Stage 4 Fitness 2016

mara51506

Rads went well today Bionic, thanks for asking. Does not take long. It is just so hot under the plastic mould they use for my mask. Awesome thing is I get to keep it. Was hoping so.

Exercise was light today. 15 mins stationary bike and 15 mins air stepper workout. Did have to walk a LONG way from cancer clinic to another part of the hospital so will count that in as well to pay an ambulance. \

Am tired but mostly think that was release of stress for the first day of rads. 9 more to go.

Hope everyone gets a decent week. I agree about the dex. Now that I am on it for rads, my arthritic toes are behaving.

Z, I too hope for less pain in the feet.

zarovka

Thanks everyone!

Welcome Renee - I am big cheerleader and proponent of exercise for people with MBC. Many people run and do incredible sports and hiking adventures. But generally being healthy is the goal rather than a new personal best and adjustments are common.

Personally, I have been struggling as I have to pull back and adjust and pull back and adjust. All evidence shows that it doesn't really matter how much you do as long as your pushing yourself moderately on a regular basis. If the goal is healing and cancer control, then doing as much as you can, regularly is the rule. Mentally, however, it's been hard for me to find I am getting weaker even as I exercise. I am on hormone therapy and my estrogen levels have been reduced to zero. The effects are hard. and I am currently wondering how bad it will get.

In your case, it must be very frustrating to find yourself unable to complete that training regime. It's likely the meds.

>Z<

Heidihill

Great attitude, Mara. Bionic, congrats on the duathlon. Hope the dex crash is not too bad. Renee, maybe ask your doctor if your blood counts are holding up? I wonder if Ritalin would help for training? Z, my estrogen was in the cellar for most of 5 years until i was switched to tamoxifen. We are all different and i was not on concurrent Ibrance nor Afinitor, but I noticed incremental improvements through the years. I was still sick of it by the end. Massage or acupuncture could also help. Both were very healing for me.

ShazzaKelly

Hi all just catching up on everyone's activities. I'm in awe of what you all achieve but get the feeling most of us are struggling with finding and then accepting our new normal as we try and regain fitness while coping with the reality of what stage 4 and its treatment does to our bodies. I wish I knew the answer to that one as I struggle with it myself.

I want to be happy with walking over 30km every week and going to yoga and Pilates. I know that many healthy people don't achieve that, but I still compare myself to the me before 3 years of continuous weekly chemo and find myself lacking.

It truely is Spring here in New Zealand and we have had some glorious weather. Last weekend I was out of town with friends. We ate and drank far to much but also got in a couple of 12k trails and managed a sea swim. The water was freezing.

Rseman

thanks all for the advice! I did get my doctor to agree that I can take a break from my meds the week before the race. I hope it helps. Learning to accept and deal with the limitations this disease comes with is so hard

zarovka

Hello folks. Walked a few miles in the morning and I did a 30 minute nike kinect cardio workout with my daughter tonight. It was very funny to be encouraged and corrected by a meme and the workout was not bad either. Wish I could do more or run but my feet hurt. I still don't really understand why. But it was good to get some cardio. One way or another I will figure it out.

Compared to 3 year ago I am indeed lacking on the fitness front but not doing badly either.

Yoga and mountain biking tomorrow.

Mara - how are things going?

Keep moving ladies!

>Z<

mara51506

Thanks for asking Z, have hit a rough patch. Am going for 4 of 10 radiation to my brain today. I think the steroids in combo with loss of appetite starting from yesterday have made things difficult. Spent most of my day in bed. Have mother who is pressuring me to eat. Yesterday was the first day I could not eat much, still not hungry today. We are arguing because she keeps telling me I will be on IV for food. I keep telling her not to project, to give me a chance to eat. Not feeling great, crying a lot (blaming the steroids mostly). When I feel so down, I always go to the "what is the point of treatment" place which sucks too. Hope this lifts soon. Unable to do any exercise. Wish I had a better report. Thankfully, I only have 7 more rads to go. Will be off steroid on Oct 1st (assuming nothing else happens) and will hope tummy troubles and dark moods will lift once off the steroid.

I still check you guys though. Once I can eat more, plan to work out more since I know that will help.

