Stage 4 Fitness 2015

nancyh

Starting a new thread for 2015 where we can share our goals and progress on trying to stay active and healthy in spite of dealing with the ups and downs of having metastatic breast cancer. Feel free to post your goals, progress, challenges and encouragements here on this thread.

Best wishes to everyone for a healthy and happy year!

screech

I'll start exercising when it doesn't go below zero!!!

steelrose

Nancy, yay! Nice to see you start this new 2015 thread. I've always been very active, but for the last year or so, nerve pain in my back and ribs has turned me into a slug. But I'm vowing to plow through it this year! I did a Pure Barre tape this morning, and hope to do more as I gain strength. Oh, and I miss skiing! But the thought of falling hurts so much.

I wish everyone energy and strength in 2015!

Rose.

sueco

I discovered Ai Chi months ago.  I do not live in a large town, but a fitness center offers this class.  It is a water based Tai Chi in a warm therapy pool.  I also do water aerobics at this center.  I simply cannot believe what I can do in water that I cannot do on land.  I walk around the house and do a few chores, and my body needs to sit after ten minutes.  I have bone mets.  The best part for me is the release of stress.  I walk into the Ai Chi class and it is like taking a stress reliever pill.  I used to do yoga, but with all the meds I have taken I am just too stiff to do it in a class.  I know I should motivate myself to do it at home as I have a CD and could do it at my own pace but I am addicted to working out in water. 

nancyh

Screech - totally agree about the weather - I wimped out the other day when it was 30, can't imagine going out when it is below zero!

Rose - I am so with you on turning into a slug, for me it was because of an awful chemo. I'm on Taxotere/cytoxin now, which is pretty rough, but only for a few days per cycle.

Sue - the Ai Chi class sounds wonderful. I've never tried a water-based class, but have heard great things. I absolutely can't do yoga any more because of too many meds and surgeries. I'm like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

As for me, I have a goal to finish a half marathon this year. I could care less about how long it takes me, I just want to finish. The challenge is figuring out how to train while being on taxotere, which completely flattens me for several days per 3-week cycle. I will have to plan my training for days I feel well...in a weird way, I'm almost hoping this will motivate me to stick to a workout schedule because I have to run when I'm able to and can't really procrastinate.

Take care, ladies, look forward to hearing updates.

RonnieKay

I'm in! 2015 looks so different for me without Navelbine as part of my cocktail. In the last two months, I've found more energy & 10 (+) lbs...ugh! I remember my love for food the last time femara was in my life! So...my goal is to keep on my "save my liver" diet I started when dx 12/12...that helped me shed 36#...and walk my buns off. I would like to do a 1/2 marathon, walking it...fast...is fine with me. I've actually jogged a wee but, which I don't like, but I thought what the heck...I'm doing it cause I'm alive!!! Love Tai Chi..and in warm water...OMG...I'm moving in, Sue!!!

I'm in Long Beach, CA, visiting son's family (Grandaughter turned 7 yesterday!) and just walked 5 miles with grandog, in 70 degrees, which equates to 6 poops & about 12 weewees!!! No 30 or below walks for 9 days!!!

Rose...roller skating party Sat...I'll watch. FALLING isn't on my agenda either! At grandaughter's school yesterday, I got to dance with her dancing enrichment class. We sached, dosi doed, Irish jig & then sat criss cross applesauce! I felt like the heavens smiled down on me, cause I was able to walk today

brandall

I'm actually running my first half marathon on Sunday 1/18. It is the day after my 39th birthday. So I'll be giving myself the gift of sore muscles In all honesty it will likely be my last half marathon too. I have not enjoyed the long training runs. Running for hours on the weekend is just not enjoyable to me and I have too much living to do to do something I don't enjoy. I am just hoping to finish the half marathon and that will be a huge accomplishment for me After this I will stick to 5 & 10K's. I like running shorter distances. I think the 10k distance is my favorite. I'm going to get in the pool and start swimming laps again. I tried yoga the last few months and it makes me cry! Every time I do it, I'm crying at the end. A weird emotional release. I guess that means I should keep doing it ha-ha. Good luck to everyone with your goals!

fujiimama

My exercise has been sporadic these last few weeks. However, we finally got some snow. I walked the kids to the hill. Both times I couldn't resist taking a run down. Now we say it ain't over until the fat lady sleds.

kebab

My appetite is going full-speed ahead, which is good while I'm on chemo, but I gained 12 pounds over the 2 weeks we visited my family over Christmas! Insta-saddlebags!

