Stage IV MBC Fitness
Comments
-
Hello everyone! I feel like I haven't checked in for a month and I missed a ton! I love, love, love the pictures! DGHoff, Sedona is one of my favorite places. I went to Cancer Treatment Center of America in Phoenix for half of my chemo, and twice we drove up to Sedona for long weekends. Beautiful, peaceful, healing. Your hiking pictures are awesome! When I was there I could barely walk.... we did go for a helicopter ride and I truly think it's one of the most amazing places ever.
And Philly, your Italy trip looked incredible. The field of poppies picture is my favorite, and the one of the three of you together! It looks like you had so much fun! And then you got to go to the short for two weeks? I want to be you! I usually get very lazy on vacation, and somehow end up feeling even more tired the less I do. Do you think chemo causes degenerative issues for everyone with bone mets?
Mae- you must be on vacation right now?
We went to the Turks and Caicos the first week of June and GUESS WHAT I DID? I took my real swimmer swimsuit with me, and I swam laps in the pool AND in the ocean! Every day! I was so proud of myself and I lost 7 pounds! (I also discovered I am allergic to conk (how do you spell it?) and I got sick twice, so that helped with the weight loss) The fact that the pool and the ocean were about 85 degrees didn't hurt.... I haven't been swimming since I have been back but I am afraid the YMCA will not be the same. I have been going to yoga 3-4 times a week and playing tennis and walking, but haven't been running since the back scare. I need to start again; I am just so afraid it will cause pain.
Heidi - I didn't realize you were originally diagnosed 12 years ago! You are an inspiration!
Hope everyone has a good week! Let's keep moving!
XO
Andi
0 -
Yes, I am on vacation now and doing more eating and driving than walking but that’s ok.
DH and I saw a moose yesterday while driving though New Hampshire, so exciting! It’s beautiful in the northeast right now, like a postcard.
0 -
Where are all my fitness friends? This last week I have hiked, yoga twice and tennis match. Totally intended to do a long hike today but got sidetracked with yard work.... that counts for activity, right?
Happy 4th of July!
XO
Andi
0 -
Hi Andi!
I am here :-) Being a blob today!!! Listening to my body.
I did make it to Zumba and Tai Fit and Abs this past week, plus a massage...but MO appointment was Wednesday, and I have learned the hard way not to do much exercise the day of and the day after my shots...Seems to spark some sort of inflammatory response in my body and I get flu-like symptoms...not fun!
But I am planning to get back on track this weekend with some other exercise.
Hugs! Keep moving!
Philly
0 -
Illimae, love the roadtrip pics! Andi, way to go. You are leaving us in the dust with your allaround fitness.
Gym is still being fixed for water damage. May venture in the training area anyway and run to the restaurant downstairs if I have to go to the bathroom. I have the dog today so will surely get some walks in even if I don't get to the gym.
Hope everyone had a great 4th!
0 -
Illimae- your trip looked like great fun!
Doing a little hiking and back to the pool this weekend. Does pressure washing decks count as exercise? My new pressure washer and I will become great friends in the days ahead. Cleaning and painting the whole house... and garage .in 90 degree weather. As youcan see the garage is very “needy”.
0 -
I have not been on here for a while but thought I should post. Had a lot of turmoil last 6 months that has finally settled down for me which is good.
I bought a treadmill so I can workout in my apartment while it is so hot outside. I love it. I also do some free weights and squats to try rebuilding muscle. I am feeling physically better now.
When the weather is not bad or hot, I do enjoy short walks around, lots of trees where I am. Today feels like 109 degress Fahrenheit so am not interested in any outdoor work, just regular errands today. Love all the pictures everyone is posting.
0 -
Iwrite, you look ready for anything. Great photo.
mara, nice progression idea with the treadmill. Glad the turmoil is over and you are feeling better.
Ran 3.5K or could have been 4K at the gym. Then did some weights.
0 -
Iwrite I am in complete agreement with Heidi! And that outdoor work definitely counts as physical activity in my book
I am grateful that to those that keep this post going. It really truly does help me to have comrades in physical activity!
