Question re Exercise?

[Shar0n]

Leading on from jamoza's 5 Alive Challenge - has anyone taken up any form of exercise since their diagnosis with NHL and if so how do you believe it has helped your condition?

[BelindaTupper]

I've hired a trainer to design me a fitness program that will get my muscles back in shape after a year of "sitting through NHL treatment". I'm hoping it will help. I find I'm gaining strength, but have very little endurance to anything for any length of time, and if I try to do too much (of anything) I'm in pain for hours. The fitness training hasn't helped with that part, yet, but I know I'm getting stronger so I'm encouraged.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to BelindaTupper]

It took me over a year to feel I was making any progress with endurance, having only done light exercise for years - and I haven't had treatment yet, which would have made it even more difficult.

[Reem-ayoub]

My husband Raja trained with a PT throughout his chemo sessions. Of course the first few days post chemo sessions, he would stop and then pick up again when nausea was over. It made him feel energized and refreshed. The focus was on light weights and lower body strength as his legs are the most vulnerable. Planks were the highlight of his workout as he managed to increase the time gradually up to 3 min 40 sec. Light Cardio was incorporated in the exercises. This week he is on neupogen as he gets ready for stem cell transplant. So no working out for now. I guess the workout helps for overall wellbeing and aids circulation all of which benefit the outcome of treatment. So keep up the motivation and results will come naturally and gradually

[Calipewings_2016]

One of my symptoms was weight loss and i lost so much muscle. I'm still doing treatment but I've been either going for a walk or hike to build up the muscle several times a week.

[Tinkerbellcgy]

I am not a person who enjoys dryland exercise so I began to do aquasize 18 months post-stem cell transplant. When I relapsed 2.5 years after I began, the relapse was caught so early that I was able to continue with my aquasize classes throughout the six months of chemo with the exception being about 6 weeks at the start of chemo. I found that by continuing with aquasize, it gave me the much needed stamina to see me through the relapse.

Being of a positive mindset, finding humour in difficult situations and attending aquasize all worked together to see me through last year's relapse.

[BelindaTupper in reply to Tinkerbellcgy]

I found a quasi was great, and I agree the humour in it is very therapeutic! Laughter is the best (well one of the best) medicines!

[deestb]

Before NHL diagnosis 3 years ago at age 70, fitness was an important part of my life..Becasue I am on watch and wait and have had no treatments yet it's important to have a routine as it keeps me "in the loop" ...booking classes at the gym and being with friends helps reduce the anxiety .Being on watch and wait seems at times like "watch and worry."..the social aspect is so important at this time..meeting after the class for coffee is importnat ..am blessed to have the gym close by....I just work at my own level.. I took up a class which helps with bone density..however .overdoing it results in fatigue....so...carry on everyone and just do what you can do!! Spring is here so biking is a good option....

[Tinkerbellcgy in reply to deestb]

I couldn't agree more about the social aspect of exercise. In my case, I live alone and I have few friends. For me, going to the pool and meeting up with others my age is very important to me. I can't tell you how many of the world's problems have been solved by us old farts sitting in the hot tub before our aquasize class begins. As I was trying to say in my previous post, exercise consists of more than simply physical activity. Exercising one's mind is equally important. 🌞

[deestb in reply to Tinkerbellcgy]

What a great attitude....!!! I too have a |"tribe" of friends in their 50s they are like my daughters....some have lost moms to cancer ..they really get it.....We solve the problems of the world ..we have fun ..it is like my medicne ..when things start to go south with this disease they will be with me ..my family lives far away.. . so keep on doing aqua fit...!!!

[BelindaTupper in reply to deestb]

What a great piece of advice re the social connections. Cancer can be very isolating, especially to those who live in rural communities. This site is important for making connections for that very reason.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to deestb]

Hi deestb - so true as regards "watch and worry" ! I never considered joining a gym before diagnosis but had to when I took up swimming. The social aspect keeps me grounded and shows me that I'm not the only one with a health issue and many are worse off than me.

