Stage IV MBC Fitness
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Welcome, Bella! Sounds like you got some good move,ent. Hard to relate to heat right now as we just got our first snow in town, not much just a dusting.
Illimae, that sounds like a good plan, let us know how it goes.
Yesterday my exercise turned out to beChristmas shopping! I was out for hours, running store to store, etc. When I got home, I had planned to walk but I was too tired. A bubble bath sounded better so that’s what I did!
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Hello Fitness friends!
I am way behind in posting... just caught up on what you all did over the last 10 days - 2 weeks and as usual, you are amazing! Love reading about all the classes, camping, outside activity, etc. I am having a hard time during the week. Work has been crazy and even though I intend to fit in a work out, I don't. I did run 5 miles yesterday and another 5.5 today in spite of the fact that it's freezing here in Denver. I was going to ski today, but the low was going to be 4 and the high 20 up in the mountains, so I opted out. Katy - we Nordic ski, snowshoe and downhill during the winter. I need to get into the gym though, and try some of the classes that you guys are talking about. Our company does give us "snow days" in December, which is basically every Friday off, so at least I will have a nice long 3 day weekend to get some things in. Still need yoga and swimming. I sound like a broken record.....
I got an Echo on Friday for the first time in 5 years, and am curious about what it will say. Being on Herceptin, I am supposed to get them every 6 months or so...? For some reason my oncologist never worries about it, so I finally insisted that she order one. I am sure my heart is fine, but you never know. Does anyone else here get those regularly?
Hope you all have a great week!
XO
Andi
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Andi, I’ve had echo’s and met with my cardiologist every 3 months since starting H&P almost 2 years ago. Initially, my EF was 60-60%, which is normal, it’s usually between 53-58%, not enough of a drop to interrupt treatment. After my last one in October I graduated to 6 month echo’s. As I understand it about 12% of those on Herceptin have significantly reduced ejection fraction and must take breaks, if it bounces back or discontinue use, if the damage is permanent.
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Skipping the gym today, went for a morning walk instead, the weather was in the cool mid 50’s. I enjoy walks in my neighborhood because instead of the usual retention pond (used for flood control in parts of the country), we have a “naturescape”, making the view much better and it attracts more birds and occasionally turtles.
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I live in the land of perpetual summer so weather isn't usually much of a factor here. It can be too hot in July/August for outdoor activities, even here on the coast, but that's the time for water sports or heading up to the mountains.
Andi I'm a slacker with the echos too, although it's been less than a year for me. I know that Genentech wants an echo or MUGA every 3 months, but when I first saw my cardiologist after starting Herceptin he punched some numbers into a computer and said I had only a 1.8% chance of having any problems with it. He did an EKG and an echo and said my heart is so strong and in such good shape that he has absolutely no worries about me at all, there's no reason to see me every 3 months, recommended every 6 months unless I experienced problems. Neither my MO nor my cardiologist has followed up for another one since, I haven't experienced any symptoms that would cause concern, I've been so doctored out these past couple months that I haven't bothered to push for it, then we stopped Herceptin for a month+ while trying to decide on a new treatment plan so I figured there was no need. Now that I'm back on H&P I have been wondering if I should try to fit it in before the end of the year. I think that staying physically active goes a long way toward keeping our hearts healthy and strong (absent any other problems). But if I remember correctly you are currently NED and I am most definitely not, so perhaps I should take it more seriously.
Started a 3-week dose of Taxol last week and between the fatigue and a storm I used that as an excuse to skip my Qigong class because I just wasn't up to driving in the pouring rain after dark with chemo running through my body. The class coincides with my "crash day" from the pre-meds so it's going to be a challenge to push through the fatigue to drag myself out of the house. The tumor in my axilla is quite large and painful right now, it's growing very fast and I really need the Taxol to kick it in butt soon (it will blow your mind how fast IBC can spread right before your eyes). Still staying physically active but not doing strenuous activities that require using my arms because I'm already losing mobility & the pain is pretty rough. So things like strength training and swimming are out right now, but doing as much walking as I can and this week I'll be back to Qigong with some major modifications. I want to stick with it because I believe that the mind/body connection has been beneficial for me. Staying physically active is just as much about the mental/emotional benefits, maybe even more so than the physical benefits.
