Stage 4 Fitness 2016

BionicBunny

Just wondering how everyone is doing. Hope you are all able to be doing things that make you feel good. Today was one of those days when I pushed myself a little harder than usual, walked about 4 miles and biked 14. I do everything so slowly anymore that a long workout takes forever. Hubby is talking about doing a bike ride tomorrow so we'll see how much energy I have for that!

Shazza-have you been able to be out walking?

Mara-I hope you are continuing to recover and making good progress.

Z, Heidi, Andi and all the other fitness ladies -it's always good to read your posts and hear how everyone is doing.

That's it for me tonight-all worn out!

zarovka

I had a tooth extraction two weeks ago that is taking a long time to heal. The dentists needed me to avoid exercise for several days to allow the blood clot to form. For some reason it is not forming as well and easily as it should and the inflammation is really intense and enduring.

I've done daily light yoga classes, walking and bike riding these past few weeks as I deal with the pain and the pain killers and generally try to comply with the dentist. I had a rough day today in terms of fatigue and headaches and nausea but overall the tooth is healing. Hopeful that next week I'll be past the tooth thing and back to just the usual Ibrance side effects.

I can exercise through Ibrance side effects, but extract my tooth and things get rough.

Good to hear about your bike ride Bionic Bunny as it reminds me of where I need to get back to.

I'd love to hear how Mara and Heidi and Andi and all the active ladies on this thread are doing! What have you been up to?

>Z<

ShazzaKelly

hi all I meant to post earlier. I've managed to keep my walking up and my Pilates but my yoga teacher is away so none of that for a few weeks.

Last Saturday my big walk was meant to be 13k I convinced a couple of friends to come with me. We took a wrong turn and 13k became 17k although we did stop for ice cream at the 9.5k mark. It went well and I feel pretty confident for the actual half marathon itself.

Hope everyone is doing well. The 2nd day of Spring here. I'm looking forward to some good weather to exercise in.

Andi67

Hi ladies! I've sort of been MIA since my hike back in August.... it was absolutely incredible and I will try to post some pictures here. We ended up doing 16 miles in one day... up over two mountain passes on trails that were actually "game trails" instead of being actual hiking trails. The scenery was amazing... blue blue blue mountain lakes and gorgeous wildflowers. We were exhausted by the time we go to Telluride, and ended up changing things a little the next day and getting a ride most of the way.... and then just a four mile hike up over a pretty steep pass. Last year on a similar hike with these girls I was definitely the "weak link".... always bringing up the rear, and this year I was much stronger and did a good job keeping up. (not that we were racing or anything).  We hiked 16 miles without seeing anyone else! Amazing.

Since then I have been moving, which as I am sure you know involves plenty of exercise, but not the fun kind. I did manage a little run earlier int he week and a hike today. I am finding that I am very stiff.....I dont' know if it's the change in the seasons? Way more stiff that usual..... I need to break down and drag myself to that yoga class I have been promising. I know it's the best thing for me.... I'm just so embarrassed because I am like a board! Hope everyone else is doing well! It sounds like everyone has kept moving! XOXO

zarovka

awesome!

kaayborg

Andi, I am gushing at those photos and your awesome hiking! I'd be there in a second if I could.

ShazzaKelly

Awesome photos Andi and wow a 16 mile trek. That's pretty incredible. I'm in Awe

catsteme

I just stumbled upon this thread and I'm so glad I did. What a bunch of positive, confident and determined women you are. I have always exercised (especially outdoors) as I believe it does wonders for my mind and body. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm a grumpy cow if I don't get out in the fresh air at least once a day. Since my stage IV diagnosis in March this year, I've had to give up running, but I still love to walk/hike every day. Obviously the exercise makes us physically stronger, but probably more importantly, I find it makes me mentally stronger. Nothing like a good workout to put you in charge and put cancer back in it's box. Wishing you all good health. Keep up the great work girls!

mara51506

Great photos Andi. I am still plugging away, stationary bike for me. I aim for 20 to 40 mins per day as toes are still sore from foot swelling. That is just steroid related but am off those now.

