Exercise after Cancer

Toni08
Toni08 Member Posts: 39
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Good Afternoon!
I hope this day treats you well. I came across the article on the NYT about exercising after cancer. New claims are that exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence by 40%! However, one part I wondered about said that it helps patients who gain weight during treatment, slim down and gain mobility. I would be shocked if any H&N patients gained weight during treatment!! I would worry with a lower calorie intake and a focus on needing to gain weight, exercise so soon might be pushing it. Here is the article: Benefits of Exercise After Cancer What are your experiences with exercise after treatment? Is burning too many calories a concern?

God Bless,
Toni

Comments

  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #2
    Walking
    I started walking around the 3rd month after radiation. I would easily tire, but continue to do it. Its the best medicine, I think, to just get out and smell (well I cant smell anymore) but if I could just get out and smell the roses....
  • hawk711
    hawk711 Member Posts: 566
    #3
    SIRENAF42 said:

    Walking
    I started walking around the 3rd month after radiation. I would easily tire, but continue to do it. Its the best medicine, I think, to just get out and smell (well I cant smell anymore) but if I could just get out and smell the roses....

    walker too
    I agree with the idea of light exercise. I walk about 3 miles a day and swim a few days a week also. The article was very informative I thought. Thanks for sharing.
    I think Adventure Bob could tell us how his hikes have helped him with the recovery also....
    Hey Sirenaf42, maybe we can walk sometime....if not together, then in spirit!
    all the best
    Steve
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #4
    Hi Toni

    During treatment I felt so bad the only exercising I did was walking to the bed, Once treatment stops if you start to do any exercising you remember to talk it a little at a time and ease the body back into it. I think I am like everyone I started with walking and added a little more each time.

    Hondo
  • Goalie
    Goalie Member Posts: 184
    #5
    Hondo said:

    Hi Toni

    During treatment I felt so bad the only exercising I did was walking to the bed, Once treatment stops if you start to do any exercising you remember to talk it a little at a time and ease the body back into it. I think I am like everyone I started with walking and added a little more each time.

    Hondo

    Weight Gain
    Actually, I think that they were referring to breast cancer survivors who often do gain weight during treatment. They get different chemicals from what we get and they obviously don't have the problems we have in getting the nutrition in or, in fact, getting most anything in, nutritious or not.

    Still, the point about exercise being good is probably right. Among other things, as my wife always points out, as you are beginning to get nutrition and gain weight it is good to do some exercise and lightly stress your body so that it knows where to send the nutrients.

    Of course, only a lunatic would play hockey right away. So that's what I did. Actually though, my first times out were just skating across the ice to stand behind the bench. My bigger problem was the terrible weakness and the inability to coordinate the right muscles to skate. And that was after regaining 15 pounds the first month and then 5 the next. It was yet another few weeks before I could actually play.

    I did start going to the gym about a month after treatment and was using the very lightest weights and exercises. This was really just to maintain range-of-motion and stretching, not trying to build muscles or anything. It was hardly more than a brisk walk and some deep knee bends and such.

    So, on the whole, I agree with this study and glad that it was posted here. Thanks, Doug
  • Toni08
    Toni08 Member Posts: 39
    #6
    Goalie said:

    Weight Gain
    Actually, I think that they were referring to breast cancer survivors who often do gain weight during treatment. They get different chemicals from what we get and they obviously don't have the problems we have in getting the nutrition in or, in fact, getting most anything in, nutritious or not.

    Still, the point about exercise being good is probably right. Among other things, as my wife always points out, as you are beginning to get nutrition and gain weight it is good to do some exercise and lightly stress your body so that it knows where to send the nutrients.

    Of course, only a lunatic would play hockey right away. So that's what I did. Actually though, my first times out were just skating across the ice to stand behind the bench. My bigger problem was the terrible weakness and the inability to coordinate the right muscles to skate. And that was after regaining 15 pounds the first month and then 5 the next. It was yet another few weeks before I could actually play.

    I did start going to the gym about a month after treatment and was using the very lightest weights and exercises. This was really just to maintain range-of-motion and stretching, not trying to build muscles or anything. It was hardly more than a brisk walk and some deep knee bends and such.

    So, on the whole, I agree with this study and glad that it was posted here. Thanks, Doug

    Correct.
    They specifically name breast and prostate cancer but the studies seem to be positive for cancer survivors in general. I'd imagine the limits of exercise all varies based on type of cancer and treatment. Funny that half of the doctors surveyed knew nothing about how it might play a role. When we talk about advancements in treatment, it doesn't have to be a groundbreaking medicinal treatment. In this case, it's something small and free to all. It does specify light exercise and says that the findings were not that it tired patients out, but that it actually boosted energy post treatment. So for all of those in the terrible post weeks and months phase, a little moving might be of great benefit for both energy, and for fighting the beast in general.
  • Jimbo55
    Jimbo55 Member Posts: 590 Member
    #7
    Exercise
    Hi Toni, good article & thanks for posting it. I came across similar info during my treatment. My goal during treatment was a 30-45 minute walk each day. By the end of treatment, a 20 minute walk was a struggle.