Lori
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Looks like a nice place to walk Illimae. And totally agree Lori that exercise is definitely as much or more about mental health benefits - gotta get those endorphins! I have always gotten endorphins from exercise very easily and I am sure it is why I have done some form of exercise almost every day for the last 42 years! And even though I have this awful cancer diagnosis I can’t stop and Istill enjoy activity. Had a lovely long hike today with DH and another couple in the snow with some nice blue sky, it was a beautiful day to be outside. Our friends made us breakfast first ( huckleberry pancakes and scrambled eggs) a nice long hike and then had a nice little lunch out together. I’m home now and I think bubble bath and reading are next! A great way to end the day. I may try skate skiing tomorrow, I’m a bit nervous about it, I’ll let you know how it goes if I decide to go up.
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BellaTassie, combat class is tough. It's enough that you survived it. Illimae, please let us know how and what you're doing. Would be interesting to see how they go about doing a personal plan. Exercise supposedly can help fix/prevent cardiac issues from meds. Very exciting. Lori, so true about the mental/emotional benefits.
Going to salsa class tonight.
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Didn't do as much as planned this week, oh well! Monday just did yoga. Tuesday 1 hr boxing, I find this class really challenging and the most enjoyable 😄. Wednesday did aerobics, but it's got a new name, LOW impact which I need. I'm not great at choreographed exercise and fumbled about but we used light weights and I'm pleased I did it, will try to do this each week. Today just Pilates. Tomorrow is tai chi followed by a cuppa and chat with the ladies in my new class 😊. Keep moving as much as possible ladies 😎.
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Did a nice snowy walk this afternoon. Most of the snow came last week but it’s been cold enough to last. Some of the trails stayed snow covered instead of muddy so that was nice. Meeting friends for a dinner out tonight which will be nice. Doc appointment, lab work and zometa infusion tomorrow morning - I’m having a glass of wine with dinner tonight
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Hi all, my healthy heart program stress test will count for today’s exercise, I’m at 6,714 steps so far this morning. A1C, misc bloodwork and the heart monitor readings were all great, even for a normal person and especially good considering I’m technically morbidly obese. The plan is tailored on activities I like and at a rate consistent with my capabilities (heart health and mets locations). I should be receiving a spreadsheet soon with the exercises, reps (gradually increasing) and sample schedule soon for a 12 week period. And someone from the program will check in every couple of weeks, sounds like just what I need.
Funny though, the first question was “do you know why you’re here today?” I take it more people are referred, than actively volunteer for it.
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Wow, that sounds great! And those stress tests definitely count.
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Illimae, sounds like a comprehensive program for you. I hope you will enjoy it !
I got to the gym twice this week for weight lifting, that was my goal. And got out for long walks. Mtn biking is over for now and I have not been Nordic skiing yet, so walking it is. I saw the palliative care doctor on Friday and talked with him about my breathing difficulties during exercise ( to be expected with lung Mets) but I feel it may be getting worse. When I’m really pushing it physically I just don’t get enough oxygen and a few times I’ve gotten this huge adrenaline rush that forces me to stop. Has anyone else experienced this? So the doc is going to have me wear a heart monitor for a few days during intense exercise to get an idea if it’s just lungs or could heart also be involved. I’m curious for the results. I’ve never had heart problems but he wants to rule it out. A grey day here, probablyanother walk.
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Hi everybody! I have been MIA for a couple weeks. Thanks for all of your feedback on the Echo. I had mine... saw the results but didn't understand them. Emailed my oncologist and got an email back from the nurse saying that "The Echo was Normal." That was it; four words. I am very grateful to be NED but I think sometimes when patients are in "maintenance mode" as my oncologist calls it, they forget that you still get very anxious about procedures and results and there is not as much communication. I've been running some but that's it. Twice last weekend and yesterday and I will go again today. It's a beautiful day here in Denver - sunny and supposed to get to 60 degrees. I DID sign UP for Yoga so that is a start, right? There is a beginner class tonight that I am planning to go to. If I get there, I will take a selfie (which I normally hate, especially when I am the only one in it!) and post it here so you can help to hold me accountable going forward. I had an infusion last weekend and I am getting those weird abdominal muscle cramps (what are they called again?) and my biggest fear is that I am going to be in the middle of a class and not be able to breathe or move and totally cause a scene.
LoriCA, how are you doing? I've said this before, but it always amazes me when people can do ANYTHING when they are getting treatments like Taxol. I must be a lightweight, because I didn't move for 6 months. I hope you were able to bounce back after the crash day AND that the Taxol has brought that tumor growth to a fast halt. Totally agree with you on the mind/body connection. I am glad that you are somewhere warm so at the very least, you can get out and walk.
KatyK - I have never experienced an adrenaline rush, but I do notice breathing issues when I am hiking at altitude. Wearing a heart monitor is a good idea so you can rule that out. You've been active for so long - in the mountains - you must have a strong heart!
