Stage IV MBC Fitness
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Mara, your friend is inspirational to me too. Good to have positive thoughts around. I also like seeing Christmas lights around neighborhood, so I made it late afternoon for a walk while enjoying decorations, I felt I had more energy than other days (despite my leg got numb so I had to turned back a bit sooner than I expected). I guess my energy levels up late afternoon! Good to know!
thanks Mara you really inspire me to be active, I remember when I first joined this thread I started with few minutes of walking without walker, it was about few hundreds feet. I stopped counting steps and rather focus on minutes, some days I just walk until I can.Mae, 2000+ steps is great, and nature boosts your energy. Excellent job.
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I did take the day off today and played hooky from the walking a bit. I intend to get back to it tomorrow but today was mostly laundry and tv watching. Very enjoyable.
Snowdrop, it touches me to hear that I was an inspiration to help you get moving. I really appreciate being able to be of some help. The creator of the thread was Zarovka who took over the previous person's thread. Zarovka inspired me when I needed so I am glad to have been part of that for you.
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Mara, Z inspired so many of us and is sorely missed but I have to say that you’re doing a wonderful job keeping us going, thank you!
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Z did inspire so many of us, and it was Nancygh before that.... I think maybe she started the very first Fitness thread back in 2012 or 2013? Mara - thank you for carrying the torch! I am afraid I still continue to be a big couch potato because of my breathing issues. I haven't even walked around the block in several weeks, even though it's been beautiful here in Colorado. I have been lifting those weights and doing my leg crunches and some stretching, but that is it. I really, really need to get motivated in spite of my shortness of breath. I admire all of you that find ways to fit in in every day! I will get going soon so that I can contribute again.
XO
Andi
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Andi, thank you for saying that. I can pretty much walk no matter how tired I am. I don't deal with shortness of breath so I can see that being an issue. When I had bronchitis during my first round of systemic chemo, I had to scale back walks. Slow and short, just went for more of them throughout a day. Nowadays, I only get tired when pushing myself to scale a steep incline outdoors. I don't have any rhyme or reason for how long, I just try to walk most days of the week. You are doing what I should be doing, stretching and lifting weight. I really should be doing more strength training but we will see.
I was also going back and forth about eating and weight gain and so on. What I eat now, beans, spinach, shredded cheese topped with wheat bran, queso and little bit of tortilla chips has filled me with so much energy, I have decided that other than slightly modified portions, my diet won't change. I find even though I still have fatigue, this diet has given me so much energy to continue walking and keep the heart in shape. I think I will just stop telling myself I need a diet and just keep going. Bloodwork and echos show a strong healthy heart and that should be my primary focus, not just the scale. I don't like many other foods to be honest that would give me the iron and red blood cell boost. I also like peanut butter for the extra protein. We will see. I am no longer going to tell myself I am fat and just let myself eat nutritious foods and perhaps, skip the extra chocolate bars.
I did walk 30 mins round trip to one grocery store, will walk to another after a snack since they did not have my baking soda that I use to bake into washing soda for the laundry. I am totally OK with that. Would not bother me to be done walking earlier in the day. I only got about 4 hours sleep due to waking up and not getting back to sleep, I feel pretty energetic though which is a nice surprise.
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Mara, definitely positive thinking has direct effects on daily activities or energy level of the body, there are many studies and experiments that support this. I believe that There are downhill days as well as uphills, it is up to one’s opinion how to look at them. Being active and keep moving even small steps helps to boost energy and maintain positivity.
Yesterday I took it low, just did pt exercise, a bulge on my shoulder has been there for quite a while, after a lot of following ups I got pt appointment, thankfully it is biceps tendonitis and capsulitis not cancer! The pt experience made me tired and I decided not to push myself for walking. Today I’ll go for a walk until I can no pressure at all. I am thinking to split my walking into 2 courses a day, I shall see what I can!
Happy Friday everyone 👋.
