Exercise during chemotherapy
I am halfway through my chemotherapy today. I have walked almost every day during treatment so far. I like walking and did it a fair bit before BC. When I was diagnosed I asked about what I could do, and was advised to eat well (a very nebulous statement with which I was NOT satisfied, and rectified soon after with visits to an excellent dietician) and exercise. I was informed that the latter had been proven to reduce side effects and fatigue. I am having TC chemo. Bloody awful, and so far, Day 3 - 5 sees me king hit with fatigue. I walk early, 1.5kms and that's me done for the day. By afternoon I can't even sit upright. However by Day 6 I've been managing 3kms and through the rest of the 21 day cycle I slowly build up to 5 - 6kms. I've been hit with a host of physical side effects, but so far they're sitting in the low to medium band of irritation. Nausea, constant low level headache, reflux, sore nail beds, itchy sore plams & soles, gritty eyes, dry nose, and a few more I can't recall now! Has anyone out there walked through their chemo? If so, how have you found it?
Strength training study
Has your Physio, Doctor, Oncologist or Surgeon recommended exercise as part of your Cancer treatment? Exercise has been shown to reduce side effects of treatment, such as fatigue, help your treatment be more effective, reduce your risk or recurrence and reduce your chance of dying from cancer. Read this interesting article about research out of University of Sydney: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/11/01/strength-training-not-cardio-helps-prevent-cancer-study_a_23263859/
Returning to work
I went into work today to give them another certificate for a month off work. I finished chemo 3 weeks ago and was expecting to be able to return this week but am struggling with the fatigue. I have good days then have really bad days. The trouble is I feel a bit unsupported. My Dr thinks it is all just about mental health so is sending me to a psychologist...despite an average result in mood measuring (and this was just after gene testing). My boss even though is trying to act supportive I just feel isn't. They just don't get it. Chemo over so what's the issue? I've worked myself to breaking point in the past...and I will not do that again ever. But the guilt of looking after me is compounded by my thoughts peope just think I am making it up. Well I am guessing this of course. Why don't people get it? The problem is ...well..I am not dreadfully thin...in fact gained lots of weight on chemo...so don't look sick. I wore makeup throughout treatment so always had a healthy glow. I guess it's like a hidden disability. Talking about it just makes you sound like a whinger. I've even posted fatigue links after chemo on facebook but it doesn't seemed to have helped. Anyone have any suggestions for improving fatigue and having others understand. I am attempting exercise at least every 2nd day. Hoping to get to daily soon. Thanks KathRegaining fitness
I am ectsatic that I finally managed to get to the pool today. I've finished my 4 cycles of AC chemo and each cycle has been quite different. Cycle 1 sick for a week then was able to do some pool exercises and a gym session with light weights and felt good. Cycle 2 I was sick for 2 weeks then was exhausted and just kept crying until cycle 3 Cycle 3 I tolerated a lot better but had my port put in under anasthetic and had to wait until the scar healed enough to go in water. I never regained enough energy to go to the gym. ..but did manage to do some sorting out around the house. Cycle 4. ..again down for 9 days. ..had some day out trips where I walked a bit...almost slow motion like but at least moving. Yesterday I was sobbing with mental and physical exhaustion and then here I am turning a corner today. Off to the pool and did water jogging, kickboard and some breast stroke for an hour. Not at high energy but at least moving. If I can get moving daily I might even regain some fitness. Tomorrow I will attempt an aquafit class. In 2 weeks I start taxol weekly for 12 weeks and herceptin 3 weekly for 12 months. I am truly hoping the bone pain won't bring me back down and that I can start doing regular exercise again. I miss the gym and seeing people and just getting all hot and sweaty then having a good stretch. I wasn't worried until the McGrath breast nurse suggested I might need endone or something. ..uuuugh. I just want to feel normal. I was so inspired by the catalyst program on exercise with chemo I really want to do this. I wish my body would just cooperate. I really hope less bloat, wind and nausea on taxol too....which will make it easier to leave the house. I may even be able to return to work at least part time if I can improve my fitness and drag my emotional head back to being centred again. How are you all going with your fitness and chemo? Kath x