Our house is a bungalow, but I have decided to go outside at least once a day and do step-ups on our front step to try to get in at least a bit of cardio work. I'd really like to get back to doing yoga too, but I seem to use all my energy just doing all the jobs around the house. Maybe I'll have to choose between laundry and yoga some days.

My hubby also got me a small trampoline for Christmas that I plan to use for some gentle bouncing/rebounding. We'll see if that works as "exercise" to work off some of the weight too.

Kjones13

I just have to say you all are inspiring. I've always been an athlete, but now can't do a damn thing...which isn't really true, but what I tell myself to keep procrastinating. There is a brand new YMCA opening down the road. I think my first goal will be to see if they have a live strong program. Did you all know about that? I think it's a 16 week program. Free personal trainer. Going to check and see what it's all about. I need to do something during cold months...besides my never ending laundry so proud of you ladies! Cheering you on!!

Heidihill

RonnieKay, you are so funny! Steelrose, kudos on taking the first turned-out step.

Kjones, the Y program has gotten rave reviews from others, so I'd say grab the chance if they have it.

My goal for January is to try to finish the c25k (again) in addition to my dance workouts, weight training and stretching.

 

 

RosesToeses

I always feel inspired reading the fitness thread (old and this nice new one, great idea starting it Nancy!), thank you all for sharing. I also gained some weight last month. I had this dream of for once filling my house with all different kinds of cookies for Christimas (I knew a lady who did that every year), and figured with cancer and all, it was pretty much put up or shut up time. I enjoyed it immensely, but now there's that much more of me to enjoy

I'm still walking 10,000 steps a day most days (took 4 off during the weeks around Christmas, see weight gain above). Lately, it's been so darn cold that I've been at the mall or occasionally on the Nordic Track. I'm really wholly sick of the mall now and I was sick of the Nordic Track long before this, but I try to keep telling myself it's better than spending the time out in the "frozen tundra" out there!

Kjones, I didn't do Livestrong (the Y's around me only held it during daytime work hours which didn't work for me), but I did our local Y's Pink Program which was specific to breast cancer. It wasn't hardcore (which was good for me) and I enjoyed being with other cancer people. That was when I was still stage iii, and I think if I were to do it now it would be better to go with something like Livestrong where different cancers are invited since the things you're working around with stage iv have more in common with other cancers than they do early stage breast cancer, but the things I liked about it would still be there. Please let us know how it goes!

Also, half marathons? That's terrific, go, you guys! And Fujimama, I love the new sled saying

stagefree

Nancy I was thinking of you the other day. Seeing this thread made me smile.

Most of us should doyble check doing yoga & similar activities as they stinulate lymphetic system , higheay of the c- buggers. Please consult before such activities.

Was warned right at the start that slow jogging, walking & swimming were the right exercises for me with bone mets especially..

I enjoy walking as much as I can when the weather permits. Not nowadays..

Hope it's a much better year for us all, heat me 2015?!

Hugs

Ebru

Zillsnot4me

Ai Chi sounds wonderful. Pool too cold right now. Used to love water aerobics.

Completed Livestrong last year. Still no stamina. Highly recommend it.

Heard trampoline is great for Lymphedema.

Goals to keep up with house/kids, yoga once a week and Zumba twice a week.

Zumba has done wonders for my lymphadema. So does mld in the shower each morning.

Caught a virus over the holidays and have lost my ability to fully participate in class. Also have developed some knee/hip pain. PCP said osteobioflex and it will take months to build up:(

littlecatsfeet

I am adding myself to this thread to get my butt kicked into gear. Had to retire from work in September when we discovered brain mets, had WBR, and am just now feeling like some clouds are parting for me in the brain arena. Scans showed that growth has halted but that there might still be swelling around one of the mets, so I am still taking 4mg of decadron daily, which has helped me balloon into the large lovable person that I am today :-)

I don't know when or if I will be weaned of the steroids any time soon, but I'm wondering if it is possible to get healthy and drop some of this fluid/fat before my daughter's wedding in October!

We were avid hikers before any of this (slow and steady), and that was probably the extent of my exercise program for the past 12 years :-)

I am open to suggestions and butt-kicking!

Leslie

nred2002

thanks for starting this up for 2015. Begin Eribulin on Thursday. I'm still hoping to continue my march to doing 25 half marathons in 25 US states. I'm at 15 right now. I may have to slow down a bit but still hope to get it done. Had X-rays of hips and femur and all is well.

Also doing yoga. That's more for relaxation and stress reduction.

Brandi , good luck with your half! It's tough but a great accomplishment.

