84 years old with mPCa and a bum left knee. Diagnosed April ‘23, 6-month Lupron, had 4 rounds of Docetaxal, presently on Nubeqa.
I know there are significant benefits to exercise, and I have pretty much convinced myself that I am doing the best I can for now … but it’s not much.
I walk around the house and around the block: 1 to 2 miles a day … and my left knee bites me most of the time.
Further, I have some little 3 pound hand weights that I use for a modest exercise regimen: I double them up (making a whopping 6 pounds) for some of my exercises.
So, am I just kidding myself, or is such limited exercise beneficial?
Thank you,
Robert
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Pinkyboy
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Any exercise is better than nothing. If you have access to a pool you can swim...rowing machine? Elliptical?...any of those can be low impact yet good cardio.
The recumbent bike is a double win: 1) it builds up your thighs, which are your shock absorbers for your knees, and 2) it's less stress on your knees than walking.
Water aerobics would be a good choice if that's something that could appeal to you and you have a program nearby. Would be easy on your knee and offers both aerobic and strength training. The programs are offered on a weekly schedule so you automatically get a scheduled exercise routine (ie 45-60 minutes - 3 times a week) which multiplies the benefit of taking exercise.
I see lots of people taking these programs at my pool. The pool will have special access stairs with hand rails for easy in and out. Lots of older people and people with mobility issues take these programs. If you're lucky the pool may also have a hot tub and/or sauna, which i enjoy after my swim.
Do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Teddy Roosevelt.
That being said, more is bette for exercising, particularly to get your heart rate up, and maybe awaken your immune system. Biking or swimming shouldn’t be too tough on the knee. I also believe in the bouncing/bounding concept in deep end of pool, as if on a trampoline. It will move lymph, and very easy on knees, and ankles.
My workout partners are 78 and 84. The 84 year old also has prostate cancer. He walks to the gym and hits most of the machines. Have to start somewhere. You can probably do more than you think
A mile is ~ 2000 steps and it will certainly have an impact on your mood for the day, or if you do it an hour before bed you may find that you sleep deeper. Yes even 2000 steps helps.
For God's sake you are 84 years old with a bum knee! I'd say you are doing pretty good to still be kicking, let alone doing it with cancer...
Thanks RoG, I am still pretty active. My sweet wife (of 64 years) has only one fully functioning vertebrae, so her mobility is fraught with “ challenge.” As a result, I have been the “lady of the house” for over 20 years: I do all of the meal planning, shopping, meal prep, and clean up. I also take care of general housekeeping. I absolutely love taking care of her. I did wimp out this past summer by having the lawn care done by soneone else.
OK, ANY exercise is better than no exercise. I have a knee that bothers me too. For about 50 years I've been taking a joint 'soother' supplement from Puritan's Pride, glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. It sure helps me. I also wear a compression sleeve when I walk.
I do 45 minutes , twice a day, on a stationary, recumbent bike with very low resistance (while watching TV). I started with 10 pound dumbbells(again, twice a day) and as they got easier to lift, slowly worked my way up to 15 pounders.
I'm no jock. I'm 83, 6'2", and weigh 260, so I'm classified as morbidly obese. You gotta keep moving.
+1 to "any movement". But be aware, at your age and by admission you've been a couch potato up until now, get expert advice on any exercise regimen. IMHO, get a qualified physical therapist and not a personal trainer. They can tell you what to do and set you on a progressive exercise plan. If you rush off and start something on your own, you'll end up hurting yourself and not going back.
Oh, I am sorry if I depicted myself as a “couch potato.” Ah, not so. Proir to this mPCa nonsense, I was constantly active: former 1,000-miles-a-year runner, camper, avid backpacker and fly fisherman, and so on. Certainly, I slowed down as I reached my 80s, but was still very active up until my cancer and Docetaxal slowed me a lot. A lot.
Even so, maybe the “couch potato” description fits much better today than my ego - and memory - would like(!) Thanks for the guidance!
I am 83, and similar to you as far as being active in the past. Have had this cancer since June 94. RP, and recurrence in 08. Now being treated with ADT and Xtandi.
I am having severe dyspnea upon exertion, and am unable to exercise, or even go on longer walks. Was always so fit and used gym.
Anyone have shortness of breath. Never read of it here.
Hi, almost 82 with MCRPC & shortness of breath. PCa in my lungs & some nearby lymph nodes. Upper left lung was removed & my cardiologist has determined the breathing issue is not heart related. ADT on & off for 5 1/2 years since 2010 diagnosis. 7 cycles of docetaxel & 2 cycles of Lu 177. Actually feeling pretty good PSA 0.04. Currently in a pulmonary rehab program.
Sorry I still am not to be able to add links to my replies, but look up this article in the NY Post. A single session of cardio creates a cancer-fighting substance in the body. This was tested specifically on participants with prostate cancer. My hubs also has a bad knee but there are many exercises you can do around that. Yes, we gotta step it up!!
From my perspective: you are doing GREAT! I can only hope to do as well!
[Sidebar: 75 here and hoping to get to your age! Gave up on the lawn shortly after start of mPCa treatments; as one of my side effects is VERY low energy and VERY shortness of breath (was told 1 in 10 have side effects from treatment; well, I'm lucky enough to not only have side effects, but all of them! In spades! LOL! but, ugh...) Currently I cannot do 5 min on a recumbent bicycle (currently have 7 bicycles hanging in garage, no longer in use; at 50 I could still do 50 miles in about 2-1/2 hours. Not anymore!).
All my best! All my prayers! (not sure the Big Guy listens, but I sure will make noise! LOL!)
Lots and lots of suggestions on what and how much to do, so I won’t add to that. I do concur with Mr Scruffy that you can do more than you think (I removed the ‘probably’).
With any form of exercise, the average person perceives their limit well below what it actually is, unlike the elite athlete, who is finely attenuated to it.
A trainer is the answer for the average person if they can afford it, but progressive demands on the body- in small increments- are magic regardless .
My suggestion is for you get on top......I know from "past" experience that lying down and looking at the ceiling was much easier....... But it will get everything going....so stop being a bed potato......
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Am I nuts? Hoping to find a cure....
Why am I always cold? 
Inability to work is frustrating me.
Now starting ADT, any advice for the side effects?
Killing myself while trying to save my life.