    The info I read stated that studies have shown that moderate exercise during treatment may impart the following benefits: less severe side effects, help combat fatigue, increase in appetite and most importantly respond better to treatment.

    Sirena put it well, just get out and smell the roses. Mentally, getting outdoors & taking a walk in the park or wherever would do wonders for me.

    Moderation is certainly the key. And baby steps. Start out slow and increase very gradually. After treatment, as I began to feel better, I slowly but surely increased the duration of my walks. Then I added some hand weights. A few months out, I tried running for the first time. Actually more like a very slow jog. 5 minutes the first day, felt like 55, I was sweating bullets. After a shower, I felt really good. Next time, I tried 6 minutes and increased 1 minute each run after that. Today I am 1 year out from treatment and can run 5 miles.

    Does moderate exercises really help during and after treatment? I surely believe it helped me, both mentally and physically. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but moderate exercise can really help combat the fatigue we all get from the chemotherapy/rads. It also stimulated my appetite. Unfortunately it doesn't do anything for the cardboard taste of most foods! Cheers.

    Jimbo
  • Husker Fan
    Husker Fan Member Posts: 65
    #8
    Jimbo55 said:

    Exercise
    Hi Toni, good article & thanks for posting it. I came across similar info during my treatment. My goal during treatment was a 30-45 minute walk each day. By the end of treatment, a 20 minute walk was a struggle.

    The info I read stated that studies have shown that moderate exercise during treatment may impart the following benefits: less severe side effects, help combat fatigue, increase in appetite and most importantly respond better to treatment.

    Sirena put it well, just get out and smell the roses. Mentally, getting outdoors & taking a walk in the park or wherever would do wonders for me.

    Moderation is certainly the key. And baby steps. Start out slow and increase very gradually. After treatment, as I began to feel better, I slowly but surely increased the duration of my walks. Then I added some hand weights. A few months out, I tried running for the first time. Actually more like a very slow jog. 5 minutes the first day, felt like 55, I was sweating bullets. After a shower, I felt really good. Next time, I tried 6 minutes and increased 1 minute each run after that. Today I am 1 year out from treatment and can run 5 miles.

    Does moderate exercises really help during and after treatment? I surely believe it helped me, both mentally and physically. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but moderate exercise can really help combat the fatigue we all get from the chemotherapy/rads. It also stimulated my appetite. Unfortunately it doesn't do anything for the cardboard taste of most foods! Cheers.

    Jimbo

    Thanks for the info!
    Great information, thanks for posting. I love biking and up until 4 weeks ago when this rollercoaster started I had biked about 1,200 miles this summer. Surgery is tomorrow, can't wait until I can get back on the bike again in a few (or more) months!

    Thanks for the info

    David
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #9
    Husker Fan said:

    Thanks for the info!
    Great information, thanks for posting. I love biking and up until 4 weeks ago when this rollercoaster started I had biked about 1,200 miles this summer. Surgery is tomorrow, can't wait until I can get back on the bike again in a few (or more) months!

    Thanks for the info

    David

    I would be lost without it
    I'm 2 years post treatment and would not be mentally stable without exercise. The picture is pre-cancer and I'm now 50 lbs lighter. Exercise has been my savior because it really calms me down and allows me to focus on something other than cancer. I can escape the never ending cancer thoughts while focused on exercise. I was at the doctor today and my resting heart rate was 56 and BP was 115/75. I am certain I would be a total basket case without my workouts. I've always done some running and weight lifting and have run up to six miles this year. My weight lifting is back to pre-cancer levels or even better. I also discovered yoga and pilates and Tai Chi soon after treatment. Mentally they all offer a tremendous level of comfort. The yoga is a godsend for neck and facial muscles and have kept my mobility problems very manageable even with the neck dissection. Almost every restorative yoga practice will delve into things such as tongue, eye sockets, and neck relaxation. Tailor made for us. It literally has been a struggle from walking around the block or lifting only the bar without weights but it has payed off many times over.

    My scans have never been clear because of scattered spots on my lungs. The doctors have never really been sure and have kept me on a 4 month regime until just recently. I use running as a lung capacity measurement and a way of self scanning. I theorize that if the cancer gets to my lungs and is growing my miles per hour time should diminish. You can now begin to see what a valuable tool exercise can be. If it staves off recurrence then all the better but I can attest that exercise does stave off cancer for at least a few blissful moments daily.
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #10
    exercise
    Hi Toni,

    It's been helpful to me every step of the way. I did as much as I could tolerate through treatment and still do. There was a point early after treatment where I was concerned about the calorie loss but it balanced out pretty quick as my appetite increased from the exercise. It helps with sleep and aches and pains too. Like Ratface mentioned; yoga seems almost made just for us and I certainly have noticed the benefits of regular practice. I'm also weight training as it builds muscle and adds weight in a healthy way. Really, the benefits are just too many to mention and I can't really think of a single downside. Walking is probably the most ideal early on. If you can find a nice dirt trail it's much easier on your knees, feet and back. Make sure to take plenty of water and some high calorie snacks. And of course enjoy. Time outside is healing.