Beautiful pictures Shazza. Have a good day all.

catsteme

I don't post too often but I hate seeing when people are going through rough times. Try to remember it is just a patch (though a horrible one by the sounds of it) and you're nearly half way through your rads. I'm sure your mother is well meaning, but trying to scare you into eating is probably not helping. Time to succumb to Netflix and listen to your body. Sending you healing thoughts

mara51506

Thanks cath3rine, I may look into that. I do squarely blame the steroids for the dark mood and loss of appetite. I will mention this today. I don't have an alternative to stave off brain swelling from the rads so I don't think I can come off them but will try to bury myself in other things. I need the people living with me just to give me space to not feel hungry. This is only the 2nd day of it and there is plenty of me even if I did lose couple of pounds. Need the family to stop telling me I have to eat is all. Just because I am not hungry for a couple of days does not mean this is permanent. Could even be a simple bug, who knows.

Will bear out the rest of the treatment and look forward to getting off the steroids.

zarovka

Mara - I believe marijuana is legal in Canada now. It did wonders to get my appetite back in the spring. In my case the lack of appetite lasted a couple of months and did get worrisome. It could have just been panic, but likely it was the transition to my drugs that suppressed my appetite. If you under-eat for a week or a month you will be fine, but your Mom obviously will not. It might give her something to do to send her to the local pot shop to research an appetite enhancing cannabis protocol. It may actually work and it will give her the sense that you are trying to get better.

It must be scary to see someone so phenomenally active hang out in bed and not eat. She's your mom so she senses that darkness that has fallen over you. You will calm her down if you show her that your will and your light is still there, in any form. And for your own mental well being, faking it a bit may help you. That said, I understand that this point it is probably harder than getting on an exercise bike.

I have had a few weeks where the side effects are effecting my ability to exercise, a lot. Just as exercising makes me feel that everything will be okay, not being able to exercise makes me feel like I am on a downward spiral. I am not where you are but I certainly get it that the treatment effects trigger depression. What am I living for if I can't walk when I get up in the morning or go for a jog with my daughter. How bad is this going to get? That said, in your case, I do think that things will get better in just a couple of weeks.

Please let us know how you are doing because I am thinking of you. Looking forward to hear about your triathalon training program in October, but it the meantime, let me know how the treatment, the eating and the mom is going.

I rode my bike to yoga and did an easy yoga class this morning. Obviously that means I am still alive, so I guess we're okay over here.

>Z<

Heidihill

Mara, those 7 zaps will go quickly. Just tune your mom out. Sleeping will probably help get you through the next week more than eating. Maybe ask your mom to make some soup? You'll need hydration anyway and it'll keep her busy after pot shopping. Sending healing thoughts and gentle hugs.

Gorgeous pics, Shazza!

Now that fall is approaching, am starting to feel my achy knees again. This picture taken in December last year on Madeira reminds me that I can still enjoy long hikes using my poles like crutches and taking some strong ant-inflammatories (Celebrex rocks!).

zarovka

Gorgeous pics Heidi. And yes soup is a great idea.

Mara - Tell your mom you have an absolute craving for Duck Broth with Peas and Spaetzle. It takes over 2 hours to make! That will keep her busy and she'll never ask you what you want again.

Seriously. She's your mom, she's worried sick, and she needs something to do. It's not too hard to make something up.

>Z<

mara51506

Love that idea Z, thanks Heidi. I was also able to make myself eat full supper. Decided even if it took a while I would do it. Tomorrow, assuming I feel at least steady and will eat am going to try exercise again. Will play it by ear.

I asked to see my doctor after the treatment today. Took a while but when discussing with the Rad Onc, he did ask if any of my present symptoms were there before tumour was diagnosed. I thought about it and agreed the nausea, headache lack of energy/appetite were there. HIs suggestion after checking with me about my previous month long stint on steroids was to up them. He actually felt the brain was starting to swell so we are going to try 12mg of dex instead of 4 mg. I agreed because when I did think about almost month I was on steroids pre surgery, I did not feel badly once the brain swelling was out of the way. I am just used to always blaming the drug first. The only things I can blame on the steroid is mood swings but they come and go and do go away when off the steroid. The only thing I had on the previous steroids were some water retention (not too bad) and weight gain which I could take care of later. I am going to see how the steroids go over the weekend, see dr on tuesday. Other than that radiation was fine. 6 more to go.

