exercise since chemo

[survivor_susie]

I'm having a really blah day today, feeling sorry for myself. So, I thought I'd get a post going about exercise.  I wanted to know what everyone's preferred exercise has been since surgery and chemo.

I think the best thing I've done for myself is to keep exercising.  Before surgery, after, during chemo, after, etc.  I'm no jock--I'm short and overweight--but I stay strong physically. I do aerobics and weight lifting...in a pool!  Believe it or not, you can do sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc, in the water.  I work out with huge, styrofoam weights on my legs and arms.  After completing the weight portion, I do cardio.  I walk in the water.  I swing my arms as hard as I can while walking as fast as I can.  It's a breathless workout.  I try to do it between 20 and 50 minutes each workout.

I love it for two important reasons: first, no one can see me work out (my flab!), and second, I'm cleaner when I finish than when I started.  And boy, it lifts my spirits.  Not only does exercise release endorphins (my drug of choice), but it makes me feel less victimized by doing something pro-active after having had all this yucky stuff to go through.

I hope this post will encourage others (and me!!) to try to keep active.  So, everyone, how do you stay in shape?

[kmccarthy]

I had been working out about 4-5x a week with weights for about nine years when I was diagnosed. I had actually lost just over 100 lbs. I was in good shape and I think that really helped me recover from surgery and chemo, although the last few rounds really whipped my butt! I felt weak for a long time afterward, and couldn't even squat down to pick up something on the floor or get on my knees without needing help to get up. During chemo, I tried to walk for exercise whenever I could and yes, that included walking the dog! Even though I'm not in remission (and also not in chemo since Dec. 06), my doctor gave me the ok last August to restart my workouts (I get up at 5:30 a.m. to fit it into my schedule). I've lost a few pounds, a lot of inches, dropped 2-3 sizes, and today I can squat about 100 lbs. although I probably started with about only 5 or 10. Look at my photo. I weigh 175 lbs. (you wouldn't have guessed, right?) and I feel healthy. I know that if I have to go back into chemo any time soon, I will have the strength that I will need to fight. Exercise is good for us. Don't forego it. (Just my humble opinion, anyway!)

Kelly

[lvfrogs]

We just had an article in our local paper yesterday about a swimming pool/exercise facility and it is overwhelmed with all the people that want to join.  Most of the people were recuperating from illnesses, or dealing with cancer, multiple schlerosis and they use it for therapy and exercise. I have always read that excercise in a pool is wonderful.  I walk and line dance for my excercise and if I stick to it enough, it is great. I am lucky to have a trail near my house that I can walk on, away from traffic and be mostly with nature. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job exercising!

[bohan54]

I took my dog for a walk around the block today, does that count???  LOL

[crecco]

How do I stay in shape? When I am not sleeping from chemo fatigue, I walk back and forth to the kitchen. I have found this does wonders for my shape. Which by the way happens to be something on the order of a short, squat rectangle.
  I have also been talking for months about starting some kind of exercise regime. It sounds good when I say it, but I realized that I have to quit talking about it and actually do it if it is going to work. I recently went to our local Curves and just checked it out. I watched the women there for awhile and decided that really was not me. Unfortunatly in the small town I live in, that is the closest thing that we have to a gym. The pool thing sounds great, but since I do not have a pool and my bathtub is rather small, that won't work either. So I am still trying to figure out something. In the meantime I am trying to quit sleeping so much. Lately when I wake up, I make myself get up and get dressed so that I will not be tempted to keep lying around. I have even been making myself get out and go somewhere just so I won't be sitting around doing nothing. It isn't much but it is a step in the right direction, as the more active you can keep yourself, the easier it is to overcome at least some of the fatigue.
  Chris

[Conquerer]

to stay focus i decided to do Danskin triathlons and when i can't swim or bike i am sad.  Swimming has been my savior and believe me i have gotten good.  not fast just long and it relieves my nuertopathy and relaxes my joints so keep it up in the pool i think it is the best best place to be.

[djoyg]

I'm still wading through the whole process of finding a diagnosis, but I found your post very timely. I have been in so much (ovarian) pain lately that has limited and completely changed my lifestyle. Before this I used to take my 3 small dogs for 3 walks a day. 2 short and 1 long. I have been completely neglecting them. :-(  Today I was feeling so down after a rough night and it is such a lovely day, I decided to grin and bear it. I went out and worked in the garden for a good couple of hours. I have now taken something for the pain, but you know what? My spirit feels so much better for having done something physical, having been outdoors and I feel like I've been able to challenge myself through this and accomplish something.

All my best to everyone~

d.

[bohan54]

Two years ago, I joined Weight Watchers at work.  I had great success, lost 26 lbs on my small 5'4" frame.  Part of my regimen was Leslie Sanson's Walk Away the Lbs. DVD and just walking on my 15 minute breaks at work.  Felt healthier than I had for many years, meanwhile OVCA was probably laying its nasty groundwork...  I will eat whatever tastes good now and move around when and however I can.

[msjazz]

I am still on chemo, but I do get out and walk some on the days after my rough week. It is important to do what you are able to do. I bought a "Chuck Norris" total gym when I started gaining the months before my diagnosis. I really liked it, No one had to see me either. I loved anything to do with swimming and pool exercise, but only on vacation when I had access to one. Glad you found something you enjoy. Donna

[jlock]

I have been thinking about working out again. I have a membership that is included with my Humana Medicare. Last week I went to the gym to see what was available..and I believe I'm gonna start small,they have a cardio workout for senior citizens and then increase from there.  I haven't felt like doing any excercise since my dx. in 2004 and so I'm very excited about trying to do something to better myself.  I will look into the water aerobics..sounds like it could be fun!!!  I want to try to tighten up and gain muscle.  I have lost weight, and the skin is just hanging there and looks so unattractive.  I also am tired of allowing ovca to rule my life like it has.  2 weeks ago I applied for a part time job at a store not opened yet.  I want to try part time maybe 10 hours..and go from there.  interesting discussion,thanks for bring it up...~~~~Joanne

[Teresa222]

I am really bad about exercise. I remember laying in the hospital in Oct. 07, after my hysterectomy for ovca.  I promised myself I would do more exercises as soon as I was able. Here it is July 08 and I still have not begun a program of exercise. Unless you call what I did today my program.  I intentionally parked my car about halfway to the end of the parking area at Target and WALKED in. I need to do something to get in better shape.  I admire you for what you are doing.
Teresa

[silver&gold]

Hi  Susie,

I could do with taking a leaf out of your book as far as exercise is concerened !!. I too am short in stature and overweight and could do with being more active , I do try to walk when I can instead of taking the car but really must look into some sort of exercise class. Im not very disiplined with following an exercise routine on my own and come up with all kinds of excuses to myself to get off lol !! .
Angie