Still doing well after craniotomy. Am officially NED below the head after all scans. Still have to meet RO for radiation consult on the brain next week. MO wants to continue Herceptin but wants to make sure that won't stop me from getting Perjeta. Since in Canada, my province has to approve it first. Anyway, I am still doing well.

zarovka

Welcome Cath3rine. We'll be looking forward to hearing about your walking and hiking exploits. I can't feel sick after working out. Especially weight lifting. It does do wonders for you mental state, but there are many studies that show exercise directly fights cancer, increasing your odds as if you were taking another line of treatment on top of your current regime. Keep it up.

I rented fancy full suspension mountain bikes to play on with my daughters this weekend.

Mara I am so happy to hear you are NED from the neck down. You certainly have enough on your plate. I remain in awe of you exercise plan through the whole thing. When you are done recovering you will be immediately ready for a triatholon. Seriously, you haven't let yourself weaken through the hospital stay, and this will help tremendously. Hope the steroids are gone from your system and you can get outside soon. Exercise will certainly help clear the steroids.

>Z<

Heidihill

wow, andi! With those gorgeous views, i can see how you get motivated for long treks. Mara, good luck om your RO consult. Cath3rine, exercise helped me stay off mood meds during treatment for sure. Agree with Z on exercise fighting cancer, although the mechanisms may not be fully understood. There may be synergies as well with our other treatments.

I may go for a long bike ride tomorrow. Have been doing indoor workouts (kettlebells, trx, body weight) because of the heat, but it's now cooled down.

mara51506

Thanks for the well wishes Z and Heidi. I am feeling good. Done 3x20 min sessions on stationary bike while watching TV that I needed to catch up on. Am getting caught up on that show Braindead ironically enough. I do feel stronger for it. Compression hose are working to keep swelling to a minimum as well. Will be having a big dinner later today so got it in before going out.

Enjoy those mountain bikes this weekend, enjoy your ride Heidi. Nice to meet you Cath3rine, looking forward to seeing more of you.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Iwrite

Andi, the pictures are wonderful and the hiking sounds amazing. Kudos for building up the stamina to do this!

Z, glad to hear that you are healing up after the tooth issues! I'm guessing you are eager to get your exercise rituals back up and running!

I've been lurking rather than posting recently August was full of family fun at the beach and cancer denial in my head. It was great, but I feel so much better being back in the pool and doing that 1/2 mile workout since I can't do yoga or walk distances. REALLY dreading the cold weather that is coming, but will enjoy the mild fall temps while out in the yard. Hoping to get back to the kettle bells this fall if I can get the lower back therapy to work.

Bought myself a "skull" ring as a reminder to eat clean, keep exercising and stay focused. Got the idea from reading Radical Remission. (Ok...not actually a skull...more like a very sparkly ring that reminds me to be good to myself. Who wants to see grandma with a big skull ring on her hand...really!) All these years of doing for others and now I'm doing a few things for me, without feeling guilty about it.

So good to see everyone out having adventures!

zarovka

Kathryn - Mountain biked for 3 hours yesterday and 5 hours today. Technically, I could walk if I tried but I am not planning to for a while. Lying in bed at the moment with a cool drink and the computer.

Glad you are joining us. I am also doing a lot better reserving time and attention to my own health now that I am fighting cancer. It has been funny to watch people around me adjust. There is a sort of unspoken conversation that goes something like "I can't make you the priority right now because I have cancer." Does stop "needy" people dead in their tracks. I still do tons of care taking, but there is a certain point where I stop and take care of myself where I would not have before.

My wound from the extracted tooth is definitely healing. Stitches out last Monday. I was told to stick to bedrest for a couple of days to let the blood clots form. I did not stay in bed but I stuck to walking and yoga. On minimal pain meds today, down from max dose for several days. I also stopped taking horse doses of antibiotics on Friday. Hoping for my health to improve over the next few weeks.

Keep moving ladies! I want to hear all the details ...

