Stage IV MBC Fitness
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So good to see you all getting out there and doing things you like!
Did a 2.2 mile hike yesterday and 4.9 miles today. A friend and I leave Thursday for an “out west vacation” toMoab, UT, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Zion, Mesa Verde & finally some hot spring soaking in Pagosa Springs. Two more weeks in Colorado then back to Illinois. It’s been a wonderful year out here. Does house painting count as exercise? That’s what’s next 😜
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Hello everyone... popping in to say hi, but wondering where everyone is? Hopefully out doing something incredibly active and enjoying springtime. I am happy to report that my back is better; finally had the MRI and got the report back that NOT cancer related - no new cancer activity.... just "degenerative" issues. I am having a cortisone shot in my SI joint this next Friday and doing some PT in June, but in the meantime I have been much better (maybe it was somewhat emotional?) and am back at yoga and walking. Played tennis last Wednesday and won match in OT.
Have not run again yet but I am considering it... and still need to dip my toe in that swimming pool. I think Philly is in Italy? I want to see some pictures!
What has everyone else been doing?
XO
Andi
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Andi- so glad you are feeling better! Even if you haven't gotten into the pool yet!
I haven't been visiting BC.org much lately but I've been trying to stay active. I went to Sedona for 5 days with some friends in early May and kept up with all of my very active companions. We hiked down 3 miles of the South Kaibab trail at the Grand Canyon (which also means hiking 3 miles back up!), did some yoga out in the red rocks, hiked the Boynton Canyon trail, and lots of other little hikes here and there. It was fabulous! I'm trying to keep up the moving around now that I've been home but it's been a rainy and cold spring so far. Here's hoping that June brings nicer weather. It was so beautiful in Arizona and I felt soo much gratitude that I am strong enough to do all of these things and see these amazing places. Here's a couple of photos!
Ooh Aah Point - South Kaibab Trail - Grand Canyon
Boynton Canyon - Sedona
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In the streets of a town in the Allá Vista region.
hi friends!!Andi oh what wonder news to read about your back!!! So glad it’s nothing “too” serious, albeit still something but perhaps something that it sounds like you can work with? I too have degenerative disease in my spine. I was not thrilled to find out about it - seems like it happened quite quickly over the first year after being on the meds but I am also feeling like I don’t want to maybe “sound ungrateful” or something about that okay so I don’t have any active cancerous lesions in my spine although I do have a lot of degenerative disease now... 🤷🏽♀️ not sure what to do or think about? But happier for the latter for certain!!! Does that make sense?
DGHoff such wonderful photos! I love Sedona!! It is gorgeous and so special there. I used to live in Prescott and flagstaff Az and i absolutely love the desert! So glad you had an amazing time!
I WAS in Italy and had an incredible time! Ate so much pasta and drank quite a bit of absolutely delicious wine. We hiked in the alps (amazing!) and visited the Mediterranean- a beautiful town called Portofino. Many also great towns that we visited and wandered around in. Aside from walking a lot of walking and the hike, I didn’t do any of my usual workouts. And now I am back and finally got to the gym yesterday for some Zumba where I got a little overzealous during a bit of Afro-Cuban movements and really messed up my neck 😂 (much better now after a massage today!) and this morning I went to a new fav class called power 60. It’s a full body workout with weights (yay for bone health!) and cardio (yay for heart health!). I am sore already 😬
Here are some pics from Italy Andi :-)
Love and hugs!! Philly
Me in the flowers
Me and my buddies (I’m in the middle)
Wildflowers everywhere!!
In the alps 😊 
Wine tasting! (Me on left)
One of the most world famous wine vineyards - a town called Barbaresco...famous for Arneis white wine, Nebbiolo and Langhe red wine 😋 
In the vineyards!
Fields of poppies and wildflowers 
Dancing at a wine festival...(lots of wine 😬)0 -
Love all the pics, DGHoff and Philly!!!
Never been to the Grand Canyon but I love that area of Italy (Alta Badia) in the Dolomites.
