I finished radiotherapy start of December, having also had lumpectomy, lymph node removal and 6 TAC.When I saw my oncologist just before Christmas he said I must start doing 45 mins exercise every day! as a survey has proved it reduces your chance of recurrance. It must be over and above my usual daily activity (not back to normal yet since chemo finished mid October). I’m normally quite active but 45 mins every day! Just wondered if anyone else had been told this and how you are doing it Fortunately I live in a beautiful part of the country so brisk walks with the dog will be a regular option. I suppose I’m just a bit surprised because usual advice for good health is around 30mins 3 times a week.
When I was discharged after finishing Herceptin back in 2007, the oncologists told me it was more about keeping a check on your weight than anything else. I believe the report you are citing was in the press last year. Just to confuse things there was also a report that said too much exercise could stimulate hormone production and cause BC! This left me wondering as I met quite a few very fit ladies, including a gym teacher, when I was on chemo.
I’ve struggled with weight loss since the treatment left me post menopausal, so I joined a gym recently. However, I haven’t been for 3 weeks as both of us went down with flu one behind each other, then my OH got a tooth infection as well and we had work deadlines to meet by Dec 23rd. We were both really enjoying it and were going at 7.30 am for an hour 3 times a week. I also do a bit of gentle yoga at home on the days I’m not at the gym.
I really don’t read too much into some of the conflicting studies that are published and just stick to what is right for me. As my cancer was aggressive, my philosophy has always been if it comes back it will and there is probably not a lot I can do about it. I have also read studies which have suggested if it comes back, then you did not get rid of it in the first place. 4 years on I just live each day as it comes because this is what works for my well being.
Bloomin heck…I have always done a lot of exercise and still walk my dogs for at least 30 mins whilst aching like hell on tax…get a Wii and enjoy yourself at home!!!
Hello ladies, thank you for your replies both of which seem very sensible. I guess I know what my New Years resolution will be! At least I wasn’t told to cut out the wine! Happy New Year to you, hope next year is a better one for all of us - cherub, bad luck getting the flu, I dread getting that after the year I’ve had xx
Hallo madkiki,
My lumpectomy was last New Years Eve,I completed chemo end May and radio late July. Have done keep fit (aerobic) and ballet classes for the last 20 years apart from most of this year, obviously. At the suggestion of my Oncologist I rejoined the weekly classes I was desperately missing, in September, albeit gently at first and under the guidance of both tutors, who still watch me avidly. Approaching 72 in February, I can honestly say I feel no ill effects and not only was it wonderful to be greeted so warmly by my colleagues but so good to be able to do “normal” things again. Both classes are 1 hour 30 minutes each a week and when possible, I also add in a little practice at home. Have also managed to resume playing my violin and rejoined our local orchestra also in September. So I say, listen to your body and do what you feel is right for you. Also, if you enjoy it, singing is wonderful therapy.
Hi Madkiki
I’d been doing Pilates for a few years before I got BC and continued it as soon as I could after surgery, which was after 2 or 3 days, taking it gently. I soon built up to my usual level, which is to do a 1 to 1 class once a fortnight and do 20 minutes every day at home. This has been an enormous help in regaining mobility of my arm and shoulder - all the medical people have been quite surprised by my range of movement - and it has helped reduce the post-rads stiffness in my breast. I’m now 3 months after rads and still finding that the breast stiffens up, but I can overcome that with exercise.
Keep at it!
Sarah x
Thank you for your replies ladies. I think the thing I’m struggling with is the fact it must be 45mins EVERY day for it to be effective(aswell as a low saturated fat diet, which isn’t a problem once Christmas/New Year is over!). It seems a big undertaking for the rest of my life, if only it were, say, 4 or 5 times a week! So far I’ve hung on my oncologist’s every word to help me get better and now when he says 45mins EVERY day I’m thinking “Crikey, can I commit to that?”. I’m not overweight and normally fairly active and am willing to be more conscientious where exercise is concerned but unless it’s 45 mins it’s not good enough. I dont’t really know now what I’m asking you, perhaps re-assurance that you’re not all exercising fanatically and it’s ok.
Thank you in anticipation and a very Happy New Year to you all, xxx