Excercise

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Guzzle
Guzzle Member Posts: 710

Hi All, I am almost two weeks post treatment . Have ran a couple of miles and cycled 15 miles. I am going to attempt a 50 mile charity cycle ride this weekend (very slowly). Ive lost a lot if fitness and conditioning. Had some great advice already from Rick (Ratface) but am really interested in stories from you all and advice about regaining fitness. Thanks and well done USA at the world cup. G.

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  • LumpinmyThroat
    LumpinmyThroat Member Posts: 98
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    Iron Man!

    Hi Guzzle!

    That is fantastic!!! If you don't mind me asking, what was your treatment and how many cycles did you have?

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    Iron Man!

    Hi Guzzle!

    That is fantastic!!! If you don't mind me asking, what was your treatment and how many cycles did you have?

    No problem. Left

    No problem. Left tonsillectomy and neck dissection. 33 rads. 3 cisplatin. Hope that helps.

  • ErthWlkr
    ErthWlkr Member Posts: 60
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    Exer-sizing....

    Hi G -

    Very impressive comeback! I have met survivors who were highly conditioned prior to treatment whose recovery was short without complication. But, as a former rider, we know that 15 miles isn't 50. How did you feel after that 15 mile ride? Next day? Two days after?

    If you feel physically confident, I'd say try it. But I'd do with a support rider and with the agreement that if you can't make the 50, you'll cut it short. Trust me, even if you don't make the 50 you're far ahead of most who've gone thru the standard H&N treatments of radiation and chemo.

    I'd also put a phone call in to the doc just to give him/her a heads-up what the plan is. Don't push it just to make a point - keep in mind your body has taken a lot of abuse and you've been compromised to a certain degree. The last thing you want to do is is compromise your recovery.

    Bring your fluids and food. Hydrate and keep the calorie count up. If you're an experienced rider you know what you have to do.

    Good luck with this! Wishing you a continued healthful recovery!

    - Jeff

  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
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    Far ahead

    You are so far ahead of what most of us went through in recovery.  If you are in contact with Ratface you are in good hands.  I agree with Erthwakers post.  Listen to your body.  Do not push or you may have to pay the price and start recover y all over again.

  • KB56
    KB56 Member Posts: 318 Member
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    Exercising

    Guzzle, I was no where near the progress you've made in such a short time.  It took me about 2 weeks before I got mobile again and then it was slow progress each week.  1 year out I've got all my weight back and feel like I could do anything physical that I could before all the treatment.  Feels great feeling normal again, even with little reminders of what I went through. 

    I thought the doctor asked you to chill for a bit and givr your body a little time to recover?  I think you do what you're comfortable with but cut yourself a little slack st the same time.  Your body has been through a lot over the past few weeks and I know how bad you want to get back to your old self.  

    You sound like you're doing fantastic!  Congratulations.    

    keep recovering!

    keith

  • dunedintech
    dunedintech Member Posts: 90
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    Impressive

    Hi Guzzle - great work on your running. I like you like my sport / exercise so was keen to get back into it post treatment. However running wise I really noticed the lack of power once I was 3kms in or so. My wife suggested Pilates as a core strengthing tool / softer exercise landing and I have not looked back. Being a NZ rugby playing type there was some skepticisim regarding Pilates but boy was I wrong. It also helped my neuropathy due to the targeted stretching. Not for everyone I am sure but well worth exploring. Has really helped my running as well. 

    Unrelated but that rugby team of yours is looking good. Peaking at the right time I would say. Huge game for the 3 Lions Thursday. I think you will get a result there. 

    Good luck. 

     

  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
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    Very impressive comeback

    I wish I was so fortunate, as my entire first treatment kept me out of the gym 7 months. I was a 240 lb competitive power lifter and lost 77 lbs. I guess it was a good thing I had it to lose. Once I got back in and the guys I trained with pushed me HARD. Things are different with me now as since July of 2010 the cancer has come back twice and spread. The photo of me was the first week of May 2013, my last day at that gym as the moving van came and I now live in Texas. I had to start Taxotere when I arrived and somehow lasted 1 year and had to stop as the chemo killed the cancer but created bilateral Pleural Efflusion that had to be dealt with. In short, the fluid that is still down to a slow leak drains your body of all it's Protein and Albumin, which the body needs to build muscle. I'm now back on Cisplatin, and can train everyday, but it is frustrating to know how much time and work I put in for very little visible look. I am convinced all of my exercise has helped me through my treatment as I have no other medical issues, and just being in a gym allows me to feel like me and keep my sanity.

    Best

    Mike

  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570
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    MUSCLE MEMORY

    Hey Gary,

    What I've learned from starting over a few times is that you will be able to get back into shape, it just, as you might expect, takes time.  Thus, my advice, be patient, and take the time you need to get to where you want to be.  It might not take that long for you since your side effects were not so severe.  Good training to you.

    PATRICK

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    patricke said:

    MUSCLE MEMORY

    Hey Gary,

    What I've learned from starting over a few times is that you will be able to get back into shape, it just, as you might expect, takes time.  Thus, my advice, be patient, and take the time you need to get to where you want to be.  It might not take that long for you since your side effects were not so severe.  Good training to you.

