Stage 4 Fitness 2016

mara51506

DG, that is awesome!! Thank you. I am touched by you all planking in support of me. It helps so much! When I was crying today (SE from steroid or rad), my mom reminded me of you guys and what you are doing. I immediately felt better.

Appetite better today, walked 10 mins but happy with that. Going to bed. 4 more zaps to go.

Hope all are doing well.

zarovka

I am headed downstairs to do my Mara planks this very moment. Hang in there. The drugs will make you crazy. It's not much longer.

UPDATE: 1X 90 second and 2 X 60 Second plank.

I worked it into a Nike+ Fit program that my daughter and I do on the xBox 360. The Nike program is a lot of jumping and hopping. It is the last thing I want to do with my foot pain. Initially, I stuck with it only to support my daughter who needs exercise and loves the program. When I start the program, it's very painful. By the end my foot pain is gone.

The foot/joint pain is probably side effect of the letrozol. My oncologist keeps telling me to work through the pain because it goes away with movement. It's really hard to do when the pain is this bad, but it works.

Feeling better, but I wish this was all a bit easier and more straight forward.

>Z<

GracieM2007

Wow, you all make me feel like an old lady, lol! I cannot even do a plank. Believe me, I've tried. Cannot do it. I have no strength in my arms left. I also cannot do a single set up. And there again, I have tried and tried, I have no stomach muscles at all. I didn't know we could do chemo if we have bone mets? Anyone have any idea? Maybe I'll ask my onc about that, because my back is all out of whack. I wish I lived in a larger town where I could get involved in some kind of health stuff for cancer patients, but our little town doesn't have anything like that. We have two gyms, but the people who work there, are local people, and I don't think either of them would have any idea what a cancer patient would need. I'm walking, a little, it takes 40 minutes to make a mile and my legs feel like they are going to literally fall off of my body when I'm done, but I can do it. I think that I'm going to do a little less than that for a while though, because all day yesterday the muscles in the front of my lower legs were really sore.

Any suggestions for anything that I can look at or read online, or a site that might help me know what kind of exercises I should be doing?

Heidihill

So happy to hear you have just 4 zaps to go, Mara. Maybe by the time you read this just 3. I did my plank for you at 2 minutes. I distracted myself by looking for all the places where dust has accumulated in spaces that are not normally at my eye level. Z, I'm afraid your onc is right. With the help of your full court press (love that term!) and movement things will get much better. Maybe slowly, but steadily.

Gracie, it took me years to get into planking shape after chemo. I had zero strength. You have to work at it slowly and ideally with advice from your doctor/physical therapist as to the best exercises for you. Walking is a great starting point. Then you can add some arm exercises perhaps. I had chemo for bone mets, but I was diagnosed Stage IV from the get-go with limited mets, which is sometimes treated like lower stage.

ShazzaKelly

Wow way to plank people. Nice work. I did a quiet 5k walk on Monday after my big one the day before and planked for 90 seconds.

Today was a 7k walk in the morning but the day was so frantic I've only just done My plank for Mara at 9.45 pm. I managed 2 minutes which I never thought I could do. It's a cup of tea and bed for me now

Happy training everyone

kaayborg

Gracie, I think you meant chiro with bone mets not chemo. I don't know the answer to chiro with bone mets question but maybe someone else does. Love the weird brain stuff that goes on. Yesterday I went to write a student's name that began with K and looked down to see a Z. Maybe I was thinking of you Z! I think that walking sounds exactly the right exercise for you. I think the point is to stay in the stretch zone, where whatever you do is a bit of a challenge but not a set-back.

Okay, I couldn't resist trying the plank thing. 40 seconds is when I wanted to quit and so I did. I'm such a novice I wasn't sure that 90 seconds (or 2 min.) would really feel like that long. Humbled.

I have not felt like pushing myself much lately. I first posted in this forum some time ago when I was so pumped I could run 20 minutes straight! Sad to say I'm still sitting on that 20 minutes and watching the clock for the final 8, then 6, okay just 3 more, 1 more minute...don't quit! It's not the heart but the muscles that don't want to keep going I think. I'm okay with it though. Maybe it's just the chemo. Over the summer, I had longer breaks in between treatment.

GracieM2007

I did mean chiro.. Lol! And that wasn't autocorrect it was just my mind blitzing out for a minute!!!

zarovka

Gracie - when my fitness get to a low, which happens even without the chemo and treatments, i always restart with walking. I add some light weights at some point. Consistently and gently pushing yourself. Your body tells you when it wants and needs more.

You would be surprised what they can do for you over at the local gym. There is nothing really special about exercise during cancer treatment except that we are all surprised at how weak we are and how gentle we have to be with ourselves. Your local trainers can probably help tremendously in getting you involved in appropriate training.

