KEEP MOVING.....

We are exactly where we have chosen to be.---Vernon Howard

During my cancer journey, and now even after, exercise has always played a role in my day to day life. When I had cancer, people would think I was crazy to get on a treadmill and run. I think they expected me to sit on the couch, cry, and throw up. I told everyone from day one that I would not be that gal....I consulted with my doctor and when I was well enough to run, I ran. When I was sick or tired I let myself rest. It was the first time I listened to myself.  I wasn't running for fitness or training for one of my many races, but this was running to keep sane. I felt "normal" when I was running. My doctor told me a story of a patient that completed a triathlon while under going and finishing chemo treatments! Wow, I thought, if he can do that...I can work out lightly here and there.  My wonderful local cancer center also offered a WELL FIT program that I attended. This was personal training and gym memberships (FREE to us after completion of treatment). I had my doc sign off on the waiver and entered while still actually in chemo treatments. I remember one day in particular going from the chemo chair straight to the gym, running a mile on the treadmill and then doing 2 circuits of training that day....I even impressed my self that day. All this being said I have come across a great article relating to the benefits of physical activity during and after treatment. Wanted to share this with anyone out there that is diagnosed, in treatment, or finishing treatment.

The article is by David Hass.....Check out more of his work on http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog


Exercise Speeds Recovery and Increases Survival for Cancer Survivors



Oncologists have long urged their patients to take it easy and avoid physical exertion during cancer treatment and recovery, especially following surgeries and complex procedures. This medical advice has been reversed, due to clinical findings of the past decade, that physical fitness plays a strong role in relieving the symptoms of cancer and treatment and improving health outcomes for patients.


The new guidelines, issued at an expert panel meeting with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, recommend 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, the same as is recommended to the general public. Though clear on the amount of exercise recommended, these guidelines are purposefully vague as to the type. The panel also urged oncologists to integrate professionally trained fitness professionals into their treatment teams, for the safety of patients.


Including Physical Fitness in Your Treatment and Follow-up Plan


The evidence is clear for people battling breast cancer, exercise helps speed recovery times after operations, helps restore body-image, and aids in preventing the weight gain associated with hormone-based cancers. On the other side of the spectrum, sufficient evidence shows that exercise counters weight loss by maintaining and increasing lean muscle. Managing body mass and composition through exercise is a powerful tool for preventing many other symptoms, including recurrence of breast cancer.

What Types of Exercise Are Most Beneficial?

Ideally, the exercise regimen should depend on the coordinated expertise of the oncologist and fitness expert. It should be monitored and adapted to the increasing or declining physical health of the patient. All aerobic exercise is considered to offer benefits, including yoga, resistance training, and cardiovascular workouts. Specifically, there are a few suggestions for specific situations.


Post-surgery patients need exercise to complete recovery. Restoring adequate blood flow, prompting the body to repair tissue, and overcoming fatigue all rely upon exercise. More is better, so long as it takes place under the guidance of a fitness expert. The American Cancer Society has put together a list of simple exercises to do after breast surgery. Some patients, such as those with advanced mesothelioma or brain cancer, may be limited to range of motion exercises and brief walks.


Some patients are out of shape to begin with. A sedentary lifestyle is a leading risk factor for cancer, after all. The help of an expert on exercise for cancer patients will be invaluable. Talk to your doctor about making exercise a part of your treatment plan.

by David Hass

I am currently training for an Olympic Triathlon (1mi swim, 25 mi bike (i think), and 6 mi run. This, just like cancer, is going to be hard! I know now because of cancer however, that I am capable of things I never thought were possible and ALL of you out there are too! Today's challenge, especially now that New Year's is around the corner is to get out and get active. It doesn't have to be a triathlon but don't let your body control you...YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE TILL STRONG IS YOUR ONLY OPTION....my motto from day 1 still rings true!! Have a fabulous day!!! :)