Stage 4 Fitness 2015

I love this thread! You all just inspire me.. although today I have done nothing and I am about to get in bed because I feel so bad from my Herceptin treatment yesterday. RonnieKay - does that happen to you...? Or anyone else here that get's Herceptin? They stopped the Perjeta so the neuropathy isn't as bad....but I still feel like I have the flu for a couple of days after every treatment.

The good news is... my oncologist okay'd my hike, and no Heidihill... it's not Everest base camp... (although my sister is going there in March and I am dying to see the movie... I did read Into Thin Air. But no, no Everest for me - ever.) However... you all might think I am crazy..... Mt. Kilimanjaro. 19, 300 or whatever feet it is instead of 29000. At first my oncologist DID think I was talking about Everest and looked at me like I was crazy, although she told me she has Stage IV cancer patients that have climbed K2 and Denali and all kinds of mountains. She thought if my lungs, etc... held out at 14,000 feet, which they have here in Colorado, that I would be okay at 19,000.00. She said she'd definitely recommend trip insurance in case things go south in the meantime. So... tomorrow morning I need to get out of bed, and start really training. February is actually the WARMEST month there, which is why I want to do it then... although I know it's cold on top no matter what. Am I insane? It's the lowest of the Seven Summits... unless I want to go to Antarctica, of course... which is NOT on my agenda. I figure that even if something happens and I a) can't go or don't make it to the summit.. .having a goal like this will keep me (and my husband, who DEFINITELY thinks I am insane but is going along with it) motivated and moving.

RonnieKay - so glad you are feeling so well! Maybe I need to add Prozac to my list.. You are so lucky you have little people in your life, too... it sounds like they really keep you hopping.

Nancyh - thanks for the encouragement! I wish we lived closer so that we could hike together. And the nausea - doesn't Zofran help? I swear by that... or ginger tea?

Bionic - congrats on the sprint duathalon and Heidhill, you may not be able to run that far but you are constantly on that bike which amazes me... you must have incredible balance... and I think I read (maybe on this thread but if not, another one...) you saying that you felt better and better year after year. SO encouraging and hopeful.

Suersis - good luck with the Plurex... hope it works for you. My only word of caution - be careful when they drain it. Not to be negative or anything... but I went home with one on my first go-around with pleuredisis or however you spell it... and the first time they drained it ( a nurse came to do it) it hurt so badly that I freaked out and went to the doctor the next morning and made him remove it. It was awful. That was over two years ago... so maybe things have changed. ANYWAY, whatever works to get rid of the fluid so you feel better!

Hope everybody has a great weekend!

XOXO

Andrea

Am in the midst of packing for a long trip but wanted to check in here first...

WOW, Andi, that is the craziest thing I've heard. I LOVE it!! Keep us posted for sure on your training with lots of pics! That will help keep us moving.

Bionic, I can feel the victory pumping through your veins. So inspiring!

RonnieKay, how wonderful that you're feeling so good! You've got a winning combination.

Nancy, glad to hear the gut issues have improved. A is a tough one but manageable. Walking really helped me when I was on it although I could never manage that much until 2 days after the infusion.

Will be in a rented condo with my dad. There's a gym in the building so will be able to train on a treadmill. Nancy, I haven't signed up for a race, just a general goal. Maybe one day I can sign up for the WMA (World Masters Athletics). There's one in Lyon, which is not too far with the TGV. A girl can dream. Or I can try to break the record times of the oldest athletes. e.g., Olga Kotelko at 95, and go down the line. http://www.lyon2015.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015_WMA_Women_Outdoor_Records.pdf

Hi to all and thank you for your inspiring words. I appreciate all of you and the effort it takes to work toward "fitness." I continue to walk several times each week and to practice gentle yoga, modified tai chi, light strength training, and stretching routines on other days. On days when I am hurting or feeling somewhat lost in my body, I can always depend on gentle yoga to help me with pain and to find myself more centered.

I recently ran across an essay about yoga by Jessica Caplan in which she talks about the "resistance to the impermanent nature of existence" and shares wisdom from Pema Chodron's book, The Places That Scare You: 'We know that all is impermanent; we know that everything wears out. Although we can buy this truth intellectually, emotionally we have a deep-rooted aversion to it. We want permanence; we expect permanence. Our natural tendency is to seek security; we believe we can find it.'"

Caplan adds: "Yoga is a microcosm for life. The paradox of the physical practice of yoga — the asana — naturally mirrors the paradox of human-ness. While we strain and sweat to hold our bodies in challenging poses, we are also reminded…that we are not, in fact, these bodies. Yoga isn't about making our bodies stronger; it's a practice for learning to deal with our minds and the inconstancy of life. We are born into these bodies, and at some point — we know not when or how — these bodies will degenerate, until we will no longer inhabit them."