Kaayborg - I just ran a my slowest 5K in my whole life on Sunday even though I have probably been spending more time exercising lately than usual. Running for 20 minutes is huge, where I am now. Great job.

Shazza - 2 minutes! wow.

Heidi - thanks for the encouragement. sometimes I think I have re-adjust my hopes and just fight fight fight not to get weaker and in more pain.

>Z<

mara51506

All of you are amazing with your planking. Helps me a lot reading about the support here. I am also in awe of the exercise you all are able to do. Kaayborg, being on chemo and still able to go for 20 mins is wonderful.

Z - glad moving the feet seems to help even if they would not cooperate at first.

Shazza - 2 mins is outstanding. I will be planking when I am done rads. Will check out wall planking first I think but then will be there with all of you.

Gracie - walking is a great place to start. I felt really shitty today but forced myself on a couple of short walks today. 10 mins around the block at home and walking around the grocery store. I decided was necessary just to keep the body going. I also talked to rad onc about tapering my steroid sooner since no brain swelling issues. He was OK with it so will finish them on Monday. Am so glad since my mood is awful on these things. Since was only on them since last Monday, we will decrease for the next 6 days and be done. (Yay) Last zap on Friday this week.

Love reading all that you are doing. Can't wait to add more myself.

Pagej

Awesome thread!

I am a brain only stage IV and get as much as 4 hours of exercise a week. I do at least 2 hours in a HIIT class (was 4 hrs before SRS to brain tumor) per week. And then a few hours of walking the dogs/hiking the rest of the time.

Will be looking forward to reading all your exercise regimes.

Sometimes I feel like I am not active enough but remind myself to just rest if that's what my body is telling me. Finished SRS just 4 months ago.

DGHoff

Mowed the lawn (20 minutes), did a 20 minute walk (didn't feel up to running) and a 98 second plank. And a few moon salutations. Feel like I'm getting a cold though. Boo. Hope it's just allergy stuff from mowing the lawn.

Welcome Pajej. 4 hours a week is a lot! I think you are plenty active. You are so right that rest is important too. We all need to remember that. In fact, I need to get to bed early tonight. I'm so ready!

Good night, all!

zarovka

Pagej - awesome regime! We show up and doing what we can, not what we used to do or and not what we "should".

On that topic, Mara, I sent you 2 X 60 seconds of plank healing energy and 1X 45 seconds. Then I nearly collapsed on my poor cat, who clearly believed I had another 15 seconds in me. Not my best but all I had today.

I feel like I ran a half marathon yesterday. Every muscle has that ache of extreme fatigue. I can barely walk or sit down or stand up. But of course I did not run a half marathon yesterday. I do not know what is going on. I did run a 5K on Sunday but the muscle aches are late and extreme.

Did a light 20 minute Nike strength training routine with my daughter, which helped a lot to reduce the pain. Taking advil, which doesn't seem to do much.

Tomorrow is acupuncture and lymphatic drainage.

Keep moving ladies.

>Z<

zarovka

Mara - I sent you 3 X 60 seconds of plank/healing vibes. At the moment I can't see a 90 minute plank, but maybe by the time you are done with this nastiness I'll get there.

One more radiation treatment?

Acupuncture went well. I still have hot flashes, but they were definitely less today. I still ache but not as bad. Light walking and cardio today.

Hope everyone is doing well. Keep moving!

>Z<

mara51506

Two more rads to go Z. Hanging by a thread but pushing on. The planks you are doing do make me feel good. I can definitely feel the support and it helps me a lot.

I spent yesterday crying, regretting having done the radiation due to the side effects of both the steroid (no sleep) and being scared of the longterm ones from the radiation (memory loss, possible dementia etc). I did start weaning down from the steroids yesterday with rad onc's approval so don't feel quite so down in the dumps today. I decided to give myself a break and reminded myself to get lost in TV when I am thinking about stuff. I think I still have the whole stage 4 thing to process as well since it's only been two months or so which is in the background too.

I am going to try to keep eating (harder due to increasing nausea and lower GI issues so toast it is for now). Exercise will be walking around the house and to and from the parking lot. I am lowering my expectations a bit as I am given to understand it may take a couple of months before the fatigue, weakness, food issues peak and then improve.

I will still be watching you guys even if I am not able to move because you all still inspire me and I will move once I can get the eating back.

BionicBunny

Hang in there, Mara. One more zap to go. I was out "planking on the wall" at sunrise this morning, thinking of you and others on this thread. Praying for strength and healing for all.

