What to do to regain my strength and energy levels

Cath62 said:

Good on you @ChezaH. The water feels great.  I am not back to how I was either but I think I had bad fatigue before I was diagnosed with BC. It is a symptom which I never new. I thought I was just getting older. I still get days I can't do anything and I just go with that. I want to go to bed by 7.30/8pm and if I do then that's how it is.  I just accept my limitations and when my energy is there that's great. I guess what I do is prioritise my exercise as that's for me to rebuild. Having the plan helps gain some control. Just make the plan achievable so there is no failure and bit by bit you will get there.

kmakm said:

Hey @ChezaH. No, not medical. Just have a mind that's curious and traps the stuff!

I think ExMed is only Victorian at this stage. There have been some good recommendations for the Gold Coast here over the years. Perhaps do a search on this website using that phrase ('Gold Coast') and see what turns up. K xox

Caz1 said:

Hi @ChezaH
I’m still on oral chemo for a couple more months, but my last surgery was in June last year following chemo and rads.  It’s been such a long frustrating and hard road back to where I was with my fitness.  
I started with barely able to be able to walk to the house next door, then to the corner, then around the block, and now I am up to over an hour.  It helps to have two big dogs that won’t take no for an answer!!
Im also lap swimming and stationary bike riding now, I built those up very slowly too. Bike riding started at 2 mins a day, now I’m up to 20!
I feel so much better too.  It takes a long time, but you will get there, and you are worth it. :) My onco gave me a pep talk when I was feeling like you, she told me I had to extend myself beyond my comfort zone as I was too weak. I did the it with guidance from a sports physio.
Rehab is hard work..... I kind of look at it as my job now! 
I’m also thinking of doing pink Pilates, it’s a specialised Pilates for BC people like us.  
I am not a fitness junkie, I just do all this to keep myself strong and to feel better 
Caz xx

Cath62 said:

Hi @ChezaH,

I am sorry you are feeling as you do.

I must have been really lucky as despite all the fatigue I never stopped walking all through chemo and radium. I have been taking tamoxifen for about the same time as you. I take it every morning an hr or so after my thyroid tablet. I have battled fatigue with my thyroid for 8 yrs and now have fatigue post treatment but I just push through. I find no matter how fatigued I am a good walk helps me. I have rebuilt some fitness and now my walks are 50 mins 6 days per week. 

I added pilates once a week to help build muscle and it really helps. I do mine with a physio. I also started water aerobics once a week. It is so lovely in the water and everyone works as soft or hard as they want but it sure feels nice in the water and it is easy on the joints and muscles. Is that something that may work for you. Our local council pool in Brisbane has classes and it is $10 per class for 45 mins. I just love it. 

I wonder if an exercise physiologist would help. I saw one during chemo and they gave me a few exercises to help the bigger muscles like the thighs. They are really good and it may help motivate too especially if there are any around you that have classes for ladies who have had BC. The one I saw had a zoom pink class during the year and I did that (I did what I could).

These are just s few ideas for consideration. 

I hope you feel better soon. Be kind to yourself, maybe chat to your doctor too. Not good to feel that way.