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I agree, great pics! Looks like you ladies are living it up 😀
I’ve been resting after brain rads on Thursday but back to the gym this afternoon.
Keep moving (as Z says)
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Mae hope you’re feeling as well as can be after the brain rads.
What does that feel like if you don’t mind me asking? During? After? Do you sleep a lot for the week after?
I know people go back and forth arguing about the benefits or non benefits of being positive - but I must say that your bravery (albeit it positively influenced or simply your natural personality disposition) makes me feel less freaked out. You seem to take the bull by it’s horns and do what needs to be done to be as well as possible. And I find that incredibly inspiring, my friend! So thank you for this!
I was soooo sore after the “Power 60” class I took on Monday. I felt like a badass in it, thinking, “wow! Look at lil ol me, stage 4 MBC and keeping up with the Joneses and feeling free and breezy!” And then the next two days I was paying for it 😂 I think a good reminder to not get too cocky!!
I was going to go to yoga today but I think I may take a nice walk outside instead and maybe introduce a little running/cardio every five minutes and see how that feels on my body.
Soreness is gone today for the most part, thank goodness!
Andi - how are you doing with your back?
Love,
Philly
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I usually don’t post here. But I totally agree with you Philly. Mae is who I want to be when I grow up! She’s super cool and always handles things calmly! She is absolutely one of my inspirations. Honest .... real. Funny.. kind. I feel lucky to have “cyber met you”. Your positivity has helped me out of many of a fog! Hugs !
Keep moving!!!!
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yes Mae is amazing!!
And yes, keep moving! As much as we are able
I had to take a full day of being a sloth yesterday post-scans the day before. I was fortunate enough to find out the good news right away that I am still stable, woohoo!!
But the underlying stress of scans def got to me and I was in bed for most of yesterday except going to work for a little and the grocery. I did manage to make a salmon dish last night which was yummy!
Today I had to get my blood drawn and then was determined to exercise. It is so gorgeous outside today that I couldn’t bring myself to get to the gym so instead I went for a major walk/run/walk. I slathered on some sunblock and went for it. Was so great!
I honestly prob ran for a total of 8 minutes but that’s pretty good for a non-runner. running really kicks my ass.
I was dripping with sweat! Felt good to sweat out all the radioisotopes from the scans!! 😂
Happy Friday everyone!
Hugs abound 🤗
Philly
Shot from my walk/run!
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I'd like to join in with being more active! I was just diagnosed as stage 4 a month ago...prior to that I was trying to be active with the goal of losing weight. now that my pain is under control (thanks radiation!) I want to up my activity again. The problem is I'm actually terrified. I don't know if others feel the same, but with my mets being in my lumbar spine, and me being overweight, i'm scared i will have a compression fracture or something, even though my oncologist said exercise is fine and in fact good. the things i use to enjoy were mostly at home workouts (to fit it in around my kids schedules)...like videos and walking on the treadmill. I guess i just wish i could get over my fear.
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Hi Fuzzy - maybe I can offer some encouragement. I had started exercise and weight loss 7 months before I was diagnosed. I had no idea anything was wrong or that I had bone mets the whole time, including in the lumbar spine. I was walking, doing treadmill, elliptical and weights at least three times per week the entire 7 months. No adverse events. After I was diagnosed, I continued walking and doing light weights for both upper and lower body. Still no adverse events. Was never told not to exercise, in fact, was encouraged to do so by the onc, just like you were. I had lost 50 pounds by the time I was diagnosed, lost 20 more while in treatment but have gained back 15 since going on hormone therapy. Now trying to get back on the exercise train that I fell off in December 18.
Walking and other low impact should be fine. Swimming and water aerobics might be good too, if you have access to a pool. Since you like to work out at home, Leslie Sansone has "Walk Away The Pounds" videos, which are very low impact and tailored to beginners, elderly and people with limitations.