    AB
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #11
    BURNING CALORIES
    Hi Toni, Before I was diagnosed I was a competitive Powerlifter. I was 240 Lbs and was more focused on being strong VS lean. After Cancer I dropped to 172 lbs and now at 9 months post treatment I weigh in at 193 and have no intention of going over 200 -205. I am also at the point in my recovey where my metabolism has returned to pre cancer levels and I watch very closely my caloric intake as it now does not take much for me to gain weight.

    As far as excersise goes, I am well enough to go to the gym 4-5 days per week, and am not very strong, but can hit the weights at lower pounds bu for many sets and reps. I feel great, and actually like my new smaller frame.

    I think everyone is different in how fast they progress with excersise and also with how long their bodies will require the massive caloric intake that was required when we all went through treatment. I do not know if you plan to return to a previous excersise regiment, or plan to start from scratch, but I can say for me that going back to what I loved to do before cancer has been a godsend to my return to health and my sanity.

    Best!!

    Mike
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #12
    luv4lacrosse said:

    BURNING CALORIES
    Hi Toni, Before I was diagnosed I was a competitive Powerlifter. I was 240 Lbs and was more focused on being strong VS lean. After Cancer I dropped to 172 lbs and now at 9 months post treatment I weigh in at 193 and have no intention of going over 200 -205. I am also at the point in my recovey where my metabolism has returned to pre cancer levels and I watch very closely my caloric intake as it now does not take much for me to gain weight.

    As far as excersise goes, I am well enough to go to the gym 4-5 days per week, and am not very strong, but can hit the weights at lower pounds bu for many sets and reps. I feel great, and actually like my new smaller frame.

    I think everyone is different in how fast they progress with excersise and also with how long their bodies will require the massive caloric intake that was required when we all went through treatment. I do not know if you plan to return to a previous excersise regiment, or plan to start from scratch, but I can say for me that going back to what I loved to do before cancer has been a godsend to my return to health and my sanity.

    Best!!

    Mike

    Don't forget the calcium
    You've all covered the topic well - H&NC folks don't need to exercise to lose weight, but there's more to life than losing weight (says the fat lady).

    One of the hardest nutrients to replenish stores of is calcium - this comes out of your bones after a week or so of not eating (possibly faster, if you are attacking some of your bones with radiation). High calcium intake is not enough to put it back, you must do some kind of weight-bearing exercise every day to encourage those bones to suck it up. This is one of the things we learned early on from studies on astronauts.

    From the caregiver side - I was not in danger of losing calcium, but exercise did help me keep my sanity. Not to sound like a Nike commercial, but once you get in that exercise groove, it becomes a bubble that excludes worries; those 55 minutes in the morning on the elliptical, when Doug was asleep and I could pretend cancer did not exist, were wonderful (and are still pretty good, even though there is much less to exclude these days).
  • Toni08
    Toni08 Member Posts: 39
    #13
    DrMary said:

    Don't forget the calcium
    You've all covered the topic well - H&NC folks don't need to exercise to lose weight, but there's more to life than losing weight (says the fat lady).

    One of the hardest nutrients to replenish stores of is calcium - this comes out of your bones after a week or so of not eating (possibly faster, if you are attacking some of your bones with radiation). High calcium intake is not enough to put it back, you must do some kind of weight-bearing exercise every day to encourage those bones to suck it up. This is one of the things we learned early on from studies on astronauts.

    From the caregiver side - I was not in danger of losing calcium, but exercise did help me keep my sanity. Not to sound like a Nike commercial, but once you get in that exercise groove, it becomes a bubble that excludes worries; those 55 minutes in the morning on the elliptical, when Doug was asleep and I could pretend cancer did not exist, were wonderful (and are still pretty good, even though there is much less to exclude these days).

    Likewise.
    I had no idea how to cope when my dad was diagnosed and being far away made it worse. I couldn't sleep, couldn't concentrate, didn't want to be near people...etc. I am a believer who suddenly lost all ability/desire/faith to pray. Luckily I'm past that now.

    But, if my dad was going to suffer, I had to as well. I joined a gym, overloaded on classes. I spent everyday in pain (though a good pain). It worked miracles mentally, spiritually, and physically (I've never had abs in my life but they coming in now!). I would definitely recommend exercise to all care givers.

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