Exercise Helps Ease Aromatase Inhibitor Side Effects

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Exercise Helps Ease Aromatase Inhibitor Side Effects
January 26, 2017
Exercise improves body composition in women taking aromatase inhibitors. Read more...

Fireflies

Thanks for posting this article.  I started an AI January 2016. I am a ski instructor and fitness coach.  The AI which I started made me feel like all my joints were locked up.. I could barely get out of a chair on my own.  I also gained close to 10 percent of my weight in less than a month.  My Dr. switched my AI, and after a few months I was able to exercise again and actively teach my classes.

I am certain that my exercise helps my overall attitude and weight management.  My students understand that I am not able to perform at my past level, however I am a role model for them.  They all work harder than before, because they understand how hard I am working to be out there with them.

I would like to encourage everyone on AI to exercise at what ever level they can.  ! year ago, I could barely walk a lap around my bed.  Since then I have run a half marathon.

Moderators

Hi Fireflie, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry that it has to be for this reason, but we're so glad you've found us and decided to share your encouraging experiences!

Please let us know if we can be of any assistance! We're all here to support you.

The Mods

Claire_in_Seattle

I would like to add that the way exercise happens is by making it a priority in your life.

I would also add that you need to find activities you enjoy doing. For me, it's getting outdoors and enjoying the amazing Pacific Northwest scenery. I also do a routine of exercise ball crunches and another with free weights every workday. I tried 3x per week, but that just didn't work for me.

You will sometimes find me just getting in from my 2-mile walk at 9:30 pm if I have had a brutal workday. This releases energy and helps me sleep better. I think I had a much better trip through AIs too.

Finally, I don't think that AI patients are a special group in needing exercise. ALL OF US need exercise. I live in a place where I see what happens if you don't exercise as you get older, and it's not a pretty sight. Some of my neighbors huff and puff just carrying in groceries while I blow by them in heading out the door to the ski trails/long distance bicycle ride/hike/5k run.

I am sitting in my running duds as I write this. I have to get ready for a work call, and then I am heading out the door. It won't be a ski today because too late, and I didn't get to the trails yesterday because they closed the road!!!! But I did sneak in a 5k run.

This is what I mean about planning....because it's really another form of investing in yourself. - Claire

Moderators

GREAT insight and advice, Claire! Thanks for sharing!

--The Mods

MCK54

My first post....

I ve been lurking on this wonderful community board for six months until finally becoming an official member yesterday. Perhaps it was that subconsciously I was in bc denial. How could This healthy woman have this bad luck. I had none of the usual risk factors. But there was no forgetting those words of my Dr last year. "you my dear, are a lady with breast cancer". The news kept getting worse right from the start.

There were so many encouraging posts on this website that gave me hope during those dark early days. One particular one reaffirmed my thought that it was up to me who I shared my BC diagnosis with. I decided to share only with immediate family and closest friends, so that the "c" word wouldn't t be the centre of conversation as well as my life.

The other meaningful post I read, had to do with the importance of exercise in battling the side effects of AIs and the important role of diet. I gravitated to the idea of good health. Perhaps it was just something positive, that I had control of, to focus on each day In three months, I ve lost 25 lbs, by eating a plant based, gluten free, dairy free, red meat free diet. I exercise four times a week and walk every day. Is it difficult? You betcha! But it s worth it. Exercise helps with treatment side effects such as hot flashes and bone pain. In addition, it helps me deal with anxiety of living with bc and research shows I may in fact live longer.

To those who are just being diagnosed, don t be too hard on yourself. You will feel much calmer once a treatment plan starts. Make lifestyle changes a little at a time. Remember to be good to yourself.

Moderators

MCK thank you for your first post! We're so happy you're here and we are sure your words will be helpful and inspirational for many new members. We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

ruthbru

If you want some exercise buddies, check out the Lets Post Our Daily Exercise thread on the Fitness Forum. A great bunch of ladies at all stages of treatment and beyond, and all fitness levels too.

Tappermom383

Claire is right that we all need exercise. I discovered a fabulous instructor - who has become a friend - and enjoy her mat Pilates and strength training classes. Thank goodness I did. I truly believe they enabled me to make it through my breast MRI. Having had surgery on both shoulders, lying with my arms straight out in front of me was excruciating but I was able to do it. Everyone has been marveling at how well I came through my surgery and can't believe I'm able to raise my right arm above my head. Again I think it's because of the fitness classes I've been taking. I may not have lost any weight (yet!) but I most definitely feel stronger. An AI is in my future, according to my surgeon, so I'll keep up with my classes (went back for the first time today - it made me feel so normal) and I'm going to tell my DH that his job is to get me up and out for a walk when fatigue has me drooping.

Thanks to the Mods for posting this article; I saved it to my favorites for future reference.

MJ