Exercise physiologist

Robyn W

Today I had my one hour session with the exercise physiologist and I absolutely loved it!!!I was mainly interested in exercises for my bones/joints,and to ask if I am doing enough aerobic type exercise.Well I am,which is good,so I just have to add to it some resistance type stuff to start with.So for the lower body,skipping,single leg hopping,drop jump(off a step) side jumps over a line,and forward jumps.He also told me that with my running,I am better to do it on the track,rather than grass,unless of course my knees are hurting.I was also shown lots of exercises using a resistance band.I have never used one,but he said it is a very effective way of strengthening your upper body.So I now have a band,and I can't wait to get to the park tonight and put it round a tree,and start my new exercises.If anyone has the chance to see an exercise physiologist,especially trained in after treatment care,I would really recommend it.You not only get shown a lot of great ,simple exercises,but also get evaluated beforehand,to make sure that you aren't going to do any damage.He also said to use my arm on my mastectomy side,exactly the same as the other.There is no need to take it easy,unless there is a specific problem.So I am starting with the band,and maybe further down the track,some weights.The key is to be consistent,and if you exercise pretty hard,each day,you need to take one full day off per week,to give your body a chance to rest and recover,so as you can keep on moving forwards.Well I have had a great day,and I hope that this finds you all doing not too badly:) Take care,and remember to exercise;) Cheers Robyn.xoxo

Deanne

You sound so enthusiastic about what you are learning and doing. That is so important with any exercise program isn't it? If you are enjoying the challenge then you are more likely to persist and get the most benefit out of it.

I am getting a little frustrated with the weather at the moment as it has been so awful I have not been able to swim very much. I am really missing it but am keeping up with my walking. I am thinking of getting into some Pilates for resistance exercise. This will be good even in the bad weather and winter etc. I like variety to keep me motivated and challenged. Thanks for your update. :)Deanne xx

Robyn W

I forgot to mention Deanne,that the exercises I have been given are for a 12 week program.He said that after this,we will go on to do some Pilates,so good on you!!I like variety too Deanne,and it's always good to have something different like you said,if the weather is not always great. Cheers Robyn.xoxo

Janey235

Thanks for posting these exercise blogs Robyn. You have giving a wealth of information for us to ponder. You've also reinforced my sisters program she has given me. She's a personal trainer and she did a course in rehabilitation exercises and everything you have said is what she has advised me. I am using a theroband and weights for my arms and upper body. Not skipping yet, just walking as I have had many ops on my knees and they are not up to heavy impact. But I'm doing a circuit of resistance exercises twice a week and walking everyday. I will take on board what your Physiologist said about taking one day off to rest my body though. I intend to start swimming again once I can find a descent swim suit Thanks for mentioning Pilates Deanna, I forgot I'd been given a DVD from the hospital on post op Pilates and I'll give it a go too. I really want to get fit again after many years of netball but a knee recon put paid to that and I really haven't had a good exercise routine since. Time to change. Thanks again Robyn, this has been a wonderful post.

Love Janey xxx

Federica

Hi Robyn, I have been diagnosed right after a month I started running again , so as you can imagine , I was feeling a million dollar, energised and strong , and apart from the lump on my breast I had no symptoms of BC. I didn't run since Monday, because funnily enough in my mind I am now sick so I can't possibly exercise. But I know I'm wrong, I need to move to feel better. Did you exercise through your treatment ? Is it possible to continue walk / jog while on treatment? I understand every person reaction to drugs or treatment is different but I know that physical activity always uplift my spirit .
I am definitely going for a walk this morning , I could definitely do with some endorphins .
Hope you are having a lovely weekend Robyn .
Federica xx

Robyn W

Hi Janey,I too would like to know where to buy a 'decent' swimsuit! How great that your sister is a personal trainer.The hospital where I had my chemo,is looking toward incorporating some type of exercise program into the chemo regime.T his just reinforces that exercise combats fatigue doesn't it? Hope you are doing ok this weekend Janey.xoxo Robyn

Robyn W

Federica,the most important thing during treatment is to exercise.If you have a quick read of what I just posted to Janey,you will get the idea of its importance.Of course,some people,for varying reasons,struggle with exercise during treatment,but for the majority of us,we can do it!!! Right through my chemo,I walked every single day.I kept a small diary,so I could record my progress.Just about every single day,I walked between 1 and 2 kilometres.On my worst days for fatigue,which were days 3 to 6, I found it a bit of a struggle to get out and walk,and when I told my oncologist this,she said,keep walking;) I know what you mean about your mindset changing,when you hear that you have cancer! I thought like this,but I didn't actually FEEL any different.I had my chemo at RPA in Sydney,and they give you written information on the benefits of exercise during treatment.All the best with your treatment Federica.I am 5 weeks past my last chemo.and I feel fantastic.xoxoRobyn

Deanne

For some reason it was really important to me to buy a swimsuit that I would be able to wear and feel good in after my mastectomy. I bought one straight after my surgery (even though it was coming into winter and I had months of chemo and radiation ahead of me!). It is probably the most comfortable swimsuit I have ever had and with my Aqua Wave Amoena breast form I probably look better than I did before. I got both these items from a fantastic boutique in Clayfield (Brisbane) called Spirit of Life. They are a specialist boutique that cater only for ladies who have had breast surgery. They have an amazing array of lingerie, active wear and swimsuits. Debra, the owner, is extremely helpful and you can order on the internet or by phone as well. I have bought all my mastectomy bras there too and am really happy with everything. Having that swimsuit to try on and imagine being well again and able to swim and go on a holiday kept my spirits up all through treatment. Still have not worn it on a holiday yet, but it has helped me through quite a few kilometres of swimming laps! Deanne xx

Robyn W

Thanks Deanne,I am going to check it out!

Janey235

Me too Deanne. Thanks for that.
Janey xxx

Janey235

Thanks Robyn, I'm doing much better. I've told myself not to be silly and stop imagining the worst. I'll be fine.

Janey xxx