Physcial Condition and starting Chemo

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Onehalf
Onehalf Member Posts: 171
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

O.K.

I am already overweight and out of shape, I do not exercise normally.

I am 48 years old, just recently diagnosed with breast cancer, had a Lumpectomy on 9/30....due to start Chemo on 10/ 5,

I have read where I would benefit by getting exercise.

Is this the time to start a walking program?

I do have an elliptical exerciser at home ( yep, I will need to blow the dust off of itEmbarassed)

I guess what I am getting at....Even thou I have not taken the time to get any exercise....is it too late to begin? Is it better for me to start something? Or best not to try?

I feel that I could only benefit. But I guess I need to hear your encouragements to get me going in the right directions. I do want to do what is right....

Any suggestions on other types of exercise's I can do...Swimming is out, as I love to swim, but I do not have access to a pool that would give me the privacy I needEmbarassed.

Thank You

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  • Yogi70
    Yogi70 Member Posts: 654
    edited October 2008

    Onehalf,

    It's nice to meet you; although I am sorry about the circumstance.  Yes, now is actually a good time to start walking.  Chemo can be hard but it is doable.  If you can walk it will help.  When I walk it helps me feel better and it also (believe it or not) helps with fatigue. Good Luck

    Yogi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Onehalf,

    I started walking after my bilateral mastectomy last spring.  When I first started, I would have to stop and rest after a couple of blocks before heading home.  Now I walk two miles a day, and I've lost over 50 lbs. 

    Start slow, don't overdo it, and take breaks if you need to, but start! 

    Make sure you have well fitting comfortable shoes to walk in.  I would leave the elipitical until you are fully healed and cleared by your surgeon since that usually gives you a pretty intense arm workout as well as the legs. 

    On these beautiful fall days, I walk outdoors, but if the weather is hot, or cold, or wet, just drive to a mall and walk around it a couple of times (depending on the size of the mall).  One of the best things about walking is that you can start as slowly as you need to and increase the speed and length of your walk as you go along.

    I hope that you "move" toward better health for many years to come. 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2008

    OneHalf,  How great that you can think of such a positive approach or <pun intended> step forward in addressing your treatment of this dastardly disease.

    Walking is a great way to get exercise.  PatMom's experience is excellent advice.  And I just looked at the weather for Davis, CA.  You have beautiful weather down there.  Looks like you'll want to get up early or walk in the evening when it is very warm.  Be sure to get a water bottle and a waist belt pack to carry it in.  Makes walking easier and you'll have drinking water at hand.  

    One great way to meet some neat ladies and get into a walking regimen is by finding a team that trains for the Komen 3 Day walk.  The San Fran walk was just a few weeks ago.  But I bet those gals are already thinking about next October 2009.  Here in the Boston area, ladies are out walking a couple times a week together to stay in shape.  Later they'll ramp up for 3 Day training.

    I suggest this approach because when we are just getting started with a regimen it helps to have a buddy or two to help keep you going.  It can be too easy to let other of life's demands take front and center.  Right now your health is most important. Let me know if you want any help tracking down a walking group.  I'm very good at finding information like that.  

    Best to you.  

    Debbie

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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited November 2008

    I say go for it. That's exactly what I did (tho I was exercising prior to my diagnosis). I promised myself that i would walk every day and I did. Some days I barely left the house, some days my husband had to come with me and I only made it about 3/4 mile but I walked every day for over a year (and we have winters here!!!).

    Not only will it help keep and gain some strength it will make you feel good emotionally and physically. I got an ipod as a chemo gift and listened to podcasts and music on my walks. My whole town got to know me, "Oh, I saw you walking this morning." 

    just this past month (almost 2 years from the tail end of treatment) I've backed off on exercise since my schedule's gone kaphuey since I started school again. yuck. Gotta practice what i preach. 2-3 days a week is not enough!

    Enjoy doing what you can to take care of yourself while the chemo is beating you up. You will get through this if, as my motto goes, you put one foot iin front of the other.

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  • Scrappygrl
    Scrappygrl Member Posts: 120
    edited November 2008

    Onehalf- I'm the same way.  I'm just gonna start walking the neighborhood and do what someone else mentioned....stop along the way rest a bit and then walk back home.  I am hoping it really helps combat the fatigue and nausea.  Good luck!

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  • Boscoe
    Boscoe Member Posts: 52
    edited November 2008

    Walking helps increase your red blood count-the higher the better when dealing with chemo or any illness.  It will increase your circulation which will help you release toxins from the chemo..It is never, EVER too late!!

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  • Onehalf
    Onehalf Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2008

    Thank You for all the response-

    I do plan on getting my butt out there and walk.

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