Exercise on chemo

Thanks for the info @Deanne I have seen that program a few times. I used to be an exercise physiologist before I became a teacher hence why I was a bit bamboozled to be told to rest and not do too much. I was able to maybe do 2-3 walks a week on AC but with taxol carbo I have been doing 4/5 with some resistance home based exercises in there too. 
I had chemo on Thursday and got to say I am feeling the carbo a bit more this time round. Not sure if that's because I had a few week gap but I will do shorter walks and see if they continue to help me feel a bit better as they have done before. Hope you enjoy your EP program. Carly xx

Yes @melclarity we should never feel bad about what happened during such a challenging part of our lives.  We all do the best we can and it so important to listen to your body and only do what feels possible or right for you. But I think we all deserve the most support we can get from the medical side of things. If an exercise physiologist could enhance our experience then it would be wonderful to think that everyone is offered that chance. xxx

@Deanne

I hope oncologists also do more with this too. There's not enough information or people helping in this area at the time of Chemo. I beat myself up everyday through chemo wanting but unable to exercise....the loss of control was soul destroying on top of just trying to get through chemo let alone unable to exercise or work in the end. Hardly any support and 2 kids to raise alone no wonder i was so bad. Its just about doing what you can and feels good nothing more. So individual of course....so ladies be kind to yourselves. X

@melclarity
It is such an individual thing but there is a lot of research to support the positives of exercise during chemo. It can help to minimize many side effects like nausea and fatigue especially. I know a few ladies on here have been encouraged by their oncologists to do what they can manage exercise wise.

I think I was more than capable on FEC chemo (I walked 5km most days) and actually felt it helped me to recover more quickly. But it was completely different on Docetaxel for me. That is when I struggled and had trouble with my neutrophils. I attend a gym now where the exercise physiologist runs a clinical class for people undergoing chemo. The exercise is very gentle and adjusted to their individual capabilities. Mainly aimed at maintaining muscle to prevent bone density issues. Completely different from what would be prescribed for recovery afterwards.

It is not possible for everyone but I would have loved the opportunity to at least try it during my chemo. Maybe it would have helped to prevent the bone density issues I am working hard to correct now? I'll never know.  I hope that more doctors and oncologists will refer patients to exercise physiologists in the future. I really enjoy the program I do now.  :)

@Deanne

thats certainly interesting! I start my program next week with my exercise physiologist. She's worked with many Breast cancer ladies. She did say she couldn't have worked with me through chemo, that post is better on the road to recovery. Side effects were too severe and I was too ill. She mainly does post not though chemo. Said walking through chemo is enough if you can manage it. Melinda 

If you google "Catalyst chemo exercise" you will find a recent Catalyst (ABC) program that highlighted the benefits of prescribed (exercise physiologist) exercise during chemo and radiation treatments. The chemo patients actually had chemo and then went immediately to the gym at the same hospital and exercised.

They did adjust the program to each person and take into consideration individual chemo side effects but their research is showing that the right type of exercise enhances the chemo experience for most people. It makes chemo more effective against the cancer and helps the body to handle side effects more easily. Some patients come out the other side in better condition (more muscle for example) than they were in before chemo!

I also walked during chemo as much as possible. I do wish that I had had the opportunity to see an exercise physiologist and find out more targeted exercise to do as well. I think more oncologists are aware of the research that is showing exercise can be of benefit during chemo. My oncologist was supportive of my walking. But I only had one round with neutrophil issues. My oncologist never suggested that it had anything to do with my walking.

Thanks again @melclarity ad enjoy your work with the EP.

@KatyJoy I had neulasta with AC but they hadn't planned it with carbo/taxol regime. They are considering it though depending on this weeks blood test.

thanks for your feedback @Bakdom I really enjoy my walks as it helps me mentally too. Happy you are feeling good. I feel as if it wasn't for my exercise, I may have more side effects. So far my main side effect has been hair loss and some fatigue with AC. Good luck with the remainder of your treatment.

Hi Casper, I've recently finished the same chemo regimen, I walked almost everyday of chemo and would walk anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hrs per day. Both my oncologist and chemo nurses were on board. Luckily my neutrophils never dropped lower than 1.3, now 4 weeks out I feel pretty good (chemo had many challenges but the only lingering one is hair loss). I believe that exercise really helps get you through chemo and hope to continue to walk throughout the rest of my treatment. All the best

@KatyJoy

I must admit pre Chemo I had a plan of attack for exercise, work and my life. All of it went out the window, was so so hard, to let go of how I wanted to do it all and my own expectations of myself. My body dictated the journey as it does for all of us. I'm 1 yr post chemo next week. YAY! but am only starting with an exercise physiologist next week to help, I also mid year did a rehab course through the Epworth Hospital, it was amazing! its been a long road and bit by bit I will get there, but my body lost all condition in every way, my assessment wasnt great, I have a long way to go but absolutely will get there.

The key is do what YOU feel, all of you, what suits you and feels good for you, nobody can tell you what to do. Listen to your own body, it really will tell you. I do enjoy my 30min walks though is very painful, I still do them a few times a week, its all progress. Be kind to yourselves!! Melinda xo