My cancer center has a fitness center and offered a three month cancer exercise program at no cost that I took advantage of. There, I got an evaluation and a safe exercise program (which included the treadmill and some strength training with bands plus flexibility and balance exercises). There are also free yoga classes but I have not done those yet. Another resource is the Live Strong cancer program which is offered free at some YMCAs around the country. Here is the locator for the Livestrong programs https://www.livestrong.org/ymca-search
The advantage with the instructor led programs is they can give you a safe program that works within your limitations and they will give you a print out so you can work the program at home.
Good luck!
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Welcome fuzzysocks! I agree with Olma, exercise is typically encouraged but you might double check with you MO. I’m on Xgeva for bone mets and asked specifically about my fracture risk, exercise was approved without limitations.
Olma, Great job in the weight loss. It’s been similar for me too but I’m having trouble losing anything lately. Time for a shake up.
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Thanks, illimae! This thread is great support, I was sorry to read that Zarovka, who started it, recently passed away. Her posts were inspiring for me Very grateful to her.
Yes, let’s get back on track! It’s summer, the sun is shining and I’m heading out to enjoy it and move around right now!
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Hi All,
Working at the ASCO Meeting again this year. They presented a paper this morning on the efficacy of exercise as adjunct therapy for cancer patients. I’ll post more when i get home and back to my laptop. A radiation oncologist from Mass General said they are working toward having a coordinated exercise element added to their treatment program. You all are trend setters!
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Fuzzysocks, I second the Leslie Sansone walking. They can be done in the house or outdoors and get the heartrate up. I use them when waking in my apartment.
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Thanks ladies! I will just have to get over my fear!
Olma, was it just through exercise that you were able to lose weight? or dietary changes too? prior to the mets i was able to lose 20lbs, but really still need to lose 50 more.
I actually do have some old Leslie Sansone DVD's which i could definitely do. and if i can get over my fear, then i can walk on my treadmill or even outside now that it's finally nice here. time to dust off my fitbit! let me know if i can try and add any of you
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Hey FuzzySocks, I dieted too. Started off with Nutrisystem for about four months. Then I went low carbish and tracked with MyFitnessPal. Plenty of fresh vegetables, fewer fruits mostly berries since they are low glycemic andI had to keep my calories at about 1200 otherwise I don’t lose but I am post menopause so need fewer cals anyway.
One caveat about Nutrisystem, so much of the food including the shakes have soy protein isolate which I now avoid because I am ER+. The helpful thing about NS is portion control, and there are other ways to get portion control without soy protein additives
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Thanks Olma. I'm definitely eating more fruits and veggies, but think i need to pay more attention to portions etc.
Going to buy some new walking shoes today for my birthday!
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Happy Birthday, Fuzzysocks!
https://www.breastcancer.org/community/podcasts/diet-exercise-and-outcomes-20190602 (podcast)
ASCO 2019: Diet, Exercise, and Breast Cancer Outcomes
Am waiting to read the transcript (coming soon). Thanks for the heads up, I write.
I've been exercising everyday since starting chemo for de novo mets in October 2007. Gentle walks at first and increasing intensity and variety after a year or so.
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Happy Birthday!!🎈🎁🎉
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Thanks, had a great birthday and am looking forward to working on my fitness goals this year!
and thank you Heidihill, gonna go check that out
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happy birthday fuzzysocks!! 🙌🏽💕❤️💕
Great advice Olma!!
I too have extensive bone mets and I was in a severe car accident 4 months prior to my diagnosis and thankfully had zero fractures or breaks in my bones!!
I also have been an avid hip hop, modern and salsa dancer and was dancing all the time up to my diagnosis with no issues.
When I received my diagnosis, my MO suggested that I take it easy and I joked, “so no more jumping outta airplanes and bungee jumping?” He laughed and then firmly told me no lol 😂
Since my diagnosis, the one thing that has helped me overcome symptoms and side effects from the meds (especially the fatigue which was crushing before diagnosis and then starting treatments), i started really exercising like I never have before.
