New to Get active and keep well

[Deleted User]

Hi Everbody, I'm new to this group and thought that I'd introduce myself to you all. I live in a little town called Orbost with my .fantastic hubby. I had a mastectomy and auxiliary clearance in February for lobular and ductal cancer. I'm undergoing chemo and am halfway there. I have to travel for access to chemo and specialist appointments. I try to walk each day and do my lymph oedema exercises. A friend of mine introduced me to a gym stick, which is a lightweight pole with therabands each end. This helps me with low impact stretches and exercises and is safe to use. Bought it on the net for $99 and it came with a DVD and instruction sheet, and you can even use it in a swimming pool. Would love to hear some other ideas and get some motivation to keep going over these cold winter months. Best regards, Tracey B

Robyn W

It sounds like a fun way to exercise! My thing has always been walking:) I really enjoy it,and I think that this is the key to exercise.If you find something that you actually enjoy,it makes it so much easier.I walked( mostly fast walking) each day through chemo,and I still do now.I try for about 5 k every day.I eat mainly healthy food,and since I started treatment,which was 17 months ago,I have maintained my same weight.I am on Tamoxifen now also.Keep up the exerciseTracey.Not only is it good for our general health,but it makes you FEEL better:):) Cheers Robyn.xox

Steph Fletcher

Welcome Tracey, lovely to have you join the 'Get active and keep well' community. Thanks for sharing your experiences so far, and Robyn is right, it's all about finding an activity that you love - it'll help a heap on those cold winter mornings! As a starting point, the BCNA Exercise and Breast Cancer information booklet provides practical tips and tricks to help you stay motivated during the cooler months. I know you mentioned you're located in Orbost, Heart Foundation offers walking groups across Australia. You can search by postcode and lock into an existing group or start your own if having a buddy to meet and walk with will help also. I can definitely suggest some other organisations and services that might be of interest, let us know how you go and if you're keen to try out a particular activity for the first time or are interested in something already I'll see how I can help. X Steph

 

[Deleted User]

Thanks Robyn, it's a real inspiration to hear from someone who has managed to maintain their fitness even with tamoxifen. I do try to walk often, will have to drag hubby out with me more often. Take care ??

[Deleted User]

Thanks Steph, that's awesome. It's good to have some advice as it will keep me motivated. ????

Simonesplace

Hi Tracey, I have decided to join the group today after being diagnosed early May and having a right mastectomy last Wednesday. I currently am home resting with a drain and long for the days where I can walk and enjoy the outdoors again.  Each morning my husband makes me a green smoothie before he goes off to work and I love to listen to the kids giggle as they walk out the door.  I have a little nutrition plan I made up and work on that when I have the energy.  We don't have family here in brisbane but we draw our strength from our church and the many many wonderful ladies that help each day. Keep up the good work with your exercise........

[Deleted User]

Thanks Simone, I hope that your drain comes out soon, and that the rest of your treatment goes smoothly for you. This is a great site to access information and support.  Xxx