Imbrance and Fun

[Hihif]

What do you do for fun while on Palbociclib/Imbrance?

[Merma]

I swim with a masters swim team, do things with my family, go out with my friends, and do synchronized swimming with another masters team. The trick is to do stuff early in the day, get a nap, and “off switch” where you allow yourself to shutdown and say “no” for the rest of the day. Some days my “off switch” can be earlier or later. My family and friends support me with this.

[Hihif in reply to Merma]

That sounds like fun. I like your trick!😊💕

[Burgerde]

I try to do the same things I’ve always done but I have to back down on extent or duration. I walk my dog, do some hiking, ride my horse, ski, do things with my family and friends. Just went scuba diving. I think I’ll have to give up the idea of finishing the last 3 of the 46 high peaks in Adirondacks I have left because I don’t have the stamina I did.

[Hihif in reply to Burgerde]

Hi Burgerde,

You rock! I’m really impressed that you can do all that! Especially, skiing! 🎿

I’m revising my goals to make them simpler. Can you revise your goal for the Adirondack peaks so you can reach it and celebrate? 🎉

Texas Princess

[Burgerde in reply to Hihif]

We tried to come up with a plan which I thought I could handle but even changing as we tried it would take a good 8 hrs of strenuous hiking and just don’t have it in me anymore. Thanks for the encouragement and you will find things to enjoy !

[Hihif in reply to Burgerde]

I’ve never achieved physical achievements like you have. You are incredible! Maybe a party with pictures/ movies of your hikes with close friends?

It would be a celebration for me to have been able to do one of those peaks when I was healthy with work and family!

You are AMAZING!😊

[blms]

I do whatever I want, when I want. I do walk 2 miles in morning and I recently found if I get out of town for a couple days a month that I then have something fun to look forward to!! And Yes, if you don’t akready you need to learn to say NO

[Hihif]

Practicing the “Nooo” word!😉

[lynnhbtb]

Great question and I enjoy hearing what others answered. It makes me feel "normal" not to be able to do all I used to do by reading this posts.

Here's what I've come up with so far. First, I've been very active, ie: marathoner, triathlete, yogi, swimmer, weight-lifter, hiker, etc. I've had to slow it way down and I just don't have the endurance I used to, esp. with running. I stopped riding my bike because of mets to my neck, which strain while riding. But, I refuse to stop everything. If I start first thing in the morning I can get a good workout in. I try not to schedule too many dr. or alternative treatment appts. throughout the week. I'm working one day a week and have a new hobby -- taking an acting class and have a small staged reading I've been in rehearsals for and will have performances next week. It requires driving an hour, sometimes longer with traffic. I find I need naps, even a quick catnap to make it through a long day. Meditation seems to help me rejuvenate as well.

If I do too much, my energy suffers and I have and am learning to say no, as well. I have to prioritize my social life.

I do believe all of my athletic pursuits have increased my stamina for dealing with this disease and the side effects of the Ibrance, Xgeva, Faslodex. I can't be sure which drug does what as far as side effects, when you're getting them all together.

Thanks for this topic and here's to all of us navigating it all! <3

[Klamato in reply to lynnhbtb]

I like your style! Keeping yourself busy and knowing when to say NO is the answer. No guilt for refusing to do what you don't want to! I try not to think too much about this ugly disease and play act as though nothing is wrong! When I don't feel good I stay home and rest! If I feel good, I work in my garden and visit a friend or go shopping! It's up to you to make the most out of this journey. There are no guarantees for ANYONE! With or without cancer life goes on. Stay positive my friend!❤️

[lynnhbtb in reply to Klamato]

Right on!! xo

[Hihif]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve learned that I need to work out first thing in the morning, meditate and try new things. Acting sounds like a great idea. You are absolutely incredible and a great role model !😊

Texas Princess

[Garnet131]

The days I work out are definitely better days and working out has become fun, thanks to great instructors (cardio twice a week, tai chi once, and tap dancing once--all through local rec department). Rest of my life is pretty low key: Time with family and friends, good books, watching grandbaby once or twice a week. It took a while, but I've learned to pace myself. I think about travel, but I'm more of a homebody and not sure if I have the energy.

[Hihif]

Nice to see! Great ideas! Thank you!!😉

[Klamato]

I have friends that meet for dinner and /or happy hour! I read a lot and get into another work. I've been lucky overall in that mostly I feel good but sometimes I have a little nausea and am tired. I take Zofran for stomach issues and a nap, but I keep going and keep a positive attitude. We are all I this together, continue to BELIEVE! God bless!