And, "To be born into human form is to struggle with the vicissitudes of body, mind and the external world; to walk the spiritual path is to practice transcending, or making peace, with the constant change that is life. …Over the past ten years, I've become vastly more comfortable in my skin, and through the sometimes painful process of letting go, I've made — and continue to make — space for acceptance of what is. The more I do that, the more I touch the place inside that is ageless, undying, and that reverberates as Love, with a capital L."

My personal perspective is that many of us have faced the truth of "the impermanent nature of existence" and learned that we are more than just our bodies. I practice yoga and all forms of exercise as mindfully as possible to help my body grow stronger, my mind to become more centered, and my self to accept the constancy of change and the inconstancy of life. My commitment to daily exercise (while recognizing that daily does not always happen!) helps me to simplify and to let go as much as I can of that which complicates and steals precious energy. I embrace the idea that my daily practice helps me to "touch the place inside that is ageless, undying, and reverberates as Love...."

In lovingkindness to all of you!

Suersis - that's exactly why I had two Pleurodisis ( I know I am spelling that wrong) surgeries.. .. I needed to get my lungs expanded pretty quickly. Actually - I had one surgery in November - almost a year after I finished chemo... that's when I went home with the Pleurx and came right back the next day. I think in my case they were draining it too quickly, too.... or maybe they drained it all and then the nurse continued to turn that little lever? Anyway - I am glad to hear that your doctor told you that, actually... because after I wrote that last note to you I felt like a big baby for having it removed. It was just SO painful it was like having the wind knocked out of me... but, I ended up back in the hospital in February having both sides done and was there for a week with gigantic tubes running out of me...I think I mentioned that. NOT fun - so I think you are right to just stick it out..... my lungs are doing really well (otherwise I wouldn't be thinking about climbing to 19K feet...)... I think there was a little fluid left over to begin with, but it has gradually subsided.... ..

Brenda - I am so inspired by your entire post that I am going to go out and buy that book.... The Places that Scare You... it sounds exactly like something I need to read. And - I really, really want to find a yoga class... one where I am not intimidated by all of the people around me.

Nancyh - I think I missed the fact that the chemo you are doing now is Adriamycin. That is a really tough one... one again, you amaze me.....that's the one that I had to begin with as well and I seriously didn't get out of bed or this one chair (which I have since gotten rid of...).... the entire time. It almost killed me so good for you to have the energy to get out and walk!

Thanks for all of the encouragement on my February hike.... I'll send training pictures...I did run 6m again on Saturday and did a hike on Sunday.... it's during the week that I find it so hard to fit something in because of work.... but I am going to have to find a way. We are going to Utah for the weekend... to deal with some family things left over from my dad dying last spring. I am not looking forward to it, but hoping to climb to the top of the ski run that was his very favorite.

XOXO

Andrea

Hi all, I thought I would jump in and say Hi!

I'm fairly new to the Stage IV club.  When I was diagnosed with bone mets, I was having pain and weakness in my left leg and hip due to spinal involvement and nerve compression.  I couldn't exercise without hurting myself and my left leg was weak and started collapsing when I would try to exercise. 

I had radiation therapy to my spine and hip.  Since then I've been on Zoladex, Xgeva, Femara and Ibrance.   I started doing some physical therapy and strengthening exercises and have been feeling stronger. Last night I stepped it up a bit and did some stair climbing and really got my heart rate up!  It felt great!  It's amazing how being able to exercise again has helped my mood and outlook.   I'm hoping to do a 100 mile bike ride next summer, but we'll see...

I noticed that a few of you are horsey folks.  I have a horse - he's a 14 yr old Canadian warmblood gelding named Dimitri.    I have been struggling with whether to try riding or not, and my Dr.s can't give me a definite answer.  They didn't say no which actually surprised me, lol.  They said that they don't think my bones are going to fracture, but that I have to understand that I am at higher risk than the general population.   I always have some level of pain in my left hip and leg still, though it's much better.    Are any of you that ride doing it with bone mets?  

Hi everyone-It's so good to hear what you are all doing and what's helpful for you.

Laurie-your horse is beautiful, just lovely. I have bone mets (ribs, spine, hip, femur) and I still ride, though at a slower, easier level than I used to. I had a hip replacement and radiation on my right femur because of bone mets. My orthopedic oncologist didn't want me to ride, but I told him it wasn't an option and just wanted to know what he recommended for mounting my horse-getting on the left or right side, which hip to pivot. He recommended the left side so that's what I do, with the help of a mounting block. I also bike regularly which helps keep my leg and hip moving. My oncologist has been great, always encourages me to stay active and keep pushing. I hope you will keep enjoying your horse, whether riding him or not, and best wishes on your biking goal.