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed with stage 4 NHL and I am now on 2 years maintenance. Prior to diagnosis I had lost 83 pounds rapidly and lost all muscle mass which I had quite a bit of prior to being ill. Now, I am trying to get some of my strength back to which I don't have any now. Just even going for a little walk leaves me with severe pain. I feel like I have a really bad flu all of the time. For example, the other day I went for a wee walk and had to stop because the pain was so bad and then I started crying because I knew I still had to walk back. Stood there on the street crying like a baby until I gathered myself. I was able to get home, but was in pain for several hours after and the next day I could hardly get out of bed, hence no walk for me the next day. I also have myleofrombosis (sp), which is scar tissue on the bone marrow. The doctor keeps telling me I have to keep moving and that I should be able to. Feeling totally defeated right now. I'm not a cry baby and have a very high tolerance of pain, but this has totally exasperated me. Please tell me how you all do it.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

So what if you cry. You are entitled to cry. Just keep going and you may find yourself laughing too. Try to do mindfulness if you can book on a course or online as it us very good for teaching you how to manage pain. Give yourself a pat on the back for getting out there even when in pain - you deserve it.Be kind to yourself as you would a friend in similar circumstances.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your words of encouragement. You have made me feel better. I will certainly look into this.

[Tinkerbellcgy in reply to Hidden]

shadow06, that must be very frustrating for you. I also have Stage 4, Grade 3B NHL and rapidly lost 60 lbs prior to being diagnosed and treated. (Sadly, that lost weight found its way back to me!) 😆

As frustrating and painful as it is for you to take these wee walks, please try to continue to do so. It is important that you keep moving to build up your strength and stamina. Think of yourself as the little train that can and you will overcome these obstacles.

Please keep us posted as to how you are doing. We are here to help and support you. 💕

Liz

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

Hi shadow06, I admire your courage. There are you tube videos showing simple exercises you can do at your own pace from your chair - maybe some of those would be helpful when you can't get out. Here is an example - they are all designed for seniors but obviously any age can try them as not too strenuous: youtube.com/watch?v=8BcPHWG...(Not working as expected?)

[deestb in reply to Shar0n]

Awesome!! Chair yoga is also a helpful exercise....thanks

[Hidden in reply to Shar0n]

Thank you so much. These are wonderful and I feel safe to stop when I need to. No more being embarrassed on the street! I never even thought of this, so I appreciate you sending this to me. Feeling better.

[BelindaTupper in reply to Hidden]

I've had to dial my fitness routine back because of pain. I can walk 4 km, but suffer too much. Muscle imbalances and the resulting joint issues makes lengthy sessions of exercise very painful, and I don't believe, very helpful to my recovery. Im better off to do short slow walks of 15 minutes, and work on things that help to balance the muscles and 15 minutes of stretching or strengthening instead of an hour of anything too aggressive. I'm learning what works for me. It seems every person's body and each experience is different, so although I appreciate folks being encouraging and supportive for me to "keep going", I do have to take a Pace that works well for me. It's not a cop-out, but a very real reality.

[Hidden in reply to BelindaTupper]

So glad to hear that I'm not the only one that suffers with extreme muscle and joint pain if I do too much. Was at the oncologist the other day and she told me that if I don't keep moving it will only get worse and I was to stop making excuses. She sent me to a psychologist and she also said that my pain is because I'm depressed. So it appears that no one believes me that this pain is very real. Also, trying to eat healthy is very expensive. My oncologist told me to buy a couple of bags of carrots because they are cheap. I can't live off of carrots for God sake.

[BelindaTupper in reply to Hidden]

It is challenging. I find if I do some form of exercise or movement everyday, even if it's small, it is helpful. I agree if we don't keep moving it won't get any easier. Pain is real. I live with depression and anxiety, as well, and am on a medication which helps. If you cook, Soups are pretty easy to make and are healthy and last for a few meals. I know, it is challenging. There's no magic....wish there was....one step at a time.

[BelindaTupper in reply to Hidden]

Shadow, I should have also mentioned that I understand depression can cause pain and some of the other general unwell feelings you described. Make sure you tell your psychologist. Hopefully it will help validate what you're going through. Take care.

[Hidden]

I do Parkrun which is 5k every Saturday. I will also start doing an extra 5k run during week. I also try to walk every day. This has reduced my fatigue and improved my stamina and general well-being.

[avegan2]

I swim 2,300 yrds three times a week, and run 5-10 miles a day and do pilates and weight training. During chemo last winter I didn't run or swim but I have made great progress in my recovery. The weight training is really important because I lost so much weight and of course muscle. It feels so good to be strong and healthy. I have worked as a personal fitness trainer for 30 yrs so I kind of love exercise.