Stage IV MBC Fitness
Comments
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Z, the new spots are very tiny. No symptoms for me which is good. My RO considers this a local recurrence and we will zap those buggers. I will undergo one more baseline MRI then they will be taken care of.
I am putting my stress into the pavement and keep walking almost everyday. I even walked in a bit of rain this morning which normally never do but it feels good.
I am sorry to hear your progression as well Z, I am sending my thoughts your way as well. Let's keep kicking cancers ass together.
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While yesterday's news of progression to the brain was a sucker punch, I am back today with my usual spunk and determination. I exceeded my step goal despite having a day of neuro rads consult appt, bone and CT scans. I was also told that my overall health and lack of brain mets symptoms will not prevent me from the 5k ive got in 3 weeks. Yay!
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Mara - so sorry to hear about your new spots, but I hope they stay very tiny.
Paula - Hoping for good MRI results for you too.
Shetland and all - Yoga is definitely a help for me too. Whenever I feel a bit jangled or uptight, I know it will set me right. Maybe this weekend I will finally get a yoga sequence put together for everyone.
I love the idea of forest bathing. Even on my little walk today, there is a park that has lots of pine trees, and it smelled so nice today and made me think about all the good wood oil chemicals coming in! We find what forest we can in the city!
It's a bit rainy here today, but my October nature photo project doesn't take days off for rain. It made me look downward a bit more on my walk, and that's when I saw these pretty little pink flowers along the path. A reminder to me to look everywhere for beauty. I'm loving this challenge as it is making me go out. I probably would have skipped my walk today because of the rain, but I'm so glad I went. It always feels good to get the walk in, and it's not so bad to walk in the light rain.
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illimae, glad to hear the 5K is still on.
I am also still being active too, took a page from DG's book and walked in the rain this morning. It was not a heavy rain and I did invest in a pair of waterproof bluetooth earbuds. Felt good. My onc said a similar thing to me about being very healthy. It's ridiculous when I think about having cancer because I feel better than I have for years between eating better and looking at exercise as part of my overall treatment plan. I had not been this active for years. It has done me well.
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Paula - my thoughts are with you as you deal with the MRI. I expect it will be nothing but I am proud of you for staring down an MRI and finding out for sure.
Fitbit shows 5000 steps today but I can't wear it all the time as I got stuck by both wrists during my first chemo session. First attempt was a fail and has left a bruise. Trying to baby it. I haven't been healing well since diagnosed but now that I am off Ibrance perhaps there will be improvement on that front.
Mostly a bus ride today and lying around yesterday. I feel feverish and nauseous. I hope it is a strong response to the chemo I am getting. Taking low doses of Xeloda and Gemzar simultaneously so even though the dose is low the combined effect could pack a punch. Hoping to hike through the shrines tomorrow. I've been feeling better in the mornings.
>Z<
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Mara, Illiemae - You are amazing and plucky ladies indeed. Out of respect for your perseverance and fortitude I too pledge to keep my eye on the prize. I will not get mired in the nonsense of dealing with all this medical stuff. We'll get through this.
>Z<
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Hi all -
Illimae - you're amazing - happy you're out walking & doing the 5K.
DGHoff - love the pretty pink flowers! Here's to forest bathing. When I go on my walks now, I take the time to appreciate the trees. I sort of mentally thank them and think of healing while I do some deep breathing and take in the nice smells. It's such a calming and happy-making thing.
I'm still doing the dry sauna/whirlpool combo three times/week - have been at it for about two months now. I'm finding it helps with all the achiness, and there's some study that shows that heat kills cancer cells (whatever - can't hurt). If I don't go for a few days, I really miss it.
Z, thanks for all the inspiration and hope you enjoy the shrines.
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I Fitbit with a couple of groups and can track the weeks when I'm on Letrazole/Ribocib because the "steps" drop off dramatically. I was doing Pilates 2x week but was advised by my cardiologist to stop for now because it puts too much pressure on my lung effusions. I'm delighted to see this thread - in my original (17 years ago) go around with Breast Cancer I did Tai Chi and it was very helpful. I may go back to it again! Has anyone else tried Tai Chi?
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It is my Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so nothing done today as we are having the dinner tonight but will be back at it tomorrow.
Thinking of you all, Z if I can do this you can too. We all inspire and support each other and I think this thread has grown to be important to many.
CanaLoon, have never tried Tai Chi though have watch some instructional vids. It looks like such a gentle exercise as well. I can see why people like it.
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CanaLoon, I have tried TaiChi and love it. One series of classes was offered thru a community college. Turns out the fitness instructor sort of made up her own movements; it was not very authentic. I was disappointed. Then I had an opportunity to take a class at a Botanical Garden given by a well trained woman in Tai Chi and it was fabulous. We did the class outside near a koi pond. The only problem with that was I had to drive 45 minutes to the garden and one class was $17. It isnt something I could do all the time. I live in an area without much culture, so no other Tai Chi classes available to me currently but I always scout around for them. It suits me more than yoga. I have checked out a few youtube videos on the movements, but nothing like an in-person class!