Nancy

teacher911

Wonderful to see what everyone is up to or hoping to start. I was sick over the holidays and really let my workouts lapse. It's so hard to get back into the routine once you've gotten out. I am back to my YMCA on Monday, they did not have the Live Strong program but I had a personal trainer that was working with me for a month to help me get started.

RonnieKay, I really think I would like to run/walk a 1/2 marathon just to say I did it. My daughter and many of my friends are runners and I participate in the 5k with them but have always been the cheering section for a 1/2 marathon. In fact, my daughter is running the Disney Princess 1/2 in February and I am going to cheer her on.

Brandall, Good Luck with your 1/2 marathon next week. I'll be cheering for you!!

My yoga class is my favorite time every week. It's 90 mins of exercise and relaxation all rolled into one session. I love it!

Thanks for the motivation, especially during these cold, gray days of winter.

dlb823

I've been a lurker on the Stage IV fitness thread since my re-dx, so I'm happy to see this new one. Thank you, nancyh, for starting it!

I have a desire to do some sort of run or walk this year. Not sure I'm up to even a 1/2 marathon after a hip replacement in 2014, and I'm still a bit cautious about running with extensive bone mets. But I have started to walk/jog again -- right now aiming for an hour a day, although sometimes in shorter sessions -- and will take it one step at a time.

To those of you who have done races,1/2 marathons, 3K's, 6K's, etc., and especially those of you who posted photos -- you don't know it, but you have been such an inspiration to me since my Stage IV dx! You helped me realize that a Stage IV dx doesn't have to be a downward slide, and that we can continue to challenge ourselves physically -- to the point that I think it's truly impacted not only my recuperation from a fractured femur and pelvis, but as importantly, my mental outlook! So THANK YOU all so much! Deanna

screech

Well put Deanna!  This year I am quitting my pity party and getting going!  I did a lot of bike riding last year-several over 30 miles and then had to put my bike up early due to the double mx.  So I did a lot of hiking to compensate.  I'd go out for a slog right now, but it's 14 outside right now - just not quite that ambitious today.

BionicBunny

Let me add my thanks, Nancyh for kick starting this thread. It is great to read what you've all been doing and your goals for the coming year.

It has been cold and snowy enough this past week that I've been in the gym swimming and riding the inside bikes. Tonight DD and I got to the gym close to closing time but still managed to walk a mile on the treadmill and do a fun bike ride. I am eager to get back outside for a real bike ride so I told her that if it's above zero tomorrow, we need to get outside and ride. Not sure she's really on board with this. We'll see what tomorrow brings:)

Best to you all.

hansaim

I am in. Since my stage 4 dx in 2013, I put on 20 LB which I want to shed. My goal is to swim 2 days a week while my kids swim in the mornings. Just before Christmas, we got a puppy, a 3 month old golden-doodle. I will walk him every day for at least 30 min rain or shine!

RonnieKay

Yippee Brandall...been wondering when the 1/2 was! Good luck & you'll be hearing cheering from the Great Northwest (the Seahawks will be winning that day too!).

Kebab...OMG...I'll bring a box of Depends if I ever visit the trampoline!

I always cried during yoga...now I just cry cause I suck at it (balance, why did you leave me??). Our Ys don't have Livestrong...would have to drive too far. Would rather go for a long walk. Did 3 miles with grandog today. She's a Springer & when I come downstairs in the am...she literally bounces around, excited to walk.

Fujii....good for you walking up the hill & for riding it down...you're our #1 thrill seeker!

Yah Deanna...walking again...and to get going after a hip replacement & stage 4...yahoo!

Bike riders...thanks for inspiration! We did some in the fall & really just need to do it! My DILs friend does Reiki and I asked her about it. She said she wants to do a 90 min session for me. When I asked what she charges (I'm not a massage person) she said she does C patients free. I can just imagine what she'll tell me about my tired energy Keep movin!!!

DivineMrsM

Ronnie, my understanding of Reiki is that it doesn't involve massage. I had it done once when it was offered free at the treatment room were I get my zometa iv. I rather liked it. Very zen and calming. 90 minutes for free sounds great, I think someone in my area charges 30 bucks for 30 minutes.

RosesToeses

I love seeing all the new people here! I got some nice stable scan results last week with even a tiny bit of regression (yay!), I have no idea how much of it has to do with keeping active and how much is Faslodex, et. al. (ok, it's probably mostly the drugs), but I like to think that it helps. And if nothing else, it feels good to have something I can do besides just watching and waiting

BionicBunny, I love that your daughter is in it with you! I'm still mostly walking, and it's so much more fun when I go with my daughter or husband.