What's everybody doing for the holidays? I am really hoping I can page myself this year, not get stressed out with a house full of people, and take the time to get some sort of activity in every day. We are leaving on a trip to Argentina the day after Christmas. I know we will be doing lots of walking and we are going to be doing some horse back riding (does that count?) so hoping to counteract the eating and drinking we will also be doing.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Standby for the yoga selfie.... (maybe...)
XO
Andi
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Andi, DH and I are child free by choice and not religious, so this is not a family or stress filled time for us. Our wedding anniversary is Christmas Eve, so we either get away or celebrate quietly at home.
I have H&P and scan results on Monday, so starting the new exercise program on Tuesday.
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Finally some exercise to report! Did some hiking today since it was sunny and 50 degrees outside. Lifted weights this weekend. Not much , but it’s a start. Spent the past week nursing a cold..sheesh it takes Forevev to heal these days! Hope y’all have a great week. Family is heading to CO late this week to be together for the holiday. No time for cancer :
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hello friends!
Checking in here - been a little while!
I am still doing my cardio kickboxing and Zumba classes. Today is Zumba and yesterday was Zumba and tomorrow is the CKB and then I have three full work days Wednesday-Friday so I won't be exercising on those days - although my work in incredibly physically active so I feel like that counts.
Hope everyone is having a good week!
Hugs!! Brenda
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Andi glad to hear you are doing well and thanks for asking about me. I think the abdominal cramps you asked about are intercostal spasms. I have a really tough time with them, Qigong makes them go crazy and at first I was embarrassed in class, but I explained to everyone what was going on and they were very understanding. When a bad one hits I usually walk to the side of the room and quietly curse under my breath until it releases, and then I rejoin the class. Some days I've had to walk away 10-12 times during a class.
So far this round of Taxol seems to be going easier than it was the first time, mainly just major fatigue, but I've only had one infusion so far, second is tomorrow. I expected the SEs to be worse since it's the 3x the dose I was on the first time, but I'm going into it healthier and stronger than I was the first time and if this is as bad as it gets this round I'll be happy but I know that the effects are cumulative. Embarrassed to say that I haven't done any real exercising the past several weeks. The Taxol isn't working yet, the cancer is growing fast and my pain level has increased drastically over the past several weeks, so I'm cranky and miserable. It's been all I can do to get through decorating for Christmas and attending some holiday parties. Social events in particular really wipe me out. Telling myself I'm going to Qigong on Thursday, but with infusion on Tuesday, my husband's Christmas party on Wednesday, and then crash day on Thursday it's going to be hard to find the energy and motivation to do it while I'm in so much pain. Also plan to do a 1.5 mile walk along the harbor to see the Christmas lights this week, I think it will help with my mood. I'm back to taking baby steps again.
Hoping this next infusion starts working not just because I need the pain relief but because I really need the emotional boost of knowing that treatment is working. *%&# IBC grows so fast that it can really mess with your mind.
Both of our families are on the East Coast and I hate to travel during the holidays (and I refuse to deal with an over-crowded airport while on chemo anyway), so Christmas is a quiet time for us. Some years we go camping, but this year will probably just go for a walk on the beach, then snuggle together while watching sappy Christmas movies haha.
My husband said his best Christmas gift is that I'm still here this year and we're just going to enjoy being together. Hope everyone is doing well and not getting too stressed over the holidays. Illimae hope your scan results bring good news!
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I hope you’ve had a good day, Lori. I think traveling ( especially flying) is a nightmare during the holidays. Your idea of staying home and making it mellow sounds much better. I must admit I do love a sappy Christmas movie!
Got to the gym this morning. A good day to work out inside. It was grey and rainy. Then ran errands, went to our grandsons Christmas program ( cute!) and then took the grandkids out to Christmas shop for their mom and dad. A fun day! Now I’m sitting by the fire and think I need a glass of wine
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Good morning. Just done at gym and happy to say I had a pretty good work out and felt more energetic today. Even thinking I can go to the ski area and give skate skiing a try. So sometimes at the gym you have folks who don’t ask and take your equipment or take your spot. My experience is it’s usually a man. So had that happen today - a man wanted me to move - nope! I stood my ground! Not sure why he thought his work out was more important.
Going to enjoy a nice Solstice evening with DH. Making a nice dinner and a nice bottle of wine! Happy Solstice
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Was a sunny day here and the snow in town has melted so DH and I got out for a hike. We did a local hike of six miles in the foothills. Felt good to be out
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KatyK what is skate skiing?? Never heard of that before but sounds like fun! I'm so jealous of the hikes you are taking because I'm sure it's breath-taking beautiful up there right now. There's a lot to be said for living at the beach but I miss the snow this time of year.
