hello and happy new year!

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, especially hard at Xmas time with a young family. Don't try and overdo things when you get home, walking is great exercise as it helps clear the head. I maintained my fitness up to the week before my surgery. I was up and walking around the hospital the next day after my mastectomy and walked almost everyday some days just around the block. After about 4 weeks I was back to gentle cycling. I have started Aqua classes just before Xmas had to wait for healing. I also went back to the gym and did some weights. My current goal is to keep up my fitness in preparation for the next round, reconstruction! Remember be kind to yourself, Louise x

So sorry to hear your news Sharon, those first few weeks are the worst all that waiting and wondering what's next, It consumes your every thought and action. Well done on getting out for a walk it really does give your head a rest for an hour. I did the same thing walking going to the gym and cycling all with the purpose of distraction. The last week before surgery I couldn't do anything but people kept saying be kind to yourself and its true. I had a right mastectomy and was up and walking around the hospital the next morning!! I walked almost everyday when I got home sometimes only around the block but being outside is a wonderful thing. I went back to work on light duties after two weeks, I just wanted everything to be normal again and I can understand your need to work at this time. In hindsight I went back a bit too soon... I started Aqua classes around Xmas and have just gone back to the gym modified exercises no chest. This was about 8 weeks after surgery. Take care of yourself and be kind your going through a big upheaval, Louise

You must have been pretty fit to tackle 100 km! I also walk 5km (did this before and as much as possible during treatment) but split into two walks to fit into my day more easily. After treatment I saw a physio (really recommend this) who designed a short home program of Pilates with a couple of yoga stretches and deep breathing exercises which I do everyday. This has helped me to improve my core and has been good for my chest and arm on the surgery side. At the moment I also swim everyday but that will reduce back when life returns to normal again after the Christmas break. Like Robyn says it helps with so many side effects of treatment. I only put on 3kg during 7 months of treatment and I have since lost that and a further 6kg despite being on tamoxifen. It is something you can control when it feels like BC has derailed your life! Best of luck with it all! Deanne x

Hi Sharon (and everyone) I was also diagnosed just before Christmas. It does put a bit of a dampener on the celebrations! I am also hoping to keep up a decent amount of fitness throughout treatment. Not that I'm anywhere near as fit as you by the sounds of things! I haven't done much deliberate exercise for ages, unless you count running around after a toddler..... And carting the shopping up three flights of steps! I'm having surgery on Tuesday, and I aim to start walking again as soon as I get home. Hoping I will be all good to push the pram. All the best, Jane

Welcome to the online network,the best place to find support as you begin your BC experience.It definitely helps,throughout the whole journey,to do the best that you can to maintain your fitness.I walked a long distance(5 km) every day leading up to my surgery,and as soon as I came home,I started walking again.Just not as far to begin with.It helps with sleeping,circulation,weight control,and it prevents fluid and clots.I also feel so much better when I exercise every day.My weight has remained the same throughout my surgery and chemo,and I put this down to daily exercise.Stay in touch and we can continue to help and motivate you.Cheers xoxRobyn

I'm so sorry that you have been diagnosed with BC. There are way too many of us! Being reasonably fit will help you recover from your surgery much faster. This time of waiting for surgery and pathology results is so hard. I found it helped me to keep exercising right up to my surgery and as soon as I could again afterwards. It just helped me to feel like I was doing something to help myself rather than just sitting there letting my mind run away with all sorts of scarey thoughts. All the best for your surgery. I hope that it goes as well as possible. Take care. Deanne xxx