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Well, I am walking more today. Just 15 mins on treadmill at a time, up to an hour so far. I am using the treadmill because my sinuses are stuffed up, allergies I believe to dust. The sinus imbalance is causing minor lighthead or dizzy feelings. I hold on to the treadmill anyway so that makes me safer walking on it, still get all the benefit of a bit of energy as well. I will take more buckleys tonight to help clear and stay with tylenol and advil during the day. I also put vick's vaporub in my ears a bit as I can breathe it in from there. Other than the slight lightheaded, feel just fine and no other symptoms. Going to DB for dinner tonight as well. Looking forward to that
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I found out if I walk no more 20 minutes then I am able to walk everyday! I went for a walk and did it until I felt tired, it was exactly 20 minutes. So I decided to stay Slow and consistent, and stop pushing myself for a while.
Mara, I had a light cold since thanksgiving, and it’s been with me ever since, my symptoms ar similar to yours, drinking ginger tea, and salt-water gargling before sleep helped. I’m glad you had a good time with your family.
Hello everyone 👋
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Snowdrop, glad to hear what you can handle as far as walking. 20 mins a day is plenty for sure, good job.
My symptoms are gone now. Once I took Buckleys and put vaporub in my ears, I could breathe without and issue which was nice.
Yesterday, I did not walk, used the cubii mini elliptical for about 3 hours off and on. At some point I am going look for a small desk and do some surveys on laptop that way. I can sit on the couch with a bed table but the computer bounces around due to my legs moving it around so makes it hard to do. We will see. Walked about 90 mins rountrip today, was looking for my digestive enzymes that disappeared from amazon, they used to be 5.00 for the brand I took but the same name brand is 40 per bottle now which would equate to 4 times as much. Hopefully they will get them back in the future. I bought the pricier ones earlier.
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mara, I have to tell you something about the Cubii elliptical: I'm absolutely loving it! AND when we go to our house in the desert for more that 2 days, my dear husband loads it in his truck for me. That and my Nespresso coffee maker. We are usually loaded to the gills with stuff. He flies model RC planes and usually takes his "big one" along with the little foamy model. The big one has a wing span of 93". The body of the plane hangs out the back of his truck. The wings go in separately. It's quite entertaining.
Anyway, my point is, that I'm able to get my "steps" in using the elliptical. When my sister visited me this summer, we took turns on it. She loved it, too. I'm SO glad you mentioned this.
Cheers, everyone!
Carol
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How heavy are the Cubiis? Getting them here is either really expensive or not possible. I would like something to do while Im on work BS, as its not always possible for me to get on the bike during the day (even though its sitting in my living room!), and OH can do that while HES on work BS. I'd be fine to buy it next trip home some point by the summer and load it on as luggage.
I've researched the other options and honestly, nothing comes close to the Cubii as it has the features and heft I would prefer.
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Sondra, the model I purchased is around 28 pounds. A little too heavy for me to move easily, but as long as my husband is willing to move it for me, I'll take it with me on trips (assuming I have a place to put it).
Mine is the Cubii Jr 1 and I got it on Amazon. It has 8 adjustments for tension. I really do love it. I put my Fitbit into my sock so that it counts my "steps".
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Sondra, my cubii jr weights 12.5 kg or 27 lbs. Not horrifically heavy. If you have hard floors, get the mat that goes with it or it will move around. I also had to put some big vinegar containers on the front legs as well as it still moved. It no longer moves and is very sturdy. Built like a tank.
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thanks Mara for encouragement, I really appreciate it. I managed to get out and walk 20 minutes, yesterday I took rest! Does Decorating tree count as walking??
)) I do need some good news
Sondra I am sure you can find cubii in Amazon uk. This little fella is pretty popular these days.0 -
Doing a road trip with a friend from California to my brother's home in Seattle for Christmas. We stopped at Crater lake and snowshoed from the visitor's center up to the rim, about 5 miles round tri. I struggled with breathing particularly with the altitude, but my friends were patient and we did it! So pretty with the iced up trees.