Thanks for helping me keep my chin up everyone. The pictures and seeing what everyone can do inspires me to keep pushing as well. I will show my mom the recipe and see what she says Z.

kaayborg

Ladies, I keep reading and not posting much. My confession is that you are now the 4th major thread I read and full of so many new to me people, I feel a bit overloaded in keeping you all straight so haven't interacted too much. However, I have to chime in that you are all cracking me up with the pot shopping and soup making ideas. Mara, you're in good hands here. Feel better soon.

BionicBunny

Wanted to add my wishes for quick resolution to the difficulties with wbr, Mara. Dealing with steroids regularly as a part of chemo is a challenge for me, and that includes moodiness. I suspect it is even harder to handle them with brain swelling. Hang in there-not too many more rads to go and then things should start getting back closer to normal. No more pot or duck soup!

Got out this afternoon for an easy bike ride with DD. Hoping to get out again tomorrow.

Take care Ladies-you are incredible!

mara51506

Kaayborg, I have not talked to you but seen you around on the Stage IV threads before I was a metster. It is nice to meet you. I am pleased to say that the increase in steroid after only a few hours has alleviated some of my symptoms so perhaps I was having too much swelling from the brain rads after all. Fingers crossed it keeps working this way.

Z - I showed my mom the recipe. She laughed and said "I won't spend that long in the kitchen". She was encouraged that I asked for the Dr today and surprised that I agreed to up the steroids when I was so quick to blame them before.

As far as the pot, my niece offered to get me some gummy bears made of pot if I want them. If my appetite did not return, I would consider it.

zarovka

Mara - Way to get everyone involved! I am happy to hear that you are surrounded by worried and resourceful people. I had visualized you battling through these god awful procedures alone while grinding away on a stationary bike. Now I see you surrounded by loved ones with soups and plates of food and pot gummy bears, looking longingly at the exercise bike on the other side of the room. Much better.

If your mom prefers walking and shopping I can find a soup recipe with complicated ingredients that are really hard to find. Let me know. My daughter made me pot brownies for a while which made her feel useful and did bring back my appetite. We had a little issue when she started telling her friends about this activity. I ask her not to share with people that I have cancer, so the context for the brownies was hard to explain. She is 10 but a quick thinker. Not sure how she got out of that corner, but so far no calls from other parents.

Bionic - Nice bike ride!

Kaayborg - Glad you are here. This is the thread where we share awesome photographs from hikes, try to make each other laugh and motivate ourselves to keep exercising. I find it a breather from the medical discussions.

>Z<

mara51506

Z - my mom had a good chuckle at the duck soup and the keeping her busy with ingredients. Thanks for putting an extra smile on her face.

I did better today. Was able to eat. Luckily, food does not taste bad and am just removing the idea that I don't want to eat from my head. Upping the steroids is helpful. Was not as tired today.

I did manage the smallest bit of exercise. Did 15 mins stair stepper workout and walked for approx 15 mins. Took approx 10 mins to and from the parking lot after radiation today and did a quick 5 mins around our parking lot. I made my mom do it since I think she needs to move more. (she's 77 but not too broken yet). She agreed and we did well. Easier to do without humid temps and snow on the ground.

Hope everyone else has a good weekend. Look forward to more ladies working out and pictures of the pretty places people get to be. You inspire me to keep moving.

zarovka

Mara - Thanks for the update Mara! Four hours of lift assisted, downhill mountain biking today. Not aerobic, but it's like weight lifting for four hours. That said, I feel like a pansy compared to your walk around the parking lot after radiation treatment. Resting well at the moment, hope you are too.

>Z<

ShazzaKelly

Thanks for the update Mara, what you are achieving while going through WBR is amazing.

So much for our lovely Spring weather it's pouring here today. Also I'm full of a cold. Today was meant to be a 16k walk but it's not going to happen. I've tentatively rebooked for tomorrow. Hopefully the weather and my head will have cleared a bit by then.

I am part of a planking challenge with the other girls at work. Following a program so we can increase the length of time we can plank for over the month. It's meant to finish on 4 minutes but I can't see that happening. The 90 seconds we are currently on is challenging enough.

Have a good weekend girls.

DGHoff

Glad you are feeling a little better today, Mara!

I didn't do much the last two days as we had dinner plans with friends two nights in a row, but I figure time spent laughing with friends is almost as good as exercise, right? I did get out for a 40 minute brisk walk tonight and tomorrow I plan to actually go to a yoga class. The one problem with being a yoga teacher myself is that I never actually get to take classes, so I'm going to make time for it tomorrow. Then maybe I'll try going for a run in the afternoon. I'm not so sure my body loves running, but I'm going to keep trying it for awhile.