I completely was a sloth this past week/weekend post Xgeva and Lupron shots on last Wednesday. I am gearing up for my fav Zumba teacher and class this evening at 5:30pm
Tomorrow I’m signed up for my cardio kickboxing class. I am sorta dating the instructor eek 😬
Weird life!!!!! 😂 I am flowing and rolling with the punches (pun intended!)
0 -
I have been pretty faithful to the treadmill since it was purchased. I have also been taking a liquid iron. Just a little bit since I eat plenty of things that contain iron as well
I am getting stronger BUT am also on a treatment holiday ordered by my onc to try to build up my stamina again so I take this with a grain of salt. The true test will be if the stronger feeling lasts once I get back on my regimen. We will see. Feeling more optimistic for now.
0 -
Hi All, Been awhile since I posted! I’ve been OK with exercise, but not great. I’ll do big hiking weekends and then go several days without. It’s hard to stay consistent when I work full-time and have had lots of little trips here and there. I do keep up with a little yoga each day, though. And I actually went slalom water skiing a couple weeks ago! I got upon the first try! Of course I could hardly bend my arms for days afterward.
Mara, I’m sorry you have been having some challenges. I hope that the break from treatment will be beneficial for you.
I lost my Fitbit this week so I’m going to maybe have to get a new one. Does anyone have the Versa?
0 -
hello friends!
DG good to see you here! Sorry I don’t use a fit bit so I don’t have an answer for you!
Mara - sounds like you are doing just fine in the exercise realm! I’m impressed that you have the motivation to get on that treadmill. I’d probably stare at it while eating a bowl of ice cream 😂 I’m glad you’re feeling more optimistic 💕
I think I overdid it in a kickboxing class on Tuesday. It wasn’t my usual cardio kickboxing but a true kickboxing class, for beginners. The instructor has a lot of testosterone to put it mildly! However, he was awesome and really amazing at explaining things and very supportive. BUT my back is really quite unhappy how
shoot!!! Trying to do forearm planks to help the muscles around my spine support the weakened area of my back...it does seem to bring a little relief. 0 -
LoveFromPhilly, the treadmill makes me feel better about everything and more energetic when I do it in the morning. I was triplebooked for appointments all day and while that normally would have tired me out, I actually had the energy throughout the day.
0 -
Philly - I am having the same issue! My lower back has been killing me, in spite of the PT I have been going to, yoga, and SWIMMING. Yes, yesterday I even swam in the lake in the neighborhood...… there are 3 buoys and if you go around all of them, it's mile. I went out to one and back and I swear, after the first 5 strokes I thought I was a goner. Not to mention the big huge carp fish were swimming below me. But, I did it.... combination of breast stroke, dog paddling, floating and kicking on my back, and a few normal free style strokes thrown in. I had a friend that went with me and another that paddle boarded beside me, just in case I really was going to drown. Anyway, my lower back is killing me today. I am starting to think I need to halt all exercise until I have built up those muscles in the area that was so affected by those tumors. I'm starting to worry about that hike I am going on in August (the little one.... 7 days of hiking from Italy to Switzerland, around the Matterhorn. My lower back could be a problem)
DG, I am so impressed that you water skied. Amazing. I used to LOVE to water ski and I think about it from time to time, but I have NO core strength. I would never, ever be able to get up. I would literally kill myself. I hope you had fun... such an exhilarating feeling. I used to be sore for days after I did that - even back when I was young and hadn't had all this cancer BS.
Mara, I have been considering a treadmill as well. Good to hear that you are enjoying it!
Hugs to everyone else! Keep moving and posting!
XO
Andi
0 -
Andi, yes the treadmill has helped a lot. It is tiny, only 22 in wide as my apartment is tiny. Folds up and does not take up much room. No incline and is motorized. Not for runners but does go up to 4mph but that is fine by me as I enjoy 2.5 to 3 mph. If I want faster, I jog on the spot on the balls of my feet on a yoga mat. I also bought a basic step bench for some minor step. The stairs in my building are too weird. Anyway, we will see. I also follow laughter yoga on youtube. Even if you fake laugh and smile, the body can't tell the difference. Good endorphins.
0 -
hi friends!
How’s everyone doing?
Andi - how is your back?
I have been down for the count with my back issue in terms of exercise I have been afraid to do anything more than walking.