Forecast here is for rain on Christmas Day, we need it, but boo. I think the chemo has started working, pain seems to be decreasing & I haven't taken pain meds past few days, so hopefully will be fully active again and doing more than just walking this week. Going to take it slowly with some light gym work and see how it goes.
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Hi Lori. Skate skiing is a type of Nordic skiing. The motion is sort of like skating on skis - unlike the traditional Nordic motion your skis are in a V. You need a groomed wide track for skate skiing. It is incredibly cardiovascularly demanding, especially uphill. We have a local area that grooms some trails but we really love going over to the Ketchum/ Sun Valley area to skate ski. They groom many, many miles of trails and it’s beautiful! I have not been this year partly because of our schedule but I’m also nervous to go as I’m not sure it’s even going to be possible any more. Not being able to do things I’ve been passionate about is brutal! Today we will get in a walk and get ready to host Christmas Eve. I hope you continue to feel better, Lori. And everyone else too! Merry Christmas and sending you all hugs, love, cheer and well wishes!0
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KatyK I envy you for having enough energy to even think about attempting it haha, especially at altitude I can imagine how intense it would be. I'm sure I'd be sucking wind in less than half a mile! So frustrating what this disease has done to me (but still grateful to be doing better than I was a year ago).
Merry Christmas everyone!
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Did a nice walk on trails across the street that go up a hill of close to two miles one way. It was sunny and chilly. But I love being out in the fresh air. Enjoyed a nice Christmas Day yesterday and I hope all of you did too
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Brain and Body scans were both good/stable and we spent the holidays in New Orleans. We walked everywhere and had a great time.
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yayayayayayyyyyyy illimae!!! I am so happy for you!!! What great news!!! And so inspiring to us all!!
Happy happy dance 💃🏿!!!!!! Your post made me so happy!!
I finally made it back to the gym today. Cardio kickboxing and there were only 2 of us in class so the teacher had us doing these drills where we were punching (jabs, hooks, uppercuts) and weaving and all types of right and left leg kicks happening. Wow! Felt amazing! And I’m exhausted!! What a way to come back to exercise after about 10 days off!!!
Is it bed time yet??? Lo
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Great news, Illimae! Just fantastic. New Orleans sounds fun, I’ve never been there.
Sounds like you had a good work out Philly! I know id be tired after that!
I finally got brave enough to go give skate skiing a try today. I love skate skiing and itwas nice to be up there in the mountains, had some sunshine and good conditions. It was hard and on the way out up this long hill I had to stop and rest numerous times but I did it! It is at altitude too so I need more days to adjust to that. I’m glad I went and thinking about going tomorrow too!
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Checking in after a long absence, and I'm so happy to see your good scan report, illimae! That's also fantastic that you got to New Orleans over Christmas! It's one of my favorite cities, and Christmas is always a nice time there with all the lights and decorated homes in the Garden District.
Way to go with the cardio kickboxing, Philly! Sounds like a fantastic workout!
And KatyK, the skate skiing is HARD, so i applaud you for your fitness level in being able to do that. I don't have any skis of my own, so I have to be content with snowshoeing. We haven't had any snow around Minneapolis this season, but we are headed up north to the cabin for the New Year and they just got a foot of snow, so I know I'll get in some good exercise there.
I've been super bad about exercising with only occasional walks and some yoga. Hard to get motivated to get out and do stuff when it is dark and cold all the time. So tonight I kicked my behind into gear and did the 7 minute workout and about 25 minutes of dancing around my living room. Felt good to move!
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Did another day of skate skiing, I was able to ski longer today and again it felt good to be out there. I realize it will never be the same for me but I still love it and just trying to accept that it is different. Lots of mediatation during the skiing and little rests I need. It does help me to be present in the here and now, something I’ve been working on. And DGHoff it is hard to get out in the cold and dark. It was sunny here today. But it’s great to dance and move - my new exercise regiment is any movement at all!
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Managed to come down with a cold so I’m taking it easy. After skiing the other day I was getting a very sore throat and woke up with a cold. Had hoped to ski tomorrow but not sure I’ll be up to it. So yesterday I sat at the computer and made a photo book, the silver lining of being sick! Today I’m starting to take down Christmas decorations but won’t do it all. I want to have the tree up for New Years Eve then it will come down. New Year’s Eve will be mellow with a family dinner and DH and I don’t even try to stay up until midnight.
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