Kjones-yep, I can relate! Over the years I've had some of my most memorable rides because of birds. My horse can really move when confronted by a wild turkey, pheasant, or anything that whirs over her head. Fuji-glad you are able to ride your Mom's gelding. He sounds like a nice guy and Arabs are so gorgeous.

Suersis-so happy to hear you were able to do some walking without oxygen. That's great. Hope the pain subsides and you feel better and stronger every day.

Andi-hope climbing to the top of that ski run makes your difficult weekend a little easier. And that 6m run-wow, you are amazing.

Brenda-lots of good thoughts in your post. Glad you have been able to make adjustments to personalize the yoga poses to meet your needs.

Teacher911-yes, I am planning on doing the Wonderful Run. I will look forward to seeing you there. Until then, I hope you have a great time in Florida, and I am going to keep working at walking regularly.

Take care everyone.

Bionic Bunny, thank you!

Kjones, Dakota is adorable as is your daughter!  Hugs and thinking good thoughts for your CT.  It's so nerve racking, these scans and frustrating when your body won't let you do what you want to do. 

Hi all... okay..I think I am going crazy. I wrote a long post, included pictures, and now it's gone... so I will re-write and hopefully won't show up twice.

Beautiful horses.... KJones - that picture of yours and your daughter is truly priceless... and Laurie, I don't have a horse, but I did (do) have bone mets... everywhere... spinal compressions and the whole nine yards. I was diagnosed three years ago and had chemo and radiation... and monthly Xgeva shots.. and Herceptin every three weeks except when I decide to skip it, which I do sometimes because it makes me so stiff and achy.

Brenda - thank you for more lovely words. And, I thought of you yesterday on our long road trip from SLC to Denver. I stretched and did all those exercises you taught us last year... remember? My husband thought I was crazy (again) but they definitely helped! I am going to make it a priority to look for a yoga class... and to get that book.

Bionic - good for you for swimming 200 yards! I hope your scans went okay this morning... and KJones, you too. I hope you both get results immediately so that you don't have to wait for answers. Thinking of you....

Suersis - I wrote a long explanation for my need to climb to 19,000 feet which I wont' re-explain, but it probably boils down to a) I love adventure and don't like to do anything that is easy and b) I am trying to prove to myself that I can do everything I could do before being diagnosed (which of course, I can't. I am in denial.)

On that note, I am going to post the two pictures I did before I somehow erased my posting. These are from this last weekend... our trip to SLC to pick up my dads car. The ski areas already had snow, but we found a beautiful hike up a canyon... great views of SLC and then four miles up to an amazing waterfall... and then four miles down.... all in all, great training, although it was warm and sunny! XOXO Andi

kjones-so happy to hear that your scans were stable. DH and I have been praying for you. Hope your daughter is feeling better too. I saw the oncologist on Tuesday, after being scanned Monday, but am still waiting for a definitive report. He showed me the scans and thought there was a small amount of progression. But the radiologist' s report indicated "significant" progression, so he wanted to speak to the radiologist and get more information. I'm going in tomorrow for a zometa infusion and hope to find out more then. Meanwhile I'll do another cycle of ibrance/femara, but after that it may be back to chemo. Stay tuned:)

We've had a great week of weather and I 've been enjoying it (in between Dr. Appts.). DD and I had a nice bike ride this morning, and yesterday I had a good ride on my horse.

Andi-what beautiful photos. Your hiking is incredible. Keep going, girl!

Hope everyone is doing well.

bionic--well crap! I also hope the progression is minimal. I am amazed at how much you get out and go! Really an inspiration! Prayers for you

I'm just jumping in to say hi, can't try and respond to all the posts yet. But all of you have inspired me to get going tomorrow. Going to the gym in the morning and if I still have the energy going to get DH and dog Bella on a hike before the snow flies! Thanks!

What aa super idea for a thread. Every time I visit my oncologist it's all bout the other stages and exercise. Stage lV woman need exercise too so good on you ladies. Whatever type we participate in movement is key. Marathons wow I'm very impressed , my knees won't do that anymore but I get up every morning at 4:30 ( I know kind of crazy ) to go to the gym. I do weights and some cardio on a recline bike. I think I'm the fittest I've ever been omitting the cancer of course lol. I can't go a day without it now.  Have a great day ladies.

Wendy

Do you guys think I can get stronger muscles or become more flexible even though I am on these drugs? I mean, one drug is aimed at depleting my body of every last bit of estrogen, and the other one is wreaking who-knows-what havoc while giving me low blood counts and fatigue. Can I even maintain the little strength and flexibility I have?