Exercise and treatment.

[Denzie]

Exercise has been an important part of my survivorship. It has contributed to that survivorship. It doesn’t have to be a full on workout, a short walk or a short swim can make a difference.

Recently I had a private message asking about this and it’s important enough that I thought I would share that answer.

Light exercise during treatment can speed recovery. Exercise post treatment or during maintenance treatment can reduce pain and improve quality of life.

This short plain English article explains more. dana-farber.org/health-libr...

What kind of exercising are you doing? My favorite form of exercise is walking our dog Hank rain, sleet, sun or snow.

[Swimdown]

Hi Denzie. Yes you are right exercise both during treatment and post treatment/surgery really helped me both physically and mentally. There is nothing like fresh air every day no matter how awful you feel; even if you just walk in the garden or down the street. I swam every day pre cancer and that helped my recovery. I gradually built up my swimming again but due to COVID pools were closed. So I did something new, Tai Chi, I love it and follow Don Fiore’s class on You Tube. I find it relaxing while exercising. I also enjoy walking.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Swimdown]

Nothing competes with the feeling of the sun and wind on your face. It’s some of the best medicine I know. Your tenacity made a real difference in your recovery.

[Davemac05]

Hi Denzie,glad you are still keeping well,I’m still ticking away 2 years from diagnosis and put it down to all the housework and babysitting that I do .

I am unable to work now and in the process of getting medical retirement, that’s mainly due to the COPD .

Anyway for anyone out there struggling get grandchildren 🤣🤣

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Davemac05]

Children and pets! No wonder we keep moving. I know that children and grandchildren are some of the best reasons we put ourselves through treatment.

May you enjoy many more years with them.

[TomAnderson]

You are absolutely right, Denzie. My doctors at Mayo Clinic strongly encourage exercise as a part of treatment. I was a runner before my diagnosis and haven't let a little thing like Stage IV NSCLC get in my way. I walk (strenuously) at least three miles a day and most days more than that even up to the point where I feel guilty if I miss a day!

Even something like a walk every day exercises the mind, body and soul! Just to get outside and go for a walk is a gift.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to TomAnderson]

Your attitude rocks! Every day is a gift and cancer taught me to appreciate it. I know just how you feel about missing a walk, the joy I get out of it is addictive.

[etpd2226]

Exercise is key in recovery and dealing with cancer stress. Being outdoor doing something we love is enhanced by nature. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Denzie!!!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to etpd2226]

And I couldn’t agree with you more! Walking and watching out little dog strut and wiggling his ‘happy ears’ puts a smile on my face no matter how awful my day has been.

[JanetteR57]

I was a distance swimmer pre diagnosis and surgery but didn't resume it for 6 months after my A&E admission (Oct 2010) until 31/3/2011 apart from the night before surgery and the day of surgery as the hospital had told me to stay away from humidity, damp and not to swim. the surgeon said this was poor advice and the fitter I could be before surgery the better. I went onto swim much longer distances within a year or so of my surgery than I had ever done in my life -- 360 lengths (25m) in one session - over 5 hours at one point - raising money for Roy Castle lung cancer foundation.... but swimming 989 miles throughout the year... I agree that many find the term 'exercise' off putting but activity can be really helpful - this morning I've been cleaning my kitchen and found my 'exercise' ring closed very quickly on my Apple Watch fitness tracker... :). during lockdown I walked most days but find swimming much easier due to the water supporting my weight and being able to switch off whereas walking I have to be very aware of my surroundings.... especially last winter on cold dark nights alone... whatever people can do, try and do a little more each time so the body adapts.... even sitting in a chair there are exercises that can be done... good luck...

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to JanetteR57]

Lots of good advice in there. Part of my strength building began by doing seated exercise at my senior center then enrolling in the Livestrong at the YMCA when a spot opened up.

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Very cute dog, walking is great I think, especially with your dog! 🤗