Forum Discussion
Exercise during chemotherapy
I am halfway through my chemotherapy today. I have walked almost every day during treatment so far.
I like walking and did it a fair bit before BC. When I was diagnosed I asked about what I could do, and was advised to eat well (a very nebulous statement with which I was NOT satisfied, and rectified soon after with visits to an excellent dietician) and exercise. I was informed that the latter had been proven to reduce side effects and fatigue.
I am having TC chemo. Bloody awful, and so far, Day 3 - 5 sees me king hit with fatigue. I walk early, 1.5kms and that's me done for the day. By afternoon I can't even sit upright. However by Day 6 I've been managing 3kms and through the rest of the 21 day cycle I slowly build up to 5 - 6kms.
I've been hit with a host of physical side effects, but so far they're sitting in the low to medium band of irritation. Nausea, constant low level headache, reflux, sore nail beds, itchy sore plams & soles, gritty eyes, dry nose, and a few more I can't recall now!
Has anyone out there walked through their chemo? If so, how have you found it?
I like walking and did it a fair bit before BC. When I was diagnosed I asked about what I could do, and was advised to eat well (a very nebulous statement with which I was NOT satisfied, and rectified soon after with visits to an excellent dietician) and exercise. I was informed that the latter had been proven to reduce side effects and fatigue.
I am having TC chemo. Bloody awful, and so far, Day 3 - 5 sees me king hit with fatigue. I walk early, 1.5kms and that's me done for the day. By afternoon I can't even sit upright. However by Day 6 I've been managing 3kms and through the rest of the 21 day cycle I slowly build up to 5 - 6kms.
I've been hit with a host of physical side effects, but so far they're sitting in the low to medium band of irritation. Nausea, constant low level headache, reflux, sore nail beds, itchy sore plams & soles, gritty eyes, dry nose, and a few more I can't recall now!
Has anyone out there walked through their chemo? If so, how have you found it?
38 Replies
- PS Encore is a hydrotherapy exercise program
- @Sister when I did the Y’s Encore course one of the participants used to come straight after her chemo treatment on the floor above.I remember on at least one occasion she looked shocking but she did it as she maintained it helped her cope with chemo.
- There’s a heap of evidence supporting exercise Physiology. I did have the articles saved. Can’t find now. Will keep searching. I’m so glad you are lined up for a programme. My contact was via the cancer support service (Bloomhill) and the public hospital. X
- Just a suggestion but please check with oncologist before acting on it as it may conflict with chemo drugs and treatment.I have a a very fit friend with a pinched nerve getting a lot of pain relief with Curcumin which is a refined and concentrated form of Turmeric thus is a strong anti inflammatory.
Here is a website recommended by BCNA and many members on this blog which is focussed on natural supplements and their impact on cancer treatment including breast cancer.I have found it very detailed but please check with your oncologist too before trying Curcumin as I note there is cautions about it as well.
www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/herbal-remedies-and-treatment ;
It is a NY hospital which specialises only in cancer treatment part of which is thoroughly researching natural supplements - Anything that makes you feel better is a good thing. With the possible exception of half a litre or Medicinal Muscat. That's probably not such a great idea :)
- Jumping into this thread... Does anyone know if exercising helps tolerance in the days immediately after the chemo infusion. The reason I ask is that fatigue and breathlessness after the port surgery meant that my fitness level plummeted before my first AC. Since day 8, I've been managing 5km every day and I'm hoping this might translate into coping with the chemo better...or am I dreaming?
- @Twiggyjumps @Zoffiel A TENS machine might help maybe?
I love Tramadol too. Bloody marvellous. Takes the edge of my emotions too but yeah, the docs don't like handing it out... - Awww hugs to you. I do believe it’s docetaxel. Or maybe the Herceptin. I finish in April. I kept busy during chemo and now I’m thinking perhaps to much toxicity for my body to break down as well as other acids muscles etc have to deal with during the time. But doing nothing would have been much worse. So perhaps go moderately. Before I get up out of bed I’m icing my L5 lumbar just know. I am going to buy myself a portable ultrasound therapy machine as I found some relief from the physio’s one. So doing ice and heat.
- Your symptoms are really similar to mine @Twiggyjumps As I've said before, I feel like I'm slowly turning to salt. I'm just on twelve months since my last Docetaxol. Same as you, about two weeks after my last chemo the pain started in earnest and hasn't got much better. Regardless of what I do.
Swimming, walking, yoga, body balance and massage.
Tramadol in the mornings, Panadol during the day and 150 mg of Lyrica at night. I'd take the Tramadol all day if the quacks would let me because it does help. But no. Long term I'm restricted to one a day lest I get addicted. Personally I wouldn't care if the bloody aching went away.
I now find I have developed nasty degenerative changes in Lumbar 4 and that large and small joints are all showing signs of a shit load more damage than was there last year. I'm having tests today to see if I have imflamatory arthritis. You bloody beauty.
Could all this be just a coincidence?
