Trying to get my strength back after lung Cancer

[Mogriff]

I'm a lung cancer survivor. I'm back to work but I feel so weak now. I'm not young but not old either I'm 61. Before all this started I was a ball of energy and strong. Now I can barely work in the yard on my days off. Any suggestions ? I work as an Rn in a Icu

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Good for you. Have you talked to your GP about doing this programme? If it is ok, maybe just try week 1, there is no race to get through to week 9 - it's fine to repeat weeks until you are ready to progress

[PippiRuns]

Welcome Mogriff. I suggest you do c25k in your own tempo. Give week one a go and if it feels manageable, move on to the next week. If you have to repeat runs or weeks, don't worry about it - every step you take will make you stronger.

You're already a warrior, not a victim, you can do this!

[bulgarianlily Graduate]

There is also the strength and flex program, which is five weeks, and someone mentioned another program they did before C25k but I am sorry I can't remember the name, maybe someone else will know?

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I think Bazza1234 did some kind of programme first before he started c25k. If you're that weak start really slowly, maybe check with your GP first. It might be wise to start a walking programme - that can build up your stamina. Good luck, whatever you choose. You're obviously a fighter - you'll get your fitness back👍

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Yes - this one mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

I would be hesitant to recommend anything to anybody who has had lung cancer - my S-i-L had lung cancer but was not a survivor. Definitely one for the medicos to assess as to what somebody can or can't do!!

[Mogriff in reply to Bazza1234]

I'm sorry she lost her fight. So far I'm feeling really good. But I'm only 6 mo out. Just waiting on my Cat scan to confirm my docs words. Everyday is a blessing now

[harveyemm Graduate]

Hi there,

Here's a link to a 5k walking program

prevention.com/fitness/fitn...

All the best to you and I hope your recovery goes well.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As JoolieB1 suggests, get it checked out with those that know... then take it slowly... lots of similar folk to yourself, on here and I am sure you will get sound advice from those folk.

Well done for the determination to get though this next stage of your difficult journey... keep us posted?

[Dessie01 Graduate]

I too am a survivor mogriff , I found it took a good 2years to gradually recover . The key is to go by what your body tells you , push when you can , you will get there .

[beverleyg Graduate]

C25K would be a really good tool if you go very gently. It seems likely you are going to get breathless easily at first, so if the running is too much in the first week, you could even go super slow and alternate slower and faster walking, then convert the quicker walk to a slow jog when you feel able. And on these warm days maybe get out early while it's cooler. Just making a start on it after what you have been through will help you to feel as if you are taking some control back - very best of luck and keep us posted.

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to beverleyg]

I think the idea of brisk and slow walking is excellent and would b a great way to prepare for the running programme too

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you are a nurse in an ICU at 61, and you've been through lung cancer treatment recently, it is possible that is using up all your available energy currently.

Perhaps what you need for now is simply to get outside as much as possible?

[Mogriff in reply to GoogleMe]

I'm tending to agree with you. I'm back full time now 12 hr shifts. Tired as heck by the time I get home. I think I'll stick to my gardening for a month or two. I'm like a puppy. Go go go plop. Lol thanks my friend

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Has your GP or other HCP given you some goals re walking etc? Your job is stressful and that will be sapping your energy too. How long have you been back? I am also an RN but I am not on the shop floor anymore.I would suggest getting a fitbit, build up your walking giving yourself targets and when your GP gives you the OK start this programme. It truly is the best thing ever- hard but will give you renewed confidance and a focus. Please keep us posted, you are doing brilliantly...

[Mogriff in reply to ju-ju-]

My gp says do what ever you want. My surgeon says I'm the only patient he's ever worked with after lung surgery to that extent Calls me his miracle. Tells me go for it. :). But I'm completely exhausted after my shifts. Maybe I'm reaching for the stars.

Thanks for the feedback.

I'm only out 6 months after 2 plus surgeries , chemo and radiation. 😊

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I agree with everything that has been said, have a chat with your doctors and see if they will give you advice. My other half went through an intensive treatment a few years ago and he was laid up for over 1.5years. It took him a while to jump back after that. I would say the main thing that helped him is patience. It can be a slow process and it's very important not to over do it. Walking is a very good place to start if you get the go ahead. Even walking you have to start of very slowly and stop before you get tired. Once you have got tired you have gone too far and it will put your progress backwards. My husband always said it was the hardest thing to do was stopping before he over did it as he always felt good when it was going well, but that was the way he went forward when he took it really steady. If you were active before then please try not to put yourself against your former self as the new you has more to take into consideration. Good luck and please feel free to post as you work though getting back to fitness.

[Mogriff in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you. That was the perfect advice and exactly how I feel.

[Feelingsilly]

Hey, welcome to the forum, you must have amazing strength to be getting out and fighting to get fit, don't be hard on your self, but equally don't underestimate how emotionally and physically draining working in ICU is when you are feeling under par. I worked in Paeds ICU so probably not as physically demanding as your big people movements are but a shift is all consuming and your body has had a hell of a lot to deal with lately. I'm no expert, but the programme does develop quite quickly so if you are feeling weak, definitely chat to your consultant or GP, or maybe just get out for some brisk walks 3 times a week just to build you up a little before you start the programme properly with runs. You WILL get back to fitness but take it slow, don't get frustrated, you are doing amazingly it seems to me, any treatment you may have had will have knocked your body for six!

[Als_mum Graduate]

Hi Mogriff , I'm an ovarian cancer survivor, currently on Week 7 of C25K. I finished C25K first time last summer just before diagnosis, so like you I would have considered myself energetic and strong beforehand, but things are different now. I waited until I was reasonably sure I had the energy to start C25K, and I judged that to be after I'd worked gradually up to quite a few longer walks without flagging too badly. You could try starting with just walks - I figured that if I had the stamina and breath to walk quite quickly for an hour or so, then I could start to run, or at least tackle Week 1.

I did put the idea past my consultant and my GP first. The concept of taking control over fitness after so long of having to be at the mercy of your body is a really powerful one, but it would be all too easy to push too hard and feel defeated yet again if you go too far too fast. Making the decision to start the whole process is in itself seizing power. Buying some nice new fitness gear helps too and makes you feel as though you're on the way. Seizing power combined with shopping - what's not to like!

People do say listen to your body - they're absolutely right and if/when you do decide to follow the programme, take it at your own pace, adapt it, repeat each session as many times as you need (it's not a race!) and give yourself plenty of recovery time i.e. more than the minimum 1 day between sessions. It surprised me how much cancer treatment takes out of every aspect of the body's functioning.

The very best of luck to you. Think about it carefully, get advice from your medical people and take it gently. This forum is an amazingly supportive place and we'll be cheering you on.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best of luck - you have my complete respect.