For those of you that were exercisers prior to your cancer diagnosis and treatment, were you able to regain and buld back up to that same level of fitness again. I know i am weaker due to almost a year without much exercise as well as the side effects of the Arimidex but sometimes wonder if i will ever be that fit again. Just way more fatigue than before and if i work out really hard then i'm sore for DAYS. Mainly yoga 3-4x a week but hoping to get back to weights one of these days… read more
I was able to continue with some of my exercise DVDs and walking during chemo and somewhat during rads (couldn't wear a bra so only walking). The hard part for me was no exercise during early recovery weeks after all my surgeries. The past year was the first one that I didn't have any procedure after 3 years of different treatment and procedures. Prior to diagnosis I was doing weights several times a week, I was finally able to get back into it this past year but had to start over with my 3 lb weights and have worked up to 8 lbs. Last year I pushed too hard, too heavy and hurt my bicep and shoulder. They did get better but I haven't gotten back to those routines yet. I am definitely weaker in my upper body than before. I am also taking letrozole/femara and if I don't move every hour or so I get stiff, the first 6 months on the drug was rough/painful but that is gone. I also don't endure the heat as well as I used to but it seems to be better this year, I'm able to do yard work for a couple of hours before needing a break.
Well...I am the exception. Pre cancer, I walked over 4 miles a day. 7 years out, I am in constant pain from a pretty tough mastectomy. Pain, depression have done me in. I was doing yoga 2-3 times a week, but the last year has really been hard to get motivated. I do walk the dog on days that are warm enough, but I have turned into a couch potato. I am a retired teacher who still has to sub, so I am hoping that with sun,I will get more motivation to walk this summer. Encouragers wanted please!!!!!
Two years out from ILC 2A at 57 with lumpectomy, chemo and rads. On a hormone suppressant, Femara since August 2015. Did modest exercising during and following treatment depending on energy level and overall health. Just retired so have more time to work out. Finished a free 6-week program with cancer rehab therapist offered thru my clinic. Now doing aerobic workouts 5-7 days/week, yoga weekly plus upper and lower body strengthening. Walking, biking, eliptical etc. No problems with soreness. Get stiff if sit around too much due to Femara but once I start moving, I'm fine.
For me, finally a year out, I can do Zumba again with no problems. My arms are still a little sore around the shoulder, armpit area, but I am trying extra hard now to stretch it out. Otherwise, I do have all my strength back and most of my flexibility (except for back bends). And I can do all the machines at the gym again.
I found a gym that only does weights, and is very personalized. I've been going for a year and a half, and went from having zero strength to having normal strength again. I was nervous starting with weights, but gave it a try because it's supposed to prevent recurrence. I feel so much better, and so I highly recommend weights sooner rather than later -- but under the direction of someone who knows what they're doing for our condition.