TO EXERCISE OR NOT TO EXERCISE

Thank you so much Cheryl for your kind words and understanding.

I must admit that I have thought about asking hubby to see if we can get a wheelchair so I can get around more in Tassie while on our holiday but I haven't and we have just had to curtail our decisions of what we go and visit/see etc. taking in to account how much walking is involved.

I am trying to not let this BC and chemo hold me back anymore than I have to but sometimes you just can't fight it.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful understanding hubby who will just go with the flow. 

I hope you are travelling well and are able to get out and exercise :-) when and how you want to.

Mich xoxoxo

Thank you so much Cheryl for your kind words and understanding.

I must admit that I have thought about asking hubby to see if we can get a wheelchair so I can get around more in Tassie while on our holiday but I haven't and we have just had to curtail our decisions of what we go and visit/see etc. taking in to account how much walking is involved.

I am trying to not let this BC and chemo hold me back anymore than I have to but sometimes you just can't fight it.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful understanding hubby who will just go with the flow. 

I hope you are travelling well and are able to get out and exercise :-) when and how you want to.

Mich xoxoxo

Thank you so much Cheryl for your kind words and understanding.

I must admit that I have thought about asking hubby to see if we can get a wheelchair so I can get around more in Tassie while on our holiday but I haven't and we have just had to curtail our decisions of what we go and visit/see etc. taking in to account how much walking is involved.

I am trying to not let this BC and chemo hold me back anymore than I have to but sometimes you just can't fight it.  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful understanding hubby who will just go with the flow. 

I hope you are travelling well and are able to get out and exercise :-) when and how you want to.

Mich xoxoxo

I feel for you sweetie, Taxotere and Nuelasta combined is the worst.

 There is no explaining it's fatigue to anyone who hasn't had it.

I couldn't walk in the end past about 2 metres. Youjust have to lay down and give in to it. I never thought you could be so tired you can't even bloody sleep!

It will surprise you though one day you will move those legs and they will just keep going and it comes as a shock, you areally are used to only about going 10 steps before you feel like a wheelchair, so hang in there it wont be long now and I wish you all the best,

Cheryl

 

 

I feel for you sweetie, Taxotere and Nuelasta combined is the worst.

 There is no explaining it's fatigue to anyone who hasn't had it.

I couldn't walk in the end past about 2 metres. Youjust have to lay down and give in to it. I never thought you could be so tired you can't even bloody sleep!

It will surprise you though one day you will move those legs and they will just keep going and it comes as a shock, you areally are used to only about going 10 steps before you feel like a wheelchair, so hang in there it wont be long now and I wish you all the best,

Cheryl

 

 

Tai Chi for Arthritis (12 lessons with Dr Paul Lam) 2 discs

In collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation (so maybe on their website)

www. arthritis.org  or www.taichiproductions.com is on the back.

Brisbane community station, Channel 31.  "Move It or Lose It".  Its a hoot some days and I think no not for me, but other days it is quite good. 

Hope this helps you out.  I am sure if you wanted the community channel would send you a dvd of the program.

Hi Serenity

Could you please tell me the name of the tai chi DVD and I will see if I can buy it on line.  Also what station and what name is the exercise program.  I am in country WA so may not get the program but worth looking in to.

Every little bit helps :-)

Thanks

Mich xo

I agree with Kathy, everyone should be taught and do their lymph exercises from the time they have surgery. And everyone should be gentle on themselves.

My physio told me that one third of women dont do any exercises after their surgery.  I am so keen to be well and independent that I use the stretches as a warm up for the day.   Since chemo is putting me into  menopause I am determined to keep active and keep my bone strength.

I think that pottering is good for the soul as well as the body Kathy.  My problem is I start to potter and then forget what I was doing.  I blame chemo fog and fatigue.  But to do the little things makes me feel better. 

I dont know where you are located Kathy, but on our community television station there is a daily "aerobic" class for the "elderly" .  The exercises are quite gentle and many have the option for doing them while seated.  But they are varied and while I am only 47, some days this class is about all I can manage after chemo.  I also have a tai chi  dvd which is gentle movement at your own pace.   It is actually aimed at people with arthritis but my chemo buddy recommended it and I have found it worthwhile. 

Hi,

I agree with Amanda. Exercise helps endorhpins, nanna naps are good also, LOL. Do not overdo it.. especially initially. Take pain relief.

 Three lots of 10 mins..as mandamoo says.. dancing, sweeping, horizontal and vertical movments.. I get it. I know I will need to perhaps do a bit of gentle strength training ... I certainly feel less strong now.. and muscle mass has decreased. Something to add to my list, I think; sooner rather than later.

 I had/ have some issues with Lymphoedema, but  am on top of things and enjoying volunteering in my local community. I " pace " myself. Initially, I was in SHOCK and DENIAL and PAIN, along with many other emotions. I am a lot better now. It can take time, so be gentle with yourself.

I do acupressure and gentle yoga type exercises.. on bed in the am.. breathing and rolling side to side..slowly.. emptying the lymph nodes..so they drain in the neck, and then other parts of the body.. arm pits.. groin.. abdomen. etc. Water therapy and gentle exercises, with shoulders UNDER the water is helpful. There is the Encore programme. Keeping weight within normal limits is also helpful. I try and make walking a regular thing also. After menopause I do  not have as much energy, but I know if I do go for a walk, I always feel energised afterwards and more relaxed too.

I feel lymphatic drainage techniques should be taught to ALL BC clients, soon after their operation. It is beneficial to all, even if you do not have BC. For those who have some lymph issues ( and there can be varying DEGREES of lymphoedema ) it can help immediately.

 Each day, about a cup of lymph fluid.. drains from each arm and each leg.. ( 4 cups a day approx ) So why wait before teaching manual lymphatic drainage, is my point ?

Listen to your body and keep searching is my advice.

Now after menopause at 42, and now 56, I am going to have to concentrate more on doing some STRENGTH exercises..slowly and gently though, as I can " stir  up " the lymph and get some arm swelling and also feel it a bit in my right leg and abdomen, if I do too much at once. It does not take much.

 I am good at pottering; I do what I can.. and not, what I cannot. I DID push myself initially.. If I had my time again ( not possible ) I would  take things more slowly and gently ( especially with vasodilation and menopause.) The treatments can take their toll, and add up, etc.  We try and " carry on " ..but take it easy.. is my advice, especially early on.

All the best.. Kathy.

I was super fit at diagnosis, went to hospital started chemo, I just didn't have the energy. My main aim was to do what i could, I felt better for doing something. I put on a bit of weight but you just have to listen to your body & rest if you need to try not to be so hard on yourself be kind to yourself. Just finished radiation weight coming off energy comming back albeit slowly, back at the gym & taking one day at a time :) xxx