The high today is supposed to be 30 degrees, which sadly actually seems kind of warm compared to where we've been so I think I may go walking outside today. Can't wait until spring

brandall

Ronniekay I LOVE Reiki! My neighbor gives me Reiki for free every once in a while and it is great. It is very light touch and I find it very relaxing. It is not like a massage, it's really touch therapy. Very light touch that is transferring healing energy. I was a bit skeptical at first, but one time I had an earache and I didn't tell my neighbor. She seemed to spend more time on that side of my head and afterward asked me if my ear was bothering me because she felt a lot more heat in that area. My ear was already feeling better by the end of the session - weird! Mostly I just find it extremely relaxing and I'm not a person who is easily relaxed!

nred2002

Hi, Ronnie, I see you are from Renton. My cousin was an English teacher at Lindbergh for over 40 years. Not sure if you have had kids at Lindbergh High but it would be a hoot if you did and they had had her as a teacher.

nancyh

Hey gals - happy to see all the activity on this thread! (Hi Ebru - nice to see you, I was thinking about you the other day as well) :-)

Between MapMyWalk and Fitbit, I'm all geeked out with gadgets and off to a good start this year with exercise. I'm walking (even jogging a little) an hour a day. My plan is to do this on days I feel well, allowing myself to rest and do nothing on the taxo-terrible days, which seem to be days 3 - 7 of each 21 day cycle. If I can build up a good base, then I'll add a longer walk/run once a week.

I signed up to go snow-shoeing with Team Survivor NW (a group of women cancer survivors in my area), which I'm really looking forward to.

Have a great week, everyone. Hope the weather warms up a bit for those of you in the freezing cold!

Brendatrue

Okay, so I packed my bags and made it over from the old fitness thread! Does that count as exercise? I'm getting desperate these days!

I ended 2014 with the hint--okay, with a smack in the face--that I now have cardiac challenges, too. Following my fun afternoon in the ER on November 30th, I was very gradually able to return to very light exercise most days, even though I experienced "heart warning signs" daily. Because I'd had a nuclear stress test that didn't shout anything awful, I thought I might be safe exercising lightly. Then I sort of hit a wall right around New Year's Day, when I started having even more "heart warning signs." Just this past Monday I saw my new cardiologist, had an abnormal EKG while at rest in his office, worried him with my report of daily problems, and--whoosh--before I knew it, was scheduled for a heart cath two days later. Cath report was good, and now I will have an echocardiogram Tuesday. Working diagnosis is coronary microvascular disease. Today I started a long acting nitrate to try to control my symptoms, which need to be in control before I start exercising again. BOO HISS! I am not a happy hiker, not even a happy walker, nor even a happily gentle yogi.

What's a woman to do? I guess I'll try my sitting routine tomorrow for 15 minutes, focus on breathing, and practice gratitude and hope for brighter, more active days!

ReadingMama

I haven't excercised since my dx in Oct . Got a new fitbit for Xmas (lost old one). Used to walk a lot, esp with commute, but now mainly working from home.

Plan to ski next weekend and hope to return to walking soon

RosesToeses

Wow, Brenda, that's really rough! Glad they're working to get things under control, hope that happens soon.

And Nancy and Brandell, I got a Fitbit last year after Brandell talked about it on the old thread, and I really like it. After seeing it in action, my husband got one too. Nancy, I hope yours is good to you, too!

I have to share, my mother sends out an annual Christmas letter. Between the TMI and not quite accurate entries, it was an annual mortification when I was growing up so it's a sensitive spot for me. This year the part about my family is all about my cancer and she adds how I'm, "taking seriously my oncologist's suggestion that I try to get 10,000 steps a day." All I could think was, damn it, I "just do it" 10,000 steps a day for hundreds of days and all I get is "taking seriously, suggestion, and try?" ;-)

Sending hugs and wishing well to all of you with your exercise, wherever you are with it!

RonnieKay

OMG Rose...I would send your mom's Christmas letter.."return to sender"....and then invite her on a 10,000 step walk!!! I just did another long walk in CA sunshine (after walking in warm rain the past 2 days) and am wishing I had a fitbit. I have a watch that tracks miles but I've never learned what buttons do what!

Reiki 12:30 tomorrow...I'm excited after reading your comments, Ms M & Brandall...really had no idea of what to expect.

Brenda...think of you always & how no matter what you're facing, you put your heart & soul into it! Hope the nitrate works fast at getting you to where your heart can keep up with the pace of the rest of your body!!! Full steam ahead!

nred...I was secretary at Kentridge High School...not far from Lindbergh. I'm sure we probably switched students who'd had your cousin! 40 years w/hs kids...they really are an interesting bunch & full of zest for life.