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
- Oh that's no good @Twiggyjumps. @Sunshine0206 reckons an exercise physiologist is the go, have you seen one of those?
I'm interested as to why you think it's the docetaxal.
I had shocking sciatic pain with my second pregnancy. You have my sympathy for that alone!
We do indeed have to hang tough with this bugger of a disease. Hope you come good. - About 2 weeks after my last chemo - docetaxel, carboplatin & herceptin combo, my muscles across the top of legs and lower back were on fire! They felt like I’d run a marathon with bad strain the next day. I walked and did a bit of push bike riding as well as rode my horses as much as I could during chemo. I feel I have encountered a kind of slight ‘paralysis’. My body is tight and stiff since. I take magnesium, turmeric, glucosamine, vit c, d and calcium. My L5 disc has now herniated and pressing on my sciatic nerve giving me great pain every day. It changes all the time but I’m trying everything and everyone for help. I believe the chemo ‘docetaxel’ especially sent me off into this after all I’ve been through bc now this. But I swim regularly, have therapies, and try not to overdue to much.
I am interested to hear how others manage nerve pain and what they do and taje as well as dose and at what times at night/day.
Just got to keep tough! Xx - @Sunshine0206 I'm on a waiting list for an programme run by exercise physiologists. Really looking forward to it.
Thanks @Mollygirl! - @Romla, that sounds interesting. I'll have to do some investigating !
Wowsers, @kmakm, go you! That's impressive!! I'm so happy to be back running!!!!! Makes me feel so much better. X - Yes. Wise to get go ahead from your team. I had blessing of oncologist and exercise physiologist :0)
- Ooh thanks for the tip @Mollygirl!
Well done on your progress. I managed a 2.2km stagger today, one day after chemo. Bit proud of myself! - @Mollygirl I have read some interesting stuff about the Bone Clinic in Brisbane and it’s work in conjunction with Griffith Uni from some blog members which may be worth following upon
- @kmakm, just make sure you get clearance to go to the gym. I checked with my docs then saw a really experienced physio who cleared me but that was a couple of months after chemo. The chemo can affect collagen which is a big part of the make up of tendons and ligaments so you can be very injury prone. My oncologist would only recommend walking for during treatment. I'm now back at gym started running 5 mins on treadmill in January now up to 25 mins and doing a light weight program.
Good luck - it certainly makes you feel better if you can do it. Hugs and well wishes xxxx - Thank you @Sunshine0206.
Hanging on my husband's pay rise to rejoin a gym. My last one closed just as my sister began her final decline, and there's been no time or $$ since. Have to prioritise it now. If I fall down the whole house if cards collapses... - @kmakm - goodmorning. I do the yoga at a place called Bloomhill on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a cancer support service in the hills of Buderim. It’s Yin yoga Tuesdays.So holding poses for several minutes. Stretching the fascia. I also do one other style as well on thursdays. I’m no guru. I also go to an 1.5 hour class on Monday’s when my hubby is home from work. I think any would be beneficial.
I think weights are hugely beneficial too.
Xx