Glad you're feeling a little better, Z. I will be interested in hearing about your time with the integrative doctor. I started seeing an integrative oncologist this summer and got put on several supplements. Also been trying to incorporate her suggestions as far as nutrition is concerned.

Welcome to all the new posters. I would add more now but need to get to the barn and feed hungry cats and horses. Hope you all have a good day.

zarovka

Mara -

Just as the illness and drug induced darkness are sinking you, once you get a tiny window of strength back and a crack of light to run for, you will put all your will into it and get your health back. The crying and depression IS the drugs on top of the stress of diagnosis and treatment. I feel confident that you are doing the right thing with the radiation and steroids. You will get through this whole. It will be worth it.

Walking around the house and the parking lot is a marathon at the moment, but keep it up!

In the meantime, take advantage of the mind numbing effects of TV. bojack horseman and Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad on netflix are all awesome. The second two are shot in New Mexico where I live.

I sent you 3x60 seconds of healing plank vibes. Looking forward to a time, very soon, when you make my 60 second planks look pathetic.

Bionic - The homeopathic doctor did weird things will little vials and kinesiology. She held the bottles up to my chest with and without my meds and supplements and pressed my arm. She touched my spine sometimes when this was going on. She was "balancing and moderating my meds". On the flakey end of the treatment spectrum, but I am way beyond judging any modality. I have been feeling like c@#p and I will try anything. This has worked for a couple friends.

All I can say is I feel better every day. I did acupuncture and lymphatic drainage yesterday. I had this homeopathic/kinesiology today. Tomorrow I go mountain biking with my daughter and I feel like I might actually have the energy. I was really worried early in the week it would not be there. Resting today just in case, but things are looking up.

>Z<

mara51506

Z - I can feel those planks. Thanks for making me feel better as well with your words of encouragement and the hope to get to a better place. I agree with you that I will come through this, I will continue to walk around the house, went to the grocery store again today for a couple of things. Last rad is tomorrow whoop whoop. Then I can sleep as much as I want after I come off the steroids and exercise in between. (carefully of course). I bounced through harsh chemo cocktails when able to work out and eat, I expect similar of this, except over a longer period of time. I believe exercising will help both fatigue and my cognitive abilities as time goes on.

I am sorry you are feeling so shitty this week. It is draining for sure. I do go in for the flakey stuff myself and am confident between what the homeopathic doctor and what you are able to push yourself to, that you will get to enjoy and have the extra energy for that mountain biking with your daughter. Enjoy it. BTW, I do love Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. Never seen Bojack Horseman, will have to check that out for sure.

Bionic, thank you for your kind words as well. Always lifts my spirits.

zarovka

Not 100% but doing better.

I did a 30 minute nike+ fitness workout with one daughter and a few hours of mountain biking with the other. Long day. Wish they were interested in doing the same workout, but it does keep me active.

3 X 60 minute planks for Mara.

Hope everyone had a fun and active weekend.

>Z<

Heidihill

Been thinking of you, Mara. Haven't been planking though as I got a headache and felt nauseous after the last one. Hope you are on the road to recovery.

Went for a 30 km ride in mostly flat trails along a river to a cloister.

Will see if I can find those NM movies, zarovka. They'll be nice to watch as it gets colder here.

GracieM2007

I got out and walked for 30 minutes this morning!!! I know it's little compared to some but for someone who has ever exercised in my 60 years it's huge!!! 👍👍

zarovka

Heidi - that is one heck of a ride!

Gracie - way to go!

I hiked for 2.5 hours with my daughter this morning. No idea how far that was, but I have strength training planned this afternoon so this is a good day. Feeling much better. I think the acupuncture/lymphatic drainage/ body work has helped to the point where I can do a reasonable amount of exercise and together I have gotten out of the worst of it. Muscles still ache, energy not 100%, but I am not totally trashed.

It is tricky to dig yourself out of a hole once these treatments knock you into one, but possible.

Keep moving ladies!

>Z<

BionicBunny

HI ladies-sounds like everyone was working hard over the weekend. So good to hear about all the good things you've been doing.

After miles of not very comfortable riding this summer, and trying several different fixes, my DH swapped some bike seats around, putting a mountain bike seat on my road bike. Friday we did a 10 mile trial ride, and on Saturday rode another 20 miles. Ahhh....relief! Got out for a walk yesterday afternoon (by the way, good job Gracie!), followed by a short swim. This morning was an easy bike ride with my friend, and a mile walk this afternoon.

Z-so glad you are feeling better. You are absolutely right about digging out of the holes we get pushed into by both treatment and disease. I am always looking for tidbits of information that can help me to handle it better when I do get pushed, which seems to be a lot. Right now I am reading a book titled "Roar:how to match your food and fitness to your female physiology..." by Stacy T. Sims. Though not directed towards those of us living with cancer, it has some good information that I think will be helpful.