>Z<

mara51506

No regimented exerccise today but was able to get my housework done fully for the first time in weeks. Also was able to host dinner for my younger brother, wife and son. Just a crockpot roast and apple crisp. Am tired by end of evening, got the last of the dishes in the dish washer now.

Am happy was able to do it and looking forward to more stationary bike tomorrow. Will probably sleep well tonight.

Z, glad the exercise is helping your tooth. I am similar in that I do not find rest helpful when it comes to pain etc. Hoping your health does improve sooner as opposed to later.

BionicBunny

Great to hear from all you ladies. I am so impressed reading about all that you have been doing. And the photos are amazing. Thanks for posting.

I've been biking and walking, and yesterday went for a swim in the lake. Today I went for an early morning bike ride and a walk this afternoon.

Two other areas of health/fitness that I've been trying to improve are sleep and nutrition. Just finished reading an interesting book, Sleep Smarter, by Shawn Stevenson, and purchased Power Hungry, the ultimate energy bar cookbook, by Camilla Saulsbury. DD and I have made several of the recipes in this book and enjoyed them-and they aren't full of artificial flavors, colors, etc.

Keep up the good work ladies, and a special welcome to cath3rine- hope you find encouragement on this thread.

Have a good evening.

zarovka

Mara - glad to hear things are improving. getting back to housework is a major step.

Bionic - I've been sleeping better and better recently despite all the drugs and nonsense. I don't really know why, but I am very grateful because it improves everything. walking biking swimming - makes you a triathlete, i believe.

>Z<

catsteme

Thank you so much Z, Heidi, Mara and Bionic for your very warm welcomes. Loving the energy on this thread!

Kathryn - good on you for getting that ring. I love 'radical remission' - reading it was a bit of a mental turning point for me.

I've been in Spain for the last week and have just had the best time swimming in the sea and biking. I've almost forgotten I have cancer. Back to Scotland on Sunday, but the weather is still good and we have some fantastic scenery so I'm hoping to get a good few mountain tops under my belt before the winter sets in.

Have a great weekend ladies

zarovka

Good to hear from you Cath3rine.

I am having a hard time getting out because everything aches, but particularly my feet. I still walk daily and pretty far, but not as far as I expect to be able to. Running is out of the question because of the pain from pounding on my feet. Need to get back to weight training and yoga where the feet don't get such a pounding.

Hope everyone is doing well.

>Z<

mara51506

I got about 15 mins of my air stepper workout this morning. Had to get fitted for my mask for the WBR. Start 10 sessions on Monday. Am going to get back to stationary bike to fight fatigue but also steroid weight gain and weak muscles. Other than that am doing well. Not liking the prospect of losing hair again but fingers crossed it will come back again. Sorry your feet are so sore Z. Mine got like that with the water weight from first round of steroids. Got my compression socks for the next round.

Hope everyone one else had a decent week and have a good weekend all.

zarovka

Mara - amazing attitude. Keep going. What is WBR?

>Z<

Heidihill

Keeping my fingers tightly crossed, Mara, and not just for the hair! (Z, it's for whole brain radiation, but that's as much as I know.)

I still have to get out on my mountain bike, but other things keep getting in the way. Went to see an exhibit with my sister and had a haircut. so I did some kickboxing at home instead but I did go out running the day before yesterday. Will go out for a run now, too. Just too gorgeous outside.

Bionic, thanks for the book tips. I urgently need to read the one on sleep.

DGHoff

Hello Everyone! I just stumbled across this thread and I'm so inspired by all of your posts! As much as I know I should exercise regularly, I wasn't very good about it until recently. I do yoga on a regular basis as I teach a yoga class twice a week, but I wasn't so good about doing much more than that. A little biking here and there. A little walking, but nothing regular at all.

I did some great hiking and backpacking this summer out in Olympic National Park this summer (see photo below!), but I got tired pretty fast and realized I needed to get serious about daily activity. I just bought a Fit Bit about two weeks ago that is helping me to stay motivated to walk, and even run a little. I feel SOO much stronger and more energetic with the daily exercise, and yesterday I just jogged a whole mile without needing to stop. That the first time I've been able to do that in, oh, at least ten years! I'm slow, but I did it!