    PATRICK

    thanks

    thanks all so much. This is heartening. Discussed with DR who is OK as long as U stay hydrated and do have a plan b if I have to stop. Felt OK after 15. Will just stop and rest on way around a few times. Thanks for rugby comments. We follow league as well up north. But the all blacks are still the benchmark! Gary

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    patricke said:

    MUSCLE MEMORY

    Hey Gary,

    What I've learned from starting over a few times is that you will be able to get back into shape, it just, as you might expect, takes time.  Thus, my advice, be patient, and take the time you need to get to where you want to be.  It might not take that long for you since your side effects were not so severe.  Good training to you.

    PATRICK

    Beer

    Forgot to say - managed a sly beer last night - just the one. First since treatment and it tasted OK!

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
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    Unbelievable!

    In all the time I've been on the boards, I've not known anyone who has managed as well as you. Congrats on such an amazing journey! 

    Positive thoughts and prayers

     

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
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    fishmanpa said:

    Unbelievable!

    In all the time I've been on the boards, I've not known anyone who has managed as well as you. Congrats on such an amazing journey! 

    Positive thoughts and prayers

     

    On the sidelines cheering for you mate

    Exercise can be a very therapeutic part of recovery. You are doing fantastically well. I was much slower to bounce back and really believe that it is directly related to your level of fitness prior to treatment and of course your diagnosis and type of treatment. So many variables fo sure.  I took six months just to get a mile walk under my belt. I was unable to cut the small grassy area in front of my house with a push mower. The muscle mass required to push that weight was not there. I started with yoga. I cannot say enough good things about yoga and how it can help with all the associated issues of a neck disection as well as the mental aspect and meditation. Tai Chi is wonderful and again great for neck disections. Pilates as mentioned is perhaps the best form of overall exercise available and you can progress as you get stronger. We all deserve a chance to feel better. Your post is inspirational, May the wind be always at your back!

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    ratface said:

    On the sidelines cheering for you mate

    Exercise can be a very therapeutic part of recovery. You are doing fantastically well. I was much slower to bounce back and really believe that it is directly related to your level of fitness prior to treatment and of course your diagnosis and type of treatment. So many variables fo sure.  I took six months just to get a mile walk under my belt. I was unable to cut the small grassy area in front of my house with a push mower. The muscle mass required to push that weight was not there. I started with yoga. I cannot say enough good things about yoga and how it can help with all the associated issues of a neck disection as well as the mental aspect and meditation. Tai Chi is wonderful and again great for neck disections. Pilates as mentioned is perhaps the best form of overall exercise available and you can progress as you get stronger. We all deserve a chance to feel better. Your post is inspirational, May the wind be always at your back!

    Cheers

    Lets see if I get around! Im confident I can do 25 and will appraise at halfway point but cycling much easier than running. I find a 2 mile run exhausting post treatment but feel Ok on a bike! I will post how I get along, G.

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
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    Guzzle said:

    thanks

    thanks all so much. This is heartening. Discussed with DR who is OK as long as U stay hydrated and do have a plan b if I have to stop. Felt OK after 15. Will just stop and rest on way around a few times. Thanks for rugby comments. We follow league as well up north. But the all blacks are still the benchmark! Gary

    drink...

    Water that is. lol

    The only thing I can think that might be an issue of real concern is dehydration, as it can come on quite rapidly. As long as you stay hydrated, you can deal with sore muscles or being tired for a day or two. Dehydration is an evil actor and attacks in a blink. Have fun!

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    Guzzle said:

    Cheers

    Lets see if I get around! Im confident I can do 25 and will appraise at halfway point but cycling much easier than running. I find a 2 mile run exhausting post treatment but feel Ok on a bike! I will post how I get along, G.

    23 miles

    And all is well!! So Im sure I can get halfway but hopefully finish. Felt OK.

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
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    Guzzle said:

    23 miles

    And all is well!! So Im sure I can get halfway but hopefully finish. Felt OK.

    guzzle, you are AMAZING and

    guzzle, you are AMAZING and an INSPIRATION to all!  live on, friend!

    God bless you,

    dj

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
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    Slow and steady wins the race

    Do what you can and listen to your body.  Think marathon, not sprint, conserve energy.  Stop and smell the roses along the path...

    Ok nuf said,  Enjoy!

    PJ

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    PJ47 said:

    Slow and steady wins the race

    Do what you can and listen to your body.  Think marathon, not sprint, conserve energy.  Stop and smell the roses along the path...

    Ok nuf said,  Enjoy!

    PJ

    50 mile ride

    Completed. Thanks for encouragment.

  • KB56
    KB56 Member Posts: 318 Member
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    Guzzle said:

    50 mile ride

    Completed. Thanks for encouragment.

    Completed

    Guzzle, congratulations!  You Brits are some tough suckers for sure!   

    Big game this afternoon!   I was surprised the Germans tied yesterday so the door is open for us to move on. 

    Get some rest big guy!

    Keith

  • Guzzle
    Guzzle Member Posts: 710
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    KB56 said:

    Completed

    Guzzle, congratulations!  You Brits are some tough suckers for sure!   

    Big game this afternoon!   I was surprised the Germans tied yesterday so the door is open for us to move on. 

    Get some rest big guy!

    Keith

    Keith, weather beautiful so having a couple of beers in garden (not too many as I feel woozy due to lack of practice). Beautiful day for a ride in my scarf and uv 50 sun cream. As England prima donnas are out I am rooting for USA. At least the 5 Liverpool players will get a rest! I want Uraguy out for same reason! Sent an e mail over to you don't know if you got it. I don't think Ronaldo is match fit. Portugul look very ordinary without him. USA could come good here. Germany were very lucky in last match. Hope your vacation lived up to your expectations mate. Regards, Gary