Exercise and breast cancer

All I can say is that my oncologist believes that if if I  wasn't  so fit, I would not have tolerated 15 lots of  I.V. Paclitaxel so well. I just found going to have it tedious and boring. I had been there and done that (I.V. chemo. I  mean). I am now having oral chemo.: Capecitabine.
When I  exercise I really go hard. But then I  also do yoga which I really need for stretching and to calm me.

thanks @Sister - great advice 

@eastmum Repeating what everyone else has said.  Walking to an intensity where you are slightly out of breath but able to talk is what is generally recommended.  You should be able to do that and your post-surgery exercises  After that, I would suggest a specialised programme such as Encore, an exercise physiologist or specialist physio, or a oncology rehab programme once you've had the clearance from your medical team (eg you won't be able to swim until you've been cleared by the surgeon).  I am at the end of AC chemo and have been given very light resistance work to help with cording issues by a lymphoedema physio.  I have just signed up to an 8 week oncology rehab programme offered through the hospital where I am going for chemo and although I've yet to start, I have had a lot of measuring done to check my level of fitness before a personal exercise regime is done for me.  I think it is important to make sure that whoever is setting your exercises has a good understanding of breast cancer treatment and the side effects.  

thanks @kmakm, @melclarity and @iserbrown - I'll definitely get started! 

@Eastmum 

from the BCNA website, this was in my pack from my Breast care nurse

https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2011/12/strengthen-your-recovery-a-pilates-dvd/

and this link to find something near where you live that is based around us

https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/exercise-and-staying-fit/exercise-programs/

I was fit and healthy prior to diagnosis but now that is a little different.  Being fit and healthy certainly helped to recover from surgery.  I start the ex-med program in May. 

I heard a talk back session on radio listen from a specialist who said remember we were born with two legs that are meant for walking to get us around.  Walking is so beneficial and helps blow out the cobwebs and as @romla had said in her posts that walking has helped

Take care

@eastmum it's different for everyone, I exercised before and after treatment, however when I worked with my Exercise Physiologist she said for me particularly..again not everyone, but for me she said she would not have worked with me through Chemo as its a time depletion and healing on a body level. I was very ill through chemo and had to learn to walk again, exercise would not have been an option at that point. I have kicked butt 3 yrs on now to where I was...a long way from normal and concede I am forever physically changed and no amount of exercise will get me there. But I feel GREAT! if you want to do anything I would only recommend walking or working with an exercise physiologist and building up slowly...that will get you great long term success. x

@Eastmum It's never too early to start!

Definitely begin with walking. First sure you've got good shoes, proper sneakers. Go to one of those places that film/measure your gait. Athlete's Foot do it. That way you can get the right support. It makes a big difference. There's actually a thread somewhere here about it!

Start small, no bull in a china shop all or nothing stuff! How much time per day can you devote to it? Minimum 30 mins, and build up from there if you can spare the time.

Download an exercise app onto your phone. I use Runkeeper, it tracks your pace and logs each walk so you can see your improvement.

Are you good to exercise alone or better with a friend? Enlist support if it's the latter.

Increasingly exercise intensity is identified as the key. Start slow and steady but as you get fitter, walk faster. Include some slopes in your walks if you live in a hilly area. I do and I know when my fitness is improving when I get to the top of those hills and am panting less!

Variety is key so mix up your routes.

Like most things in life, once the habit is formed, the activity is easier. If your schedule permits, try to exercise at the same time each day. You'll soon find that if you skip a day you'll get antsy.

Exercise has been shown to help reduce side effects of chemo. I walked almost everyday. In the first week it was a short slow stagger, but climbed up for the rest of each cycle. And quite apart from anything else, it's brilliant for your mental health. If you do nothing else on those days, at least you did your walk.

And when you're feeling better about your fitness and your doctors approve, you can ask about doing an oncology exercise programme. Or ask now and do both at the same time. Some of these programmes are water based if that floats your boat (he he, see what I did there?! #sorrynotsorry), while others are gym based. I'm starting mine in June.

I've just lost 20kg, 5kgs before diagnosis and the rest since, through two operations and chemo. I've done it with walking and being sensible with my diet. I did give up alcohol, except for high days and holidays, and I see a dietician who advised a protein rich diet through chemo. You can get a care plan through your GP to help with that.

Carpe diem and all that. Go for a walk today, right now! Best of luck. K xox

I was the total opposite to @Mira and @Michelle_R and others on this thread. I was not exercising before I was diagnosed, have a sedentary job, am overweight and not a healthy BMI. I am insulin resistant but not diabetic.
I'm now two weeks post my DMX and doing great - will need chemo and radio along the track.
I'd love some advice on how and when to start a new fitness regime? Should I wait until after I've finished treatment? or is it never to early to start? Should I consult a professional exercise physiologist? Not even sure where to start looking? Or just take myself out for some nice long walks? 

I agree with @TonyaM and is basically what I believe, there is no debate over the benefits of exercise. There are alot of people who did not have lumps however, I was detected early 1st diagnosis due to routine mammos a good 5yrs after starting them. Didn't matter how fit and healthy I was clearly. Think we need to be careful what we say about exercise and in particular prevention....I have known a few very fit people who have passed away due to BC and can be upsetting to so many...to be told if only you exercised ummm they did...I did...before and after. Lets just leave it at exercise is beneficial for so may reasons and leave it there.