Exercise

Exercise
Hi Richard,
I think the best rule of thumb is to "listen to your body". Fatigue is common with most chemo protocols. We each re-act differently so what works for one may not work for another. I did the CVP-R chemo. I was able to do my housework and get around fine. With that being said, I did however have problems with the prednisone during the 5 day period of taking 60mg each morning. I got shaky and nervous, short of breath, flushed(red face) and in general felt like crap. Couldn't sleep more than a couple of hours at a time, which made my days and nights long and tiresome. I usually felt pretty good once the prednisone was stopped, but can honestly say that there is no way I could have exercised while taking it.The shortness of breath alone would have made it too difficult to exercise. Just listen to your body and don't do too much at one time. Believe me, your body will tell you when you are pushing it too far. Others here have done R-CHOP and I'm sure will give you more information. Take care and best wishes.Sue(age 61)-Follicular NHL-stage3-typeA-grade2-diagnosed June 2010)

Generally I think exercise
Generally I think exercise is good but in moderation during this.
You might want to check with your doctor also. I'm assuming you're
swimming in a pool - might want to consider how it could effect your
skin because of the chemo (lotions, etc?).

I wouldn't recommend swimming in the ocean or similar due to possible
infections.

I'm hospitalized during my treamtents. I try to walk around a couple
times a day - usually after meals to help with that dang constipation .

Best wishes to you,

Jim

richardtampa said:

Exercise
I have consulated with the doctor! I'm on the R-CHOP protocol, R on one day than CHO the next followed by 2 prednisones the next following 3 days. I swam about 640 yards after the first "treatment" I did this when the steroid wore off that was given with the"R".
I did not swim on the second day of "CHO" ,but did today 640 yards, I feel very good after the treatment, I swim in my own pool, which the doctor said avoid the public pools and sun.
I have not had nausea at all, unlike my first treatment.
I know my non-hodgkin is for a better way to say if you had to get it this is the one you want.
Due for 6 treatments by the fourth they will know if I'll need the 7th & 8th.

Thanks for your responce. I will take your advice about walking after meals!

My 2 cents
Welcome on board, Richard,

I remember reading that book about Arlen Spector (sp?), former senator from PA who had Hodgkins and he played racquet ball - very active right through all treatments but he was an unusual type of guy. I myself walked when I felt ok - I was anemic so could not exercise much. Now in full remission, I am taking weight lifting - doing little slowly but surely to gain back my strength plus walking.

My sister who is a health trainer sent me article saying that one national health organization announced it will develop standardized exercise program for cancer patients because exercise is really helpful for them to recover quickly.

Good luck with walking and more!

Liz