I have finished my chemo, radiation and now on hormone tablets for nearly 60days.I just cannot seem to regain my energy levels and was wondering if I should be taking a supplement. I cannot do much before I am puffing and exhausted, I am doing more than when on chemo as that wiped me right out !! I am going to get blood tests to check, and I have not been doing any exercise so I am going to start a little walk every day and try to build it up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If you have access to aqua aerobics I'd recommend it. I also benefited hugely from yoga and body balance/pilates classes. I found organised exercise classes worked for me (until work got in the way) as set times and group motivation made it easier to make myself actually do it. Yes, it costs, but I had the benefit of an 'open door' grant from the local sports complex that was available when I wasn't working.In the end, I think it takes time. I'm 3 years post my last treatment and have resolved that I will never get my old energy levels back. That said, even twelve months ago I would not have imagined I would be able to be working full time (and some) now. I can be my own worst enemy and I'd probably be better off if I was more rigorous about my diet and gave up the wine. Life is all about compromises--I've accepted that my vices cost me but that is my choice. Hang in there. Mxx

Hi @ChezaH and @Locksley. I think you're tumbling headfirst into the reality of the 'new normal'. My oncologist told me it takes a year to recover from chemotherapy. Everyone who's actually had chemo told me two to five years.The first thing I did was an oncology rehabilitation course. I had to go onto a waiting list at my local public hospital but it was 100% worth the wait.After that I was fortunate enough to take part in the pilot program for ExMed Cancer. If you are in Victoria you should check them out.https://www.exmedcancer.org.auOtherwise, an exercise physiologist is the way to go. They are trained and skilled in tailoring programs for people recovering from illness. Your GP should be able to refer you to a good one in your area. Failing that you can use this online tool:www.essa.org.au/findYou can get five subsidised appointments on an allied health plan through your GP.I did a lot of walking, and it's a great place to start, but I think to really start feeling stronger again you have to work more muscles! Like most exercise the key is to find one you can bear, if not enjoy! I love pilates, and the right kind of yoga can be a good thing as well. I can't abide a swimming pool but others love it!You are going to have to be patient though. It doesn't happen quickly.Personally I am unclear how much my current physical limitations are due to chemo damage or Letrozole. Or a combination of both. I'm hoping that when I eventually come off Letrozole I will be pleasantly surprised!Good luck, and take care, K xox

I agree. I started walking to our letterbox and built up as I felt better. I’ve had a few setbacks but just start again😊 once you can walk 5km, I really suggest you try parkrun. It is a 5km run/walk on Saturday mornings. (Google it) You don’t have to be fast- walkers are welcome. Actually, if you can walk about 3km give it a go- walking with others in a friendly environment gives you a lift 🚶♀️

Hi @ChezaHI feel i will need to do the exact same thing in a few weeks. Let me know how you go. I start 5 weeks of daily radiation on Thursday. Due to the blood clots I now have on my lungs and my heart I have to watch my heart rate and that I dont exert myself. Going for a walk around the block I now have to stop 4 or 5 times. My little dog wonders what the devil is going oin when we are going for a walk and there is not much walking going on. I feel so pathetic. I think once radiation is over and I am healed I will look at water aerobics. I found and purchased a cute cap to wear in the pool so I dont scare anyone with my bald head with stand up fuzz growing. Sending you hugs xxx

Walking is what you need. You have not been exercising so you are simply out of practice - muscles get a bit soft, you feel every effort more than you used to. So walk. Set yourself a realistic target for week one - so many steps each day. Then increase the target! Repeat. As you get your body working more, it’ll be easier. Taking it easy during treatment can be helpful - but now is the time to get back into gear. Best wishes!

What to do to regain my strength and energy levels

Leia
Member
5 years ago
I agree. I started walking to our letterbox and built up as I felt better. I’ve had a few setbacks but just start again😊 once you can walk 5km, I really suggest you try parkrun. It is a 5km run/walk on Saturday mornings. (Google it) You don’t have to be fast- walkers are welcome. Actually, if you can walk about 3km give it a go- walking with others in a friendly environment gives you a lift 🚶‍♀️
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Afraser said:

Walking is what you need. You have not been exercising so you are simply out of practice - muscles get a bit soft, you feel every effort more than you used to. So walk. Set yourself a realistic target for week one - so many steps each day. Then increase the target! Repeat. As you get your body working more, it’ll be easier. Taking it easy during treatment can be helpful - but now is the time to get back into gear. Best wishes!

Thanks for that I will certainly be starting tomorrow x
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
Walking is what you need. You have not been exercising so you are simply out of practice - muscles get a bit soft, you feel every effort more than you used to. So walk. Set yourself a realistic target for week one - so many steps each day. Then increase the target! Repeat. As you get your body working more, it’ll be easier. Taking it easy during treatment can be helpful - but now is the time to get back into gear. Best wishes!

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