And I got to downhill ski for a couple of hours today
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Lehrski, that certainly sounds like a lot of fun, envy you the skiing.
I did 30 mins of walking on treadmill and then just did this exercise for almost half an hour. I could do this here and there or if feeling like not moving at all.
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Mara, I'm exhausted just watching that guy. He is hilarious. I may have seen him before with a broom running back and forth.
Andi, sorry to hear about your breathing issues. I had those once and appeared to be radiation -related, (Your mileage may vary) I was able somehow to get rid of the problem . Part of the solution was massaging the intercostal spaces in the chest wall as recommended by my physiotherapist (actually painful!). She said she had a case of a woman who was bed-ridden on oxygen for 20 years after radiation therapy and after several days of intercostal massage she was able to walk around again, The other approach for me was doing lat pulldowns in the gym, It seemed to release/loosen precisely the muscles that were affected. I swear I could breathe much more easily after doing a ton of repetitions one evening. It doesn't need to be a heavy weight. I think it's the repetitions that help. There must be a way to simulate this movement at home with a theraband or elastic tied to a door or something, Hope this helps
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Heidihill, yes, you likely saw him with a broom as well. I have walked back and forth across the room at his speed too. It is hard to do. The foot sliding one, I am just using my legs so far and even that is a good workout. I did my cubii elliptical while watching the Mandalorian and a couple other things as well. Quiet day overall.
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Mara, thanks for sharing this, it is one of those challenging exercise really but doable at home.
I stick on 20 minutes walking everyday and pt exercise, those days I feel tired I switch to pt exercise instead of walking.
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BCO member 2019whatayear posted about this new trial elsewhere:
Exercise Treatment With Standard Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03988595
Looks like it is for those on first-line hormonal therapy. It uses telehealth technology to track your exercise.
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Thanks Shetland with the information for those on hormonal therapy. Valuable information indeed.
I did about 90 mins of walking, mostly due to my slower speed today. Just had trouble getting motivated to get going but finally went. Had to get a few groceries and decided I wanted to walk vs bus which would have cut off about half the walk. I also chose the store as it was next door to a dollar store which had cards I needed for visa gift cards I got DB and family. I got those as we are in lockdown as of boxing day and they need an option they can use almost everywhere. Did not want to limit their options. I have also been doing well eating smaller portions and WAY less peanut butter. Usually measure a teaspoon worth which is only 30 calories. Also got the most delicious Walker's shortbread cookies. Almost as good as my mother's were.
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I walked a 5k in under an hour tonight. My family did a virtual run Santa run event. I was a penguin!
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Mar - Walker’s shortbreads are soooo good! Enjoy.
Momchichi - way to go on the 5k. How fun!
I skied with my brother and nephew today. They wanted to hike to the top of a peak past the ski area and ski down. I really struggled with the uphill and breathing, but my kind brother carried my skis for me. And we had an amazing 5000 foot descent most of it through deep powder. My brother talked me into 2 more hikes. I’m so sore I can hardly walk tonight, but it was a wonderful day.
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Momchichi, great job on the walk. You all look great.
Lehrski, glad you had a good time skiing and hiking as well. Sounds great!
We are supposed to get a lot of snow by tomorrow ao that will be a challenge for walking but I can meet it.
Happy holidays all!
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Happy Holidays everyone!
The skiing and hiking sound so beautiful and so worth it, Lehrski!
Stay safe Mara! You’ll probably get twice the workout in half the distance in the snow
Momchichi - love the outfits! 5 K is a great accomplishment!
Does vacuuming count as exercise?? 16 degrees is a little too brisk for a hike
. I need to stay away from the oven...longing for some Christmas baking and eating this afternoon 0 -
Yes, vacuuming certainly counts as exercise. Can be quite the workout. I vote you bake and allow yourself some Christmas treats.