Getting started in “really” exercising was very challenging for me. I cried and cried about it. I was working against the forces in my body that were exhausted and just wanted to lay in bed and watch tv. My best friend, who’s been exercising regularly for her adult life, was who got me going. She told me to just get go and do one 5 minute workout (I started out using Fitness Blender - a free workout website). I did 5 minutes. We cheered!
It kept adding up until I was able to do 30 minute workouts. I got so into it I even ordered weights. But then a BC program here in Philly got me a free membership to a gym close to me (in walking distance) and I started going to workout classes. I love group classes because we are all in together. I live alone in a small studio apartment and needed to get out and be around people.
I share my story with hopes of encouragement to those who may be having a tough time getting started. Be kind to yourself and start small! You don’t have to run a marathon right away. Baby steps and next thing you know you’ll be adding time to your workouts.
Some weeks I workout 5 times a week and some weeks it is only one time. But if I don’t work out, I do my best to get up and outside for fresh air and a walk of some sort. I have to listen to my body and what it needs. Sometimes I feel exhausted but once I start moving, I feel energized. I know this in my brain so it helps me get going. I am currently writing this from my bed and it’s after 11am...so I am still a little sloth-like and tired here...but I am willing myself to get up!!!!!
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Hi all, I added a 20 minute walk to my usual routine of weights, elliptical and cycling at the gym and it’s working out well so far. I also participated in 3 Fitbit workweek battles. One from the stage v Fitbit group (hi ladies 😀), one among non-cancery friends (2nd place) and one of Fitbit only friends (6th place), I never place high with these folks, they’re doing 100k + steps a week, it’s crazy.
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Philly, your Italy trip looked amazing! Hurrah for you.
Mae, you are a rockstar! I always have trouble catching up to you in the Fitbit challenges. You do help me stay motivated!
I have been riding bike a lot more which, annoyingly, doesn’t count much with Fitbit, but I can tell I’m getting stronger with it. Did 12 miles on the bike today, and then my husband and I went out kayak sailing. A great Saturday
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DGHoff, 12 miles and kayaking?! Wow! It may not count much for steps but from a fitness standpoint, you killed it 😀
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Hello to my great role models here -
I took another walk today. It has been about 1 week since the last one. I did 25 min today, down and back up 1 major hill in my neighborhood. Struggled and had to stop about 10 times. But I did it. Could not wait to come here and share.
Thank you for setting such a high bar for me to aim for...I am scratching the surface and I am feeling pretty good about that!!!
Gumdoctor
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hello everyone!
I’ve been on basically a month long vacation more or less (10 days in Italy and 2 weeks down the shore). I made it to Zumba last week at the local fitness center and worked up a good sweat. Other than that, nothing major to post about exercise-wise except an occasional walk on the beach or boardwalk. Feeling VERY lazy and slothlike over here. But also trying to “allow” myself to be completely in a restful vacation mode, as I can’t remember the last time I was able to simply rest and sleep as much as my body craves.
Experiencing a slight back ache I think due to the lack of exercise. But by next week when I am back in philly and back to my regular routine I will step up my exercise again.
I’m wondering if the lack of exercise is making me lazier and more fatigued...this is the first time I’ve taken a major exercise break since receiving my diagnosis...and I started exercising much more because of the deep deep fatigue I was experiencing. 😂 what a catch 22! If I rest I get more tired!!!
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Philly, I think that’s part of the theory that exercise prevents or reduces fatigue. I haven’t had fatigue yet, probably because I think if I spend too much time laying around, I won’t get back up.
Starting my vacation today, pics coming soon 😀
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Mae oh boy so exciting! What do you do to stay fit on your travels? I think that for me, getting out of my “routine” throws a wrench in my exercise regimen quite a bit, since I am so used to and comfortable with my exercise classes and instructors in the city
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Lol, I’ve never been “fit” but I do try to have some kind of active adventures when I travel, then it’s back to the gym when I get home.
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