Exercise: It does a body good.
Even when in you're in treatment, it helps to do some exercise.
Just a quick update before I delve into today’s topic: From Incurable to Incredible is again available online. Sorry for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.
Now to the topic: there are new guidelines that urges us cancer survivors to get off our bums and work off a sweat. According to an article in USA Today, there is growing evidence that physical activity can reverse some of the damaging effects of treatment, improve the quality of life, and even ward off a recurrence. And you shouldn’t wait until treatment is over.
When I was going through chemo the first time in 2002, my doctor recommended exercising the day afterward to get the medicine circulating. It was summertime, and I’d go swimming, imagining the chemo swimming through my body killing cancer cells. But I think it helped me in many other ways, too. As the article suggests, I experienced improved mood levels, less fatigue, and a feeling of mastery over my body.
So how much should you do? The American College of Sports Medicine recommends the same amount of time they do for the average person: 2 1/2 hours a week. It can be as simple as taking a walk for a half an hour several times a week.
I write this as I sit nursing shin splints after a very rigorous walk yesterday with my extermely fit sister-in-law. So I must insert this caveat: make sure you don’t overdo it! I felt ashamed that I couldn’t do the two-hour walk as fast as her. But I’m feeling it today.
Make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any exercise regime. Again, I must note that I am not a health care professional. Just someone who’s walking the walk.
Jacqui says:
So happy you wrote this – I received three copies of it in my mail today – and that is good – the word is out! There is no better discussion about the exercise benefits than from one who has experienced it shortly after treatment. Thank you!
Debby says:
I absolutely believe this!! As soon as I could crawl upstairs after my cycle, I would get on my exercise bike and pedal 10 minutes with no resistance. As soon as I felt I could make it without giving out, I’d go for a walk. My walks got longer and longer. Finally, as a fund raiser for the Wellness Community, I walked/ran 10.2 miles up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway at the Bug Sur Marathon. I raised $4,200 in the process.
I have stayed active. I do a rigorous workout 4-5 mornings a week with a trainer and a group of ladies. It has done little for my weight (the actual reason I am there) but great for my self esteem. I must be the rare one but I NEVER experienced fatigue and I had whatever they had to throw at me. PS. I hate exercise!!!!!
Linda Ballew says:
Contact me and I will tell you the stretch no one in US seems to know to prevent and cure shin splints – great to see you are doing well. amazing lady.
Nancy says:
I agree that exercise continues to be important even during treatment. One really has to listen to her body, however. I am finishing chemo and definitely do not have the stamina I used to have. I walk more slowly and I have more aches and pains, but I do try to get out and walk a short distance as many days as I can. It helps me feel “normal” and better about myself.