Thank you for sharing all of your activities, and I'll try to keep this up so that I contribute as well!

mara51506

Great to hear DG!

20 mins stationary bike, did 15 mins air climber to music as well. Trying to build up endurance for the radiation for the next 2 weeks. Am fairly tired but making sure I am not stuck on the couch or bed for the next while.

BionicBunny

Welcome DG-sounds like you are keeping busy and active. Loved the beautiful photo. Hope to see more in the future.

I am feeling very tired but also very blessed tonight. My family and I did a sprint duathlon today, and even though I was slower than slow, I finished. And I am so thankful for that. Since I can't run, the duathlon for me was a walk-bike-walk. Brisk winds made the 15mile bike ride especially tiring for me. I was so glad to get off that bike and start the 5k walk to finish it. First thing tomorrow morning is chemo so it's time for me to wrap it up and get some much needed sleep.

Z, Mara, Heidi, Cath3rine, Katherine, Andi, and all the other fitness club ladies-hoping the very best for all of you. Have a good week.

DGHoff

Thanks for the welcome Mara and BionicBunny! Wow, Bionic! Way to go on the duathlon! I absolutely hate biking in the wind, so kudos to you for finishing. The wind makes everything so much harder. I wasn't as energetic this weekend as I usually am, probably because I'm still recovering a bit from my treatment day last Thursday. I just do Herceptin and Perjeta right now, but even though they don't have the same side effects as most chemo drugs, it does take a bit of steam out of me. Still, I managed to do a 5 mile bike ride, led a 1 hour yoga class, and walked/jogged for 30 minutes. I'm wiped out now, though!

Hope chemo goes smoothly for you tomorrow, Bionic!

mara51506

Great job DG and Bionic!

I did not do as much but managed 45 mins stationary bike, 15 min air stepper workout. Start the brain rads tomorrow for 10 sessions but plan to keep moving as much as possible.

Hope everybody has a great week. I also hope your chemo goes well Bionic.

zarovka

Welcome DGHoff! You have a great attitude. We need you here.

Go Mara. Those few minutes on the bike and stair master will make a world of difference. You see beyond the surgery and radiation to the life you need to prepare for. Awesome!

Bionic - congrats on the duathalon! sending you healing vibes for chemo.

I did several hours of of mountain biking this weekend with my daughter. Had to sit out some jumping but we made it work.

My husband and I usually do a 5K race that is happening next weekend. I just can't pull it together for a 5K run right now. Everything aches all the time as if my muscles are recovering from a workout even when I haven't done much for a while. Particularly my feet. I try to run and it always just turns into a walk. I am disappointed but plan to walk the course. I signed my daughter up to take my place at the starting line and give my DH a bit of competition.

Yoga tomorrow.

Sleep well everyone.

>Z<

Rseman

Hello Everyone!! I am new to the thread and don't post much but sometimes I log in. I am actually wondering if there is anyone here who is marathon training or similar while on Afinitor. I am training for my second marathon (Chicago) and I have noticed that my endurance and cardio have drastically declined this season. It has been a very difficult training season because of the heat and I am wondering if I am just making excuses or if the treatment is having an actual effect.

Thanks,

Renee

BionicBunny

Welcome Renee-I don't have experience with marathon training or affinitor, but in general I have found that all of the treatments that I have had have impacted me in some way-sometimes cardio, sometimes strength, or endurance. This summer it's been everything. I keep pushing, not wanting to lose ground. I hope others on this thread will share more ideas with you.

Mara-hope the first day of brain rads went okay. Please keep us posted.

Z-Sorry you are having to deal with achiness and foot issues, but good for you for mountain biking and walking. Hoping the other issues will resolve soon.

Shazza-how are you doing with the walking program? Is your weather cooperating so you can be outside?

Chemo went fine today, just a little long because I also got Zometa. When the dex wears off, I will be feeling the aches too. Thank you all for your well wishes. You ladies are great encouragers.