchess of Cambridge wears hose.  Probably for the same reason the rest of us do: keep feet warm, minimal blisters, and smooth out the top.

I am fond of socks as well.

I don't quite get flip flops and 40 degrees out. 

Will try for a run in an hour or so.  Still feeling the 60 mile cycling event I did on Sunday plus just got back from the dentist. - Claire

gonegirl

Two hobbies. Aren't you in chemo now? I found if I pushed too far on chemo, I got sick.



Specialk. Geez. More stuff and rain to boot.



I wore the hose because it's kind of cold here. Plus, the dress looked cuter with the black pantyhose. :-)

SpecialK

I have to be the only pantyhose girl in the state of Florida - if the dress shows my legs I'm wearing them.  I once explained to my DD that I am old enough to pre-date pantyhose, that I used to wear a garter belt and stockings to school, and we were not allowed to wear pants - and this was public school.  She just looked at me like I was insane.