I was diagnosed with low volume bone mets six months ago in spine abandoned pelvis. My last CT scan show the leterzol and Ibrance is working and no spread. 👍😃 I’m really keen to get as fit as I can- I’ve always loved to exercise both for body and to help my head cope with things. What advice have you been given- mine was vague but I’ve also heard the fitness is really important, as much as diet is.
I’m doing daily yoga but want to add some more. I used to run but scared it impact bones too much .
Any thoughts? Thanks
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Glas0824
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I had this conversation about exercise with my GP last year soon after I was diagnosed. Like you, I was keen to exercise and do the best I could to strengthen myself. She said to take it one day at a time, but I needed more than that. So I asked her what she would actually recommend that would be gentle on my bones and she said cycling or swimming. I went swimming, but returned home exhausted. I had pushed myself too much, too soon.
I continued to walk every day, but I wanted to do more. So I decided to start using an outside gym. I didn't want to injure myself, so I started off with three 15-minute sessions each week. Then I gradually increased the time to 30 minutes three times a week. I have been increasing the time again recently.
I would suggest you talk to your GP again before you start anything new. Then when you do start, just listen to your body. Don't push yourself too much at first. I found it easier to keep going when I started small and built up.
I’m very aware my bone density may change over the coming months and years so also want to include exercise to help maintain that.
I’m about to tackle the first cycle of the year tomorrow with my two kids ( who will Thrace ahead of me!)
I’ve also read about the fitter you are the slower the progression or potential progression. But I also Justin like how I feel during and after exercise. I was very low after finding out it was also in my bone and didn’t like antidepressants- found exercise made me feel really strong and positive
You're welcome. I also believe that the fitter we are, the better able we are to deal with this disease. The metastases are in my T8 and L4 and a spot in one of my lymph nodes. There is a question mark over my liver, but the last three CT scans show it is probably benign.
My energy levels are very good for the most part. I lead an active life, continue to work Monday to Friday (I run my own pet siting and dog walking business, so I am always on the go and fit in my workouts during the week before, or between, dog walks). I am hoping to increase my workouts to four days a week. I do get tired at times, but when that happens I just make sure I get some rest. You will probably find that the more physically active you get, the better you will feel. I wouldn't knock sleeping 9 hours a night. I think that is ideal. Even as a child, I did better on more sleep, so I don't think that's a bad thing at all.
Hi! I am also a firm believer of exercise for body and mind ! I think I have only got through the past 18 months since my very first diagnosis by getting out in the open , enjoying nature and by staying active. I dog walk my 2 older dogs daily , with regular half day trips out in the car . At home I do daily 20 minutes stretches ( based on those I was given post breast surgery ) , along with a few 1kg weights exercises for my skinny arms . I attended exercise classes especially for ladies with breast cancer , which included gentle circuit training and light use of gym equipment , which I loved for the company , until stopping for a recent breast reduction op (I am now ready to return this week!). I also have enjoyed Xi Gong (a form of tai chi )at Breast Cancer Haven ... which is both gentle and relaxing , and Arctic walking (with poles) in parkland . Just a few ideas ! .... where in the U.K. are you ? x
I’m in Glasgow - so there’s lots of options available . Im looking forward to some better weather and getting outside more.
