I am fearful of putting on weight during chemo, and I know this is one of the not so publicised side effects !! What sort of exercise regimen has anyone else done (I’m a big yoga fan, and hope to get back to doing that eventually) to help with their fitness? At the moment I am a bit restricted as I had a portacath put in this week, so that is very tender and still recovering from the GA and FEC two days after !!! 
Hi Fuschia
I have just finished 4 AC and 4 taxotere and 25 sessions of radiotherapy. Like you, I was anxious to keep as fit as possible and although I like to swim I was told it is probably best not to during chemo. I starting walking on a regular basis, 4 times a week during chemo (this was mainly during the winter) and everyday after chemo had finished. I finished radiotherapy about 10 days ago and joined the gym last week to try and help recover my fitness.
Good luck with the treatment and whatever exercise you decide to do.
Love Lollie x
PS I am the same weight now as I was before I started chemo.
Hiya Fuschia,
I am a keen golfer (not v.g at it mind!) and when I feel well enough between chemo sessions (I’m on E-CMF, just finished the epi! Hurrah!) I get myself out on the golf course as much as possible. I love the fresh air and the exercise I get ( although I do have to have a buggy sometimes).
I’ve never been much of a gym bunny and I’m quite sure I couldn’t handle anything too strenuous right now, so I’m more than happy to plod round my lovely local golf course. I figure that any sort of exercise I can get is better than none.
I really don’t want to put on any weight during treatment as I’m not exactly a slimcea as it is! Fingers crossed it stays off!!
Take care,
Kelly
-x-
Hi girls, thanks for the tips - not sure about golf at the moment though Kelly, perhaps it will be something to think about after it is all over (good luck with the CMF btw !!) It seems like a good strenuous walk is as much as I can do at the moment, but everything counts. I might treat myself to a ridiculously expensive pair of trainers from Sweaty Betty as a motivation !!! I’m very lucky as I live near a nice park, so will try and get out there everyday once this FEC feeling goes…
Hi Fuschia,
After my first round of FEC I took it easy for the first week, then went to my normal pilates class (x 2 week) and on my second week went to aerobics as well. I was fine although I took it easy at aerobics - stood at the back and took my own pace. I also try and do a couple of rounds of Sun Salutation at home in the mornings. I’m not pushing myself, or being a hero, but I did try purposely to get very fit before I started chemo and am trying to keep it up as it’s got to help my body recover. I was certainly well, after the first few days of C1. Just had C2 so I’m hoping to keep it up, although I’ve just lost my hair so whether or not I’ll have the guts to go to the gym in a scarf I don’t know.
Good Luck - the advise of my Chemotherapy nurse is do what you feel like doing as there are definate benefits with excercise.
Helen.
HI Helen, yes I think there are definite benefits - on purely psychological grounds if nought else. I think if the body is in good shape then it’s got to help (for me personally, anyway). I have actually got a session of yoga therapy with my yoga teacher coming up soon, and when the surgeon says I can weight bear again I will deffo be doing the old Sun Salutations (not five though, like we do in class !!) and going back to a normal class. I think an aerobics class as well would be a good idea - thanks for the tip.
Fuschia
xxx
I just wanted to put across another point. I really suffered during chemo and put on an extra 1 stone ontop of already being over weight, though I had lost a stone prior to diagnosis by going to weight watchers. I finished chemo in may and rads 2 wks ago.
My point is this. Exercise is all well and good if you can face it. If you feel ill it can be hard to motivate yourself. On ocassions I tried walks but often had to come back after a few yards.
So don’t beat yourself up if you cant cope. Go with the flow, concentrate on getting well enough to exercise then do it!
I’ve just arrived back from a family holiday with 4 chefs so my waistline is even bigger! My diet starts today, also re-joining weightwatchers tomorrow and will begin my walking regime today building up from a 10 min stroll to whatever I can manage. Need to be more fit for my sailing course in 2 wks!
Irene
Hi Irene - yes, totally agree with you. The most important thing is recuperating from the chemo, and any exercise on top of that is a bonus. Good luck with the WW and the sailing course - have a great time !!!
Fuschia
xxx