Today I got an amazing massage and she really targeted the areas of my back that have been out of whack since that intense kickboxing class. She also does an amazing job on the bottoms of my feet which I think are suffering greatly from the letrozole, so painful!!
I am feeling soooo much better after the massage and am excited and hopeful that tomorrow I will be back to “normalcy.”
Andi - have you tried any good massage therapists for your back pain? I’m a huge huge fan of it, it is my go to for some many ailments.
Mara I agree about the fake laughing! My dad always would tell me my whole life that if you put a smile on your face, the muscles tell the brain to be happy, even if you are feeling grumpy. Makes sense from a neuromuscular perspective
Love to everyone,
Philly 🧚🏾♀️
0 -
Hi everybody!
Philly - yes, I LOVE massage and always feel so much better after I get one. I haven't been in a while... just haven't had the change, but I think it's time. I can't decide which area is better - low back, or my feet... which are almost always numb from neuropathy. They always increase the blood flow to them and it feels amazing! My back is actually better. I did hot yoga on Saturday, and a long walk yesterday and that seemed to cure it! I hope you are back to normal tomorrow!
It's so hot here - it's supposed to be in the high 90's all week. I have a tennis match on Wednesday and I am afraid I am going to kneel over from heat stroke. I'm probably going to have to summon up the courage for another swim in the lake... at least the water will feel good.
Philly - you have probably told us this, but do you do Pilates? I think you have mentioned that. My PT swears that is what I need to strengthen my completely non existent core muscles, which will in turn help my lower back. I've never done it and don't even know where to start.
I've never heard of laughter yoga! I'll have to check it out. When I was going through chemo AND wearing a back brace so that my body didn't break in two, I was completely miserable.... I seriously didnt' leave my bedroom for days. My sweet husband looked up every funny movie he could find and would watch them with me in an effort to get me to laugh, because it's supposed to be so healing.
Hugs to everyone! XO
Andi
0 -
Hi all, I’m ok, getting better but slowly. DH and I spent a few days at home after returning from our New England trip, then we headed to spend a few days with friends at the river. I, perhaps foolishly, decided to float with the group but ima bigger girl and got stuck on shallow rocky areas twice, the struggle to get over them was exhausting but I did it. Also, despite lots of sunscreen, I somehow got badly burned from knee to toes. Then, once the burn started getting better, I got sick, just a cold but it lasted a whole week. Ugh 🤧
Tomorrow I go back to the gym and I’m so looking forward to it.
0 -
hey Mae - how are you feeling? Did you make it back to the gym or rest up some more? Thinking of you!
Andi - I haven’t done Pilates but I too feel like this could be a good answer for me! I just haven’t done it for no reason. A good friend and colleague of mine is a PT and a Pilates instructor. I really should work with her!
My back isn’t better
I was so hopeful that it would be better after the massage on Monday and I took prescription strength Alleve which isn’t helping I left a message for my MO, because there’s always that little voice of worry in the back of my head. My instinct says it’s musculoskeletal but of course I’m paranoid!!! Andi - you have had a lot of scans for your back and did they ever conclude what is causing the pain?
Hugs and love to all,
Philly
0 -
Philly - yes, I had bone scans, and then an MRI and was referred to the Spine Center at University of Colorado Hospital. I LOVED the doctor they referred me to. He said it could be one of five things, but definitely wasn't cancer. (Degenerative issues due to old tumors and compression, or a condition I had pre-cancer called a pars defect (long story and complicated) or the fact that my left leg is a tiny bit shorter than my right so that creates hip issues, etc...) He wanted to try the cortisone shot in my SI joint and the PT first, and then if that didnt' work he was going to Plan B, whatever that is. It has worked for the most part..... although I think I will need another shot at some point and I know you can only get so many of those. I really need to try Pilates to strengthen that area and I have no excuse, although I do NOT have a friend that is a Pilates instructor! Maybe we should make pact to do it together. I'm so sorry yours isn't better! Don't worry - you are so active you probably just strained it.
Mae - the river sounds lovely, although I am sorry you got stuck. That is something that would happen to me and I do know how hard it is to get un-stuck. I hope you are feeling better and that you have made it back to the gym!