Special Hello to Mara. I hope you are resting and recuperating after the zaps. Still wall planking here (sounds like I'm building a house-too funny!).

mara51506

I am still here. Still feeling everyone's planks.

I have done 10 min walk today. No balance or weakness issues currently so I thought, "why not".

I am able to eat pretty much normally. The nausea is not really physical but more a mental thing for me and I feel better once I put something in my stomach too. No more steroids "woo hoo". Easier not to have crying jags without those affecting me. Don't appear to have any brain swelling issues, no headache. I think the nausea, "crappy tired:" feeling is the rads themselves. I expect that to continue a while.

My current plan is day by day. I want to get some exercising under my belt, have read it can improve cognitive outcomes from WBR. I have also incorporated my turmeric again since it is a good anti inflammatory and helps with cognitive too. I also know that exercise helped with the really strong chemos I did as a stage III gal and feel this will help with the WBR fatigue. I am not interested in taking months for healing. We'll see. Day by day on that.

I am still following everyone else. Z - you amaze me as usual and glad you are feeling better. Bionic, thanks for thinking of me. You are right about the holes we are pushed into with this disease. I am trying to stay out of the holes from brain radiation that Google would have me believe.

Cheers to all, hope all have a good week.

ShazzaKelly

Hi all, looks like everyone's been busy. Mara I'm pleased you are starting to feel better.

I'm just pottering along. Can't get my planks over the 2 minute mark but each day I keep trying. Sunday yoga started up again and boy had I seized up without it.

I'm still walking most days with a long training walk on Saturdays. Over the week words got out and people have asked to join me. Last Saturday 5 people joined in and we had coffee at the end. I plan a different route each week using map my walks route finder it's been a lot of fun and goes faster with people to talk to. the 21k breast cancer walk is less than 2 weeks away. I'm pretty sure I'm ready but looked at a map of the route today and thought Man that's a long way.

Keep up the good work people. We are a pretty awesome bunch

mara51506

Awesome work on training for the 21K Shazza! I'll be there in spirit!

Heidihill

I agree, we are an awesome bunch, Shazza!!! Glad the complementary stuff is working, Z. Bionic, that is a great fix. Mara, sending strong recuperative vibes.

mara51506

I felt your vibes Heidi.

Only bummer today is that my hair is starting to fall out faster. Can't shave my head now since scalp is irrirated from rads. Will have to wait it out. Hope it comes back soon.

I did well today. Managed to walk around the grocery store again and then after dinner, did a brisk 20 min walk around the neighbourhood. Decided that if I have a wave of nausea or self pity, will put the shoes on and go for a walk. For me this will be the quickest road to recovery.

Good job everyone, hope SE are better for people. always interested in how others are doing. I feel the planks and still am so touched.

zarovka

Mara - As tough as it sounds, walking off nausea is probably the best thing you can do if you can find the will.

Great job on the walking - Mara, Shazza.

Acupuncturist bailed on me tomorrow and rescheduled for next week. Bummed because it felt like it helped and now I have to wait. Had a regular blood draw today to check TM's and they hit a nerve, which made me feel shaky and nauseous the rest of the afternoon. Strange how little setbacks get me down.

Yoga this morning and a little Nike+ Fitness on the old xbox 360 tonight. Looking forward to a quick strength training to shake off the malaise and get back a sense of control.

>Z<

mara51506

Z you are absolutely right. Sorry you have to wait for the acupuncture since it was helping you. Glad you were able to do more even after your blood draw. Shaky and nauseous to me are the worst too.

I don't think feeling down after a setback is abnormal at all. You seem able to pick up fairly quickly and keep going. My hat is off to you. That is what I am striving to do. Keep moving since I can and write my own recovery timetable.

I envy the option to do acupuncture and other complementary therapies. I will have to see if there are any charities or organizations in Canada that would cover this. No way I could afford it and disability would not likely cover it either. I can do the guided meditation no problem. Use those to sleep at night and they work wonders. My favourites are on youtube. Called "The honest guys". Just put my earphones in bed and listen and before I know it, have been asleep a couple of hours.

zarovka

Mara - sent you 3X60 minutes of plank healing love mixed into what turned out to be a short cardio workout.

my feet hurt so much when I started the workout that I had to start by jumping lightly or just raising and lowering my heels. by the second set in the program i am jumping around like nobody's business. sharing that for anyone on letrozol or an AI. it does work to exercise through the muscle pain commonly caused by AI's. totally the opposite of the strategy for other types of pain. normally you don't exercise through pain.

Keep moving ladies!

>Z<