Exercise

Paula O · 12-13-2012, 05:09 AM

http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/f...ncer-survivors
2010 exercise guidelines for cancer survivors

I don't know if they've changed any since 2010 but for sure exercise and eating well is a good thing for everybody, including cancer survivors. We need to watch heavy lifting and repetive movement when lymph node removal is involved in a limb.

sarah · 12-13-2012, 05:54 AM

Hello,
When I've talked to my onc about diet and exercise, he has stressed exercise.
of course there are so many factors involved but......
thanks
sarah

'lizbeth · 12-13-2012, 02:03 PM

I got a prescription for exercise from my oncologist. I worked out with a doctor of physical therapy, and he kicked my butt! In a good way with 2 hour exercise sessions.

Trust me I learned all about therapeutic rest. Was I ever a melted marshmallow in the beginning, so weak and shakey. I would go home after and take a nap. After a couple months I was stronger and less fatigued. After 8 months I was in the best shape I had been in for years.

Prescriptive exercise is awesome stuff. If you can work with a qualified physical therapist, do it!

europa · 12-13-2012, 05:50 PM

'lizbeth: did your oncologist write you a prescription for exercise so that insurance would cover it?

'lizbeth · 12-13-2012, 07:28 PM

Yes, 40 visits covered by insurance. I just had my copay.

I'm in San Diego so I worked with Dr. Joe Mondry at New Horizons Physical Therapy. He and his wife are DPTs who are cancer specialists. His wife helped with lymphedema.

http://www.newhorizonspt.com/aboutus.html

Paula O · 12-14-2012, 05:56 AM

Thx for sharing this info, Lizbeth. I had no idea insurance would pay for that--glad it worked out for you!

I think a biggie for all of us is regular weight bearing exercise like daily walking. Our bones take a big hit with chemo and hormone blockers. I had the bones of a much younger woman as per a bone density test prior to cancer and osteopenia after cancer treatment.

Ah well...part of the cost of doing what I gotta do. Thankfully my November bone density test was stable from last year to this year, I'd sure like to avoid osteoporosis and fractures if possible. I'm taking "Bone Up" (Calcium, Vit D3, magnesium, etc plus extra Vit D3 as recc by my doc because my Vit D blood levels are low ). You guys getting bone denstity tests as part of your "Well Woman" check ups? I'd be interested to hear what others are doing to help bone health, esp dosages of supps. It seems many women with breast cancer have low Vit D levels and I saw a study that low Vit D impacts survival rate. Anybody have good info on Vit D supplementation relating to breast cancer?

Paula

pibikay · 12-14-2012, 07:27 AM

HI
HEMA'S oNC SAID THAT SOME EXRECISE WOULD DO HER GOOD.WE CONULTED A PHYSIO AND HEMA IS DOING THE EXRECISES TAUGHT TO HER BY THE PHYSIO. THE ONS PRESCRIBED WALKS AND CLIMBING. BUT SHE WINDS WALKINMG CONTINUOUSLY DIFFICULT. SHE FEES AS IF SHE HAS NO BALANCE,
WHAT ABOUTN YOU SISTERS.?ARE ANY OF YOU HAVING THE SAME FEELING.ALL THE BEST

'lizbeth · 12-14-2012, 12:31 PM

I remember feeling like I would lose my balance easily.

My physical therapist really pushed me. I felt weak and fatigued. Exercising at a higher level was hard. I thought the doctor was nuts. But it really worked and I overcame many effects of cancer treatment.

I complained constantly - but he wouldn't cut me any slack. After a while if Dr. Joe said I could lift a certain weight or walk at a certain incline and rate on the treadmill, well I believed him - and I did it!

Paula - I was not ER+ and my bones were not as affected. My doctors still want me to supplement with Calcium and Vitamin D. I had both a Vitamin D test and the dexascan. Both had good results.

I have not been consistent with taking my vitamins or my exercise - so I better try harder.