I am taking it easy today and probably tomorrow. Having Christmas dinner at DB tomorrow and he brought me my stocking, not sure if it was my gift but it had a lot of chocolate, home made cookies and a cute little hat SiL made. They even bought me queso for my bean meals which was cool as well.
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Hey guys! I want to pick your brains. Maybe Z discussed this above somewhere - it's the kind of thing I imagine her being into but the archives I read through didn't quite fill my need....
My question is: when we're fatigued, how much to push through? How much is fatigue from cancer and treatment and how much is self-induced from too much/new exercise? How can I find the right balance of just right amount of exercise?
I'm a naturally super lazy sedentary person and I've always had to plan & just do exercise. Even Zumba, which I adore, every time, I had to fight against the inclination to just skip it.
And now I'm always tired so I have to force myself to do anything. So mostly right now I do the 2 walks/day with Olive, which are just over 1 km each, there's a steep incline for part of it but she's a very sniffy slow dog so it's not a fast walk. That's it.A few months ago I was trying to get back in my Zumba routine but I overdid it and got so sore and tired that I felt unable to do things for weeks later & now I'm just reluctant to do anything. I have an injured shoulder/trap muscle, my lower back is still wonky from the camping injury. I want to maybe do a bit of zumba or weights or go back to yoga...
but then I think, I'm already tired! I will just end up needing more naps and recovery down time!
This is probably unanswerable really, but I'm curious how to find the sweet spot of just the right amount of exercise which helps *reduce* fatigue rather than just make me more tired (and maybe has some beneficial cancer outcomes too - that would be a nice bonus, wouldn't it...?)0 -
Moth: For me over this past year of going from essentially bed bound to back up and at 'em its been about remembering no, I'm not at the fitness level I was at three years ago and its better to undershoot than overshoot. Too many times I thought geee, Im feeling good today! and then proceeded to overdo it on the bike too soon for my muscles/cardio system to handle which then = a week and a half off to recover. No bueno.
Instead I backed it up and only allowed 20 minutes on the bike, easy pace, regardless of how good I felt, 2 or 3 times a week to start. Heart rate monitoring helped a LOT so I could see what ranges I was working in so I could stay below and not over do it. Getting into a good stretching routine after was also really important - taking the time to stretch everything well. Stuff hadn't been used in a long time so it needed some babying!
After a few months I started riding a bit more, throwing in a few hill climbs, but always only inching up the amount of time/exertion a few minutes at a time. I've recovered a lot of strength and lung capacity and resting heart rate and blood pressure figures have come down as well.
There are days when I have fatigue and those days I may get on the bike for five or ten minutes and if I am just hating life then I get off and go rest and accept its one of those days. A lot of times I will then just do some gentle stretching/breathing exercises too. Other times I perk up and will go for the whole 35 mins or so but then I keep it easy, going more for time than a "workout".
I think its all about trial and error though, to find out what works and accept what it is for this time and place. That doesn't mean you won't do more in the future, but its all about consistency. So if you can maintain at least a 20 minute walk daily then thats great, and then on days when you feel well, maybe go for a 30 minute walk or do the hill twice. On a fatigue day it could be 10 mins, but you made it out. And then adjust that base as you improve.
Lehrski - that sounds like an amazing day. I was never a very good alpine skiier and always envied people who would be off doing cool things like that!
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Sondra, thank you for that. I'm going to adopt the undershoot term. I have to be careful because I'm really really good at undershooting. "Oh hello, I haven't moved off the couch in 4 hours.... " my fitbit keeps me in line for basic steps but I really need a cardio push & some strength training. Ok, baby steps. (wobbly, stiff, slightly neuropathic feet baby steps...)
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Moth, I think you go gradually with fatigue. Walking is very good, then try a bit more. Be careful not to push too hard, every time I’ve pushed, I end up pulling a muscle or straining and have to rest for a few days. I think Z posted a study before about activity reducing fatigue and I can confirm that it was true for me, at least.
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