Exercise and well being during chemo and radiation

I could have sworn it was working before but I know it isn't because I counted steps for one minute and multiplied it by the minutes and it wasn't even close. But now at least I don't feel so bad about logging only 4k steps. I know it is closer to 10k now.

walked 1 1/2

1 mile elliptical

Various light weights and stretching

Didn't even try to figure the steps

I am doing light weights only - 1-2 lbs in each hand. And isometric stuff. That's a bit Over 200 pounds.

yes, she is. That's the number I read on FB too. Pretty amazing!

Hey Whitney! You are amazing!

Hiked today. Been a godawful slacker since I found that stupid fat lump. Still waiting on final path.

thanks ksusan. I haven't dwelled too much (ok, well maybe some) on the lymphedema issue because I was carrying my 35 pound grandkids almost immediately after surgery. They don't understand the meaning of the word no. I still get a tiny bit of swelling right at my lumpectomy site, but the surgeon said that can take up to two years to resolve. But I can still wear my rings, and so far, nothing going on in my arm. A girl can hope! She also said she detected no lymphedema in my arm or surgical site. When she checked me she focused on the area right above my armpit, I think where the muscle is in my chest. So that's the area I check the most.

Allison, I'm with you. I don't go looking for issues. Otherwise, I would go crazy! I didn't read the chemo literature either, all gloom and doom, and really, did we have any choice? I just relied on what the MO and nurses told me

I lifted heavy all through Chemo... since about 3 weeks post lumpectomy..... I am blindly going with what feels ok... LOL

It's prob stupid but Ive just put blinders on with regards to lymphedema... I refuse to acknowledge it... and ive not had problems so far... knock on wood!:)

I've had my blinders on too. I don't think I have lymphedema but always worried it might come so I just try to avoid lifting anything with that arm, and I had 9 nodes out. Been walking/slow running for exercise, but know I need to add strength training to my exercise. Had asked MO and RO a few times about wanting a PT referral, but they seemed to just brush it aside like it wasn't gonna happen. Felt guilty too not pushing harder for it, since I've seen so many of you talking about PT and lymphedema

Finally at follow up survivorship appointment with another MD, got myself a PT appointment. I figure better to do this right, I don't want to deal with triggering lymphedema, and have to deal with yet another thing!

PB

That's good news, Katy.

Dear Jb, first of all, let me say that I am so impressed with what you have done exercise-wise post-chemo! I say this with the sincerest of intentions that I am concerned that you are faltering a bit and I think you need an intervention, as you appear to be at risk of perhaps falling into the amotivated camp. I recognize that there are mental aspects that can present challenges and potentially derail you. Once you commence a new exercise program, the 3 month point is high risk for motivation. Recall you longterm goal. Break it down into small achievable goals – weekly and monthly, or even daily. My intention is not to harass, but to encourage you to attain your desired outcome, so I hope you take this in the spirit in which it is given. You can do this; you will do this - I am rooting for you! I want to see your achieve that big turnaround you promised. Hugs and best wishes.

Ksusan: my sympathies. Middle school PE anxieties are rather why I've avoided group classes such as Zumba or yoga.

ksusan, you made me chuckle.