I am going to Bozeman tomorrow to visit one of my boys. Yay! I can't wait. We are going to do at least two long hikes... it's supposed to be a beautiful weekend and I absolutely can't wait to see him. There is a great trail called Mainstreet to the Mountains (exactly how it sounds) and I am also hoping to do a short run or two.
Played tennis tonight and won! This is the 4th win in a row for me and my doubles partner.
Hugs to everyone!
XO
Andrea
0 -
I did get back to the gym yesterday for a slightly lighter than normal workout, felt great too! Today was house cleaning day, I have friends coming from out of town for the weekend and I host dinner and tv watch parties with two other couples on Sundays. Echo, CT body and bone scans Friday, so next week should be better for the gym.
I’m up way too late tonight, goodnight ladies 😴
0 -
Hi everybody!
I was motivated by all your posts and decided to venture out there with a run/walk club this morning. I ended up walking 7 miles while having a great chat with a friend I’ve not seen since my stage 4 diagnosis. It took 2 hours but it’s the farthest I’ve ever walked (while not at Disney World, lol), even pre-cancer. Thanks for keeping this thread active and keeping me active along with it!
0 -
Hi everybody!
Momchichi - so glad we inspired you, and hope you will post often! I seem to be stuck in a rut where I do nothing during the week because of work, and then overdue it on the weekends. This weekend; yoga on Friday, yoga Saturday morning, tennis Saturday night (worked in the yard all day as well) tennis Sunday morning, yoga Sunday afternoon and now headed out to the yard again.
Then this week I will be too tired after work to do anything! I need to force myself to go for a walk at lunch.
How is everyone else doing?
XO
Andi
0 -
Hi all, I’m doing good. This was my first full week back at the gym after being off a few weeks for various vacations. I really cranked it out with a Fitbit workweek hustle win and personal best 5 day step count.
I also got my every 4 month scan results Monday, MO said good/stable but reports only mention uptake on a rib that I’m pretty sure is an injury, not a met, nothing new and no mention of my original hip bone met, so I’m very pleased.
DH and I leave Wednesday for a long weekend at the cabin and swimming at a great natural spring/state park on Saturday.
0 -
sounds like good news to me, illimae!
Andi and philly, sorry to hear about the back problems. PT has helped a lot with my neck problems, so can really recommend that. I will probably get a massage when we go up to the mountains this afternoon for a few days of biking. Every little bit of attention our bodies gets, helps.
Momchichi, way to go!
0 -
I think I need a massage as well! I also need to do the exercises that my PT gives me to do at home.. and I need to investigate Pilates, which she says is the best thing for me. Had a tennis match tonight and won.
Hope to get some yoga in this week. It is boiling hot here in Colorado. Mae - your weekend at the cabin sounds lovely!
Heidi, you are in Switzerland, right? Somehow I think that...…. anyway, not sure where you are. I realize it's a big place, but I will be there the end of August to do some hiking.
Hugs to everyone!
XO
Andi
0 -
0 -
I seem to be a bit technically challenged this evening. That last picture was taken last weekend in Bozeman.... it's my son in front, me, my best friend, and her son who is my son's best friend. Fabulous mom/son weekend and that picture was in Beehive Basin at Big Sky. 8 mile hike. I highly recommend it if you are ever in the area. Montana is amazing.
XO
Andrea
0 -
Yes, I am in Switzerland. We are far from Zermatt but I'll be in Lisbon end of August anyway. Gorgeous pic of moms and sons.
Walked the dog and rode my bike through some nice mountain scenery.
0 -
Okay, so I follow this thread for inspiration for exercise. Thank you everyone! I try to walk as much as I can and I use my mini trampoline for jumping up and down plus it's a fun way to do jumping jacks. My jumper has a bar for me to grab on to if I lose my balance.
But now, I would like to mention a new activity deserving of a post because I've been to all practices so far (4) and I just love it and think I will be able to stick with it. I joined a brand new dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors! Just google “breast cancer dragon boat" and you can read all about it! Also check out: http://ibcpc.com/
Who knows - maybe I'll make to New Zealand in 2022..
Now, I'm getting further inspired to take the next step with more cardio and strength training to improve my stamina- I need all the help I can get as these cancer meds drag me down more often than not....but I'm here to tell to you I do not think about cancer out on that boat!
0