Sounds like me you’re doing lots- I was so distressed at one point my doctor recommended antidepressants but I felt I was worse on them. Feeling strong and fit helps way more. X
I have been lucky not to have needed antidepressants so far but I do appreciate that they have helped a lot of ladies on here . I haven’t taken any supplements at all so far either. I only take 2 pills a day ( my ibrance and my Letrozole taken with a good evening meal and water ) . But I have managed 17 cycles so far and hopefully many more ...My focus has been on animal therapy , getting close to nature , keeping active and exercising and eating a generally healthy balanced diet ( I’m long term vegetarian but eat a little dairy every day . Lots of nuts and berries ! ). But I do have non - healthy treats too !! I’m sure in a big city you will find lots of options ... search around . I’m in Yorkshire and have a Breast cancer Haven in Leeds , which offers classes and workshops , and I discovered at a local university , exercise classes twice a week for ladies with breast cancer , run by 2 mature sports science students studying breast cancer and exercise for their PHD thesis , and I love their gentle circuit training sessions (to music brought in by the ladies !) . I am spending some time in London as my daughter is interning from university there for a few months , and I have found myself walking 8 miles a day there without realising it , just out enjoying the sights (I plan to go at the end of my cycles , on my week off ibrance , when my energy levels are generally higher .) Hope you find a good balance too and enjoy the Spring ! x
You sound like you have a great positive attitude to a hard life
Curve ball. I’ve heard so much about the importance of exercise and I love it but Ibrance has washed me out. Since everything was stable on last CT scan I have a month off and I’m going to ask for 100mg dose instead. The difference in my energy levels in the two weeks since I stopped is amazing.
I love the idea of animal therapy- we got a kitten about two
Months before my diagnosis and she has been the best thing in all our lives. She’s such a comfort for me and the kids. Funny how things work out!
like you, I believe it’s important to stay fit. I have extensive bone mets and have just finished my first year of treatment.
I do Pilates, swim, cycle, go to the gym when I can and walk. I’m careful to listen to my body and stop before I get tired. I also try to eat healthily, stay well hydrated and make sure I get at least 8 hours in bed every night. Ironically i have never felt so fit and healthy. I think exercise increases my energy levels.
I found my ice skates a few months ago, though I have to admit that I haven’t been brave enough to ask my oncologist if I could take it up again. I think I already know what he would say
I can also recommend the exercise classes offered at the Haven. 😊
What a great balance of sport- I loved to ski but figured that might be out the question now! Got on my bike today- tired but in a good way. Hope you get skating!
I keep a bike in the garage at work and when the weather is ok take it out for a lunchtime ride, luckily the town where I work is fairly flat
I also practice archery when the weather is better, it's a very relaxing sport as to do it well you have to be very relaxed and focused. It also exercises the back muscles which support the spine.
I think that ice skating is one of the things I will have to forego, unless I made myself a Michelin Man type suit of padding 😊
I also was given vague advise on excerising. I wouldn't do extreme excerise. I usually find some sound advice by looking it up on Google, if I don't hear some thoughts here.
I have widespread bone mets to spine pelvis sacrum etc and a fractured vertebrae
One of the first questions I asked on the day I was diagnosed was’can I ride my horse tomorrow?’..mad I know ....but she said yes..so I did..hurt though!!
I have a lot of pain but do yoga ride and short walks..on painkillers of various strengths..not ideal but if I don’t get out then depression kicks in
I’ve tried therapy and antidepressants which I don’t like do I’m doing my best to stay active..when pain bad I have a lie down and it goes off a bit
So first bike ride in a year. We went out for about an hour ( few stops on route!) kids both cycled with me and were great telling me I was doing amazingly. My eldest said next stop was Tour de France... clearly not but love him for it!
Home, not sore but tired and pleased I’ve conquered another of my list of things I want to get back to! Thanks for all your tips ladies xx
That is a good question, I have no idea 😁 It's run by a lady who specialises in back friendly exercises, though I did exactly the same exercises with a physio at the Haven. It has made a big difference to my pain levels which were quite high before I started. (Or started again 🙂 )
Maybe consider rebounding? I try and do some time on my rebounder each day and I love it. NASA declared it to be the most effective form of exercise and I believe astronauts regain muscle strength by rebounding after spending time in space. It helps with bone density and keeps the lymph circulating. There are a host of other benefits too (google it?). It exercises every cell in the body. If you are feeling fragile, you can rebound gently without your feet leaving the mat and you still get the benefits. If feeling unsteady, you can hold onto something stable as well. Happy bouncing! xxx
I understand what you mean. It takes a lot of energy just getting through the day to start with.