4 minutes of planking, Shazza? Seriously? Wow! That's quite a goal! 90 seconds is pretty darned awesome sounding to me! I can hit 30 seconds, but maybe I'll shoot for 45 tonight!

zarovka

Okay. Sounds like we have a little BCO planking challenge developing here. I am at 58.6 seconds right now. Let's see how long we can hold a plank by the time Mara gets off steroids on October 1. Mara has to get through radiation, get off steroids and maybe eat a bit, all we have to do is hold plank for a couple of minutes...

>Z<

akshelley

I would like to recommend that women with bc (and anyone w/cancer) seek out a chiropractor who has a STARR certified Oncology Rehab program. It is a mixture of learning about various aspects of treatment & life, mixed with a guided, taylored exercise program. Many insurance plans pay for this as it is highly beneficial to all aspects of fitness during illness. And, it maybe what it takes to jump start your own fitness regiment, so you can excercise independently.

I have been on Palliative chemo 3 years now, and have lost a lot of stamina, muscle tone and bone mass. So, I'm constantly trying to move as much as I can to stay active, at least in the house and backyard. My husband says I'm constantly "overdoing" it, but I can't help but to NOT want to give up the hobbies I had before I was dx. Will look into the chair cycler recommended in previous posts.

How are your workouts going now, in September 2016?

ShazzaKelly

I managed a 90 second plank today and the weather cleared enough for for a 15k walk in the afternoon. No yoga for 3 weeks as the instructor is away. My body is starting to suffer without it. I know I should just be trying to do a short practice at home but I'm not confident enough.

Z what a good idea. We will plank while Mara recouperates. We surely have the easier deal.

It's Sunday night here in New Zealand. Time to get ready for the week ahead. Enjoy the rest of you weekends. Happy exercising

Heidihill

I haven't moved much in two days, except for walking or biking to do errands. So I thought it wpuld be a good idea to join the plank challenge. It was tough but I made it to 90 seconds!

zarovka

I accidentally ran a 5K today. I went to root for my DH and DD. I did not think I could do it because of the pain in my joints and feet. However I couldn't stand being sidelined (I get it akshelly) so I jumped into the herd (without a number) and made it in 38 minutes. Jogged everything but two steep hills.

This week I have appointments with a chiropractor, two acupuncturists, a lymphatic drainage specialist and a integrative doctor in a full court press to deal with the malaise and joint and foot pain. I do believe there is a solution is somewhere in alternative and complementary medicine space.

Will do planks for Mara, later

Keep moving ladies! I will too, but a bit later. Lying around this morning.

>Z<

mara51506

I love the plank idea. That is awesome. I have never done but will have to try once I am off the steroids etc.

No exercise for me but am gradually moving to some eating. Am going out to visit with brother today.

I look forward to reading everyone's achievements with the planking. That will inspire me once I am up to it.

Hope everyone has a good day.

zarovka

Mara - For you plank means lying flat on your back with a tasty nutritious fluid by your side until these procedures are well behind you, IMO.

>Z<

BionicBunny

There sure is lots of good stuff going on here. Akshelley-yep, moving is good. Some days all I've been able to manage is shuffling laps around the downstairs rooms in my house. When I can do more, I do. Z-love it that you accidentally ran a 5k. Mara-so glad that you are able to do some eating. Rads will be finished before you know it.

Dg, Heidi, Shazza, Z and all other plankers-How cool that everyone is planking in support of Mara? Because of several compromised body parts I can't do a true plank, but will be doing a "wall plank" instead. First started doing this type of exercise when mri showed rotator cuff injury, and read about Dr. Loren Fishman who uses yoga techniques to treat various ailments (his book is titled Healing Yoga).

DH and I had a nice bike ride this afternoon. My friend is meeting me at 6:30 am tomorrow to go biking so I need to finish here and get some rest.

Take care.

DGHoff

Inspired by you all, and in support of Mara, I just planked! I was trying for 90 but only made it to 75 seconds. My excuse is that I moved an entire library collection today. (not all by myself, but my FitBit says I had over 11,000 steps and 4.8 miles of moving around, moving boxes, moving books, kneeling, standing, up and down. Whew! Exhausting. And then I led a one hour yoga practice. I figure 75 seconds is maybe OK after all that.