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DGHoff/Z and others- I had an interesting yoga class today, influenced by the fact that my teacher is currently going to a yoga workshop with Angela Farmer. I don't know if you know her- she is an 80 year old long time practitioner/teacher of iyengar yoga who has been thought of as a rebel. She believes in adding some serpiginous movement into your poses to prevent woodenness and find your body's place in the pose. It was very interesting. Anyway, she lives and practices on the Greek Island of Lesbos with her husband who is also a yoga teacher.
Off for my walk.
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NKB, I had to look up the word serpiginous! I'd never heard of it, but I had heard of Angela Farmer. I do think it is good to let your body move and adjust as needed during a practice. Asanas were never meant to be rigid but their purpose was originally to create ease in the body to prepare for sitting in meditation, so I think her approach is totally valid. I might have to look up a video to see it.
Got out for 14000 steps yesterday and another 13000 today! Feels good! And here are my photos for yesterday and today!
D.
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DGHoff-even though I think that the work serpiginous was used- I think the word is really serpentine. (I might have mixed up the two though) snakelike, curving. Serpiginous is also curving, but seems to be used to describe rashes mostly. 😳
Lots of steps! and beautiful pictures.
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Hi Z
theziz on the lung mets thread has been on abraxane and gemzar for a number of months now and has just posted improvement
All the best B
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hey there ladies! Is anyone doing a group walking thing on Fitbit and could you add me? It really helps to motivate me! Also since I've never been into this whole fitness thing, I'm wondering if you get up at early in the morning to go for a walk do you eat breakfast before you walk or do you eat breakfast after you walk. And if you eat breakfast after your walk do you take something before you walk to give you a little extra energy boost while out moving please let me know because I'm trying to do all of this right. Good to hear that everybody goes out and moving ! Z you continue to inspire me to move! I swear girl you've got the stamina and energy that all of us would love to have, between you and Illimae,
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Gracie, PM Zarkova your email so she can add you to the Fitbit group. Once in the group, Z and Dana split invitations to challenges I think but you can always friend whoever you want for different challenges.
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Gracie, when I walk in the morning, I go on an empty stomach. This because I like to go about 15 mins from when I get up. My usual breakfast is granola and almonds eaten with milk. I have no reason for the empty stomach other than it gets me out the door sooner.
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Gracie- I wake up hungry. In a perfect world- I ride my exercise bike for 15-20 minutes before breakfast. Then later in the day I do a longer bike ride or walk 3-5 miles. Usually, since the Ibrance I eat breakfast as soon as I wake up and exercise later. I go to 1 1/2-2 hour yoga classes and eat a full breakfast 2 hours before the class and 1/2 of an energy bar right before the class. I felt the need for mid exercise calories if I didn't do that-low blood sugar perhaps, not sure.
Some people do exercise early morning before life intervenes to distract them away from it. I always take a 1/2 mile walk with hubby after dinner also- I feel better since I have taken the Ibrance with dinner- and it's fun to yack and catch up with him.
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Gracie, I do not think there is a wrong way to get out walking. It is what fits into your schedule and what feels right to you.
I have heard forever to make sure to eat breakfast, it will help you lose weight. Well, most of the time, I am just not a breakfast person. If I feel I need something on my stomache before I walk, I might eat a small bowl of some left overs, like spaghetti or scalloped potatoes or maybe have an apple. But not all the time. If there is something exciting to eat in the fridge, like quesidillas from the Mexican restaurant, I treat myself when I get home, but not always.
I usually wake between 6:30 -7:30 am, and it takes awhile for my body to feel good enough to walk. I often get out by 9 am, or thereabouts. My walking doesnt complete 10,000 fitbit steps, so I will walk a short distance around the block in the afternoon to try to reach the goal.
The best thing is to tailor your movement to what works best for you. In the summer, when its too hot, I sometimes walk around 8 pm when it is less hot.0 -
I read a whole lot, and love autobiographies.
In the past couple months, I read two excellent books by fabulous female athletes. This has helped me stick with the walking. I don't have to be Olympic medalist material to be inspired by these women and their approach to their particular sport.
The first book is "Relentless Spirit" by swimmer Missy Franklin. I can't say I knew much about her before I read her book, but she is a five time Oympic medalist and holds numerous other awards and records.
The other book is "Unstoppable" by tennis great Maria Sharapova. What an amazing story; her drive and determination knows no bounds. Again, I really didn't know much about her before reading her book.
I am scouting around to find more athletes stories to keep inspired!
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Thank you Divine Ms M.
