Yoga during chemo

MoreShoes

I love yoga and doing it for more than 10 years. Now that I'm doing chemo I've stopped it. I was afraid that it'd make my lymphsystem working hard and the last think I need is the cancer spreading. Am I right? Or should I continue with yoga?

(I'm sorry, a lot of questions today...I guess you understand what's on my mind today).

readytorock

I continued yoga all through chemo. I've never heard you shouldn't, but I have had the same thought about the lymph system.

littleblueflowers

Not yoga specific, but my MO said exercise is crucial for successful cancer treatment, and he did recommend yoga during chemo. It helps keep your blood moving so the drugs get through your system better.

ksusan

I was told I could exercise lightly and should go for duration rather than exertion. I was told to talk with a LE PT to discuss which yoga poses would be okay, and explicitly told that downward dog was not a good idea but could be re-evaluated when I was done with active treatment.

ruthbru

Absolutely continue to exercise during chemo. You will feel better both physically and mentally, plus bounce back faster once you are done with treatments. Some studies actually suggest that exercise makes chemo more effective. Of course, listen to your body and modify as needed. You don't want to overtax your lymph system if you've had nodes removed, but cancer is not going to spread through your body because of exercise.