Stage IV MBC Fitness
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Well, had a lovely 9km or 5.60 miles roundtrip walk to my burger joint for lunch. I walk steady so it probably took me over an hour each way. This walk was planned and prepared for. Drank lots of water and had a small breakfast of beans, cheese and vegan ground. Ate a few nuts as I was heading out the door and walked. My lunch was just my usual but the nice part is I would have burned off any carbs and sugars from lunch on the way home. Felt really good after spending Saturday at home with my sick cat (who is feeling better today). 14000 steps in one trip.
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thumbs up for your strategy Mara!
I continue evening walking, until the weather gets cooler. being in low energy mode is annoying hopefully it is not something important. watching the Olympic Games and enjoy seeing athletes vibes.
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I am new to this site and this group, but am happy to have found my way here! Since my diagnosis I have had fitness and daily activity as part of my plan. I am also using a therapeutic keto nutritional approach as an adjunct to my standard of care treatments. All of this has allowed me to tolerate the treatments with minimal side effects. I often tell my Oncology Team that MBC has been the best thing for my health. They often look at me as if I have 3 heads. But they cannot dispute that my approach is working well for me and they say they wish more of their patients did this.
I use my Fitbit to monitor some of my metrics as well as testing my ketones everyday. The physical activities I enjoy doing include Spinning, Rails-to-Trails cycling, weight training, Pilates on the Reformer, hiking, and axe throwing. I look forward to connecting with other MBC survivors
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Wavesofharmony, you activity sounds quite vigorous and I am sure that it has a lot to do with your