The exercise that you want to do, the exercise that you actually do ... that is the best exercise. The difference between doing something and doing nothing is so huge that all the details like when to eat or when to exercise or what exercise, cardio vs whatever have relatively little impact. I emphasis this because with MBC the main problem is staying consistent through everything we are dealing with. Focus on what motivates you, what is less likely to cause injury, what you enjoy, what exercise has fun social components... so that you can keep doing it.
For me, the key is to get my butt out the door first thing for a hike before the family activities take over and I blow it off. I tend to head straight out the door in the morning before anything can stop me .. I am a bit hungry but as soon as I walk I don't feel hungry.
>Z<
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Z - you are correct, as always. We just need to get our butts out the door to do whatever. I was tempted to stay in tonight and not do the walk, but you gave me the kick in the pants I needed to head out the door!
D.
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z, I think you have my number because I used to get notifications, could you check and see if you still have it? If not I can resend.
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I boil a dozen eggs at a time (organic pasture-raised) and put them in a quart ziplock in the fridge. I am never hungry until after my cup of coffee, but I do know how vital it is to get a good shot of protein down first thing to set up the neurotransmitters for the day (my mood/mental state slips when I do not). So if nothing else, I can always peel an egg and save my day. There is often a boiled egg in my purse, in a snack bag with a little sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt.
I use Julia Child's boiling method and it turns out consistently creamy, golden yolks with no funky green rings.
Put the eggs in cold water with a good pinch of salt, bring them just to the beginning of a boil, then immediately turn off the heat and cover the pan. After *exactly* 8 minutes, drain them and run some cold water over them, then fill the pan with ice. Once cold, they go in the fridge. They will keep in the fridge, in the shell, for at least two weeks.
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gracie - if you are talking about the fitbit group ... you need a fitbit and a fitbit account and i need the email address associated with the fitbit account.
>Z<
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It is morning and I am fixing to go out walking now.
For many years, I fussed over how I looked when I went out to walk. I live in a small town and chances are, I may or may not run in to someone I know. My appearance was a source of pride and a bit of a hang up.
So glad I have finally moved past that. Now, I brush my teeth and often put on the clothes I wore the day before. If my hair is sticky-out-ee, I wet it a tiny bit to smooth it or hairspray it down. Sometimes I will pencil in my eyebrows (!), makes me feel better. (Chemo sisters who lost brows may be able to relate! ) This simple getting ready method makes it easier to just get out the door and go, which for me, is key to sticking with the walking routine.
When I get home, I shower, wash my hair and change in to clean clothes. These will usually be the clothes I wear to walk the next day. I do this so I am not a slave to doing too much laundry. I don't worry about having exercise clothes, except for some inexpensive but actually pretty nice Hanes sports bras and of course a good pair of sneakers.
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Lulubee - the egg suggestion is a good one! It's good to have some of that kind of thing on hand!
DivineMrsM - I feel you on the eyebrow thing. My eyebrows are pretty thin and they are also white now, so they get lost if I don't pencil them in. I'm trying some Rodan & Fields lash boost on both my chemo thinned eyebrows and eyelashes. I'm only two weeks in, but I think i'm noticing longer lashes already. Maybe it will boost my eyebrows too. I will let you know!
I would like to walk in the mornings, but I'm just not a morning person at all. I get up at 6 AM and have to get ready to leave the house by 7:15 for a 45 minute commute to work, so I would have to be up at 5:30 at the latest to get the walk in then, and I just don't see that happening. It's totally dark here in Minnesota, so I might as well walk in the dark of the evening and enjoy my extra 30 minutes of sleep! I'm finding I kind of like walking in the dark because I listen to music as I walk, and I have a hard time not dancing along to the music. At least when it is dark out I don't attract funny looks from everyone as they see me twirling around down the sidewalk! Walked 45 minutes tonight and then meditated by the lake for another 10 minutes. Maybe a few moon salutations before bed too.
D.
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I’m in Montreal visiting DH - a healthy vigorous exercising, weight lifting, stretching fanatic. Anyway- we spent the day together- went to the very gorgeousMont Royal. Subways- with lots of stairs. Got a bit winded and had to stop a few times. Felt a bit depleted and noticed the stamina is not the same. Long story short- walked 10 miles and did an elevation (stairs and hills ) was 600 feet. Happy to be back at the hotel. I should have brought a few more energy bars with me.
Tomorrow ?!?
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hey Ladies bad news MRI to brain should showed multiple lesions all over brain will get wbr this week.just sick about it.
Paula.
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Paula - It makes me sick to hear you have widespread brain mets. At the same time, I've been astonished how well people do with WBR. Lita is doing great. It certainly is an awful experience but when it is behind you, you will be in a good position. Your exercise routine will support your fast and full recovery but it takes patience and moderation. We're here for you every step of the way. Praying for a quick mental recovery from this gut punch. You need your head in the game more than every right now.
Nkb - Way to go. Energy will return with rest.
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