I don't know where you are, but in some areas of the uk there are classes especially for those who have had breast cancer. I did a class at the haven breast cancer charity after my initial treatment but had to stop when I went back to work full time.
I find going to a class much easier than trying to do it myself. I've just come home from a general Pilates class in a village hall in a neighbouring village. I haven't been able to lie flat for a long time, well before my diagnosis, but I find the exercises loosen me up and keep me moving.
Sister see if your GP doctor will give you a referral to see a Physical Therapy Dr. Years ago the aggressive chemotherapy, removed almost all of the cartilage from my knees. I was in severe pain everyday, and every night. I had an appointment with a new young, and yessssss ladies handsome Dr. who looked like he was a sports magazine model. He also had a great bedside manner. He told me he was going to give me a stronger anti-inflammatory pill. Well I found out a month later the pill he actually gave me was a combo (ant-inflammatory/OPIATE) pill. I was tired, and falling asleep in the day time, even though I had overslept the previous nights 9 hours. I called the pharmacist trying to find out why I was so tired, and sleepy, and he told me it was the opiate part of the pill, and that I shouldn't drive or operate any heavy machinery. I was shocked. I threw the pills away. That Dr. who obviously did some other underhanded tactics was fired from the health care center around 3 months after my appointment with him. I assume he is probably working for the pharmaceutical companies probably making mega bucks. Nobody at that facility would give me any other information on why he was fired. I was a (5) five mile every other day runner before aggressive chemotherapy damaged my knees. The pain was unbearable. You would have thought I was a 105 year old arthritic patient. I donated my motorized treadmill to the Salvation Army, and asked my GP Dr. to give me the name of some Dr's, who could perform knee replacement surgery. My GP Dr. refused and gave me a referral to see a Physical Therapist. I had the help of a Homeopathic Dr's supplements, and my PT. Dr's light treatment, Tens Unit treatment, bike exercises, band exercises, and weight training leg curls,/leg extensions, I left physical therapy 4 months later running at top speed on the therapy treadmill with no pain. I now do interval training which includes running, and jumping jacks. I have no pain at all, and my last x-rays years ago showed the cartilage was rebuilt on my knees. Yessssss I go dancing at Oldies but Goodies parties with 4 "and 5" heels on for hours. I continue to take the natural supplements as maintenance, because when I stopped the pain started to creep back in. I continue to take my natural supplements, eat a high alkaline diet which my blood type requires. and I continue to do my knee strengthening exercises. The Physical Therapist can approve you using a Glider, an adjustable elliptical, an adjustable stationary bike, or small manual adjustable treadmill that folds up. Some doctors will write a prescription for certain exercise equipment. If you have a real bike there is a small stand device that you can purchase to place beneath your bike, and ride indoors in inclement weather. I hope this has helped you , and my sister/warriors in this battle where we are fighting. for our lives, and making advances everyday. God is Awe-mazing. XoXo
What an amazing story- you sound like it is going well, deservedly so after all your effort and commitment. Fatigue is my biggest issue- struggling with it x
See if you can get a full blood work-up by a certified Integrative Dr. to find your levels of vitamins, trace minerals supplements, glucose sodium, potassium, D3 etc. You may be lacking in B vitamins, Iron, or have very low, or, very high levels of particular vitamins, minerals, etc. The outdated medical doctors vitamin guidelines, and mineral standards are outdated/ archaic, including FDA requirements. If you know your blood type eat by your specific type. Clean food from God's green earth is truly our medicine. I hope this helps you , and our sister/warriors reading this information. Gods continued blessings.
I took a hiking trip to Portugal while I was on Ibrance, and was able to do 5 to 8 miles a day for 5 days on the rocky sandy coast without any real problems....I had been fit before and didn’t find that the Ibrance impeded me in any way—-except I couldn’t share the wine we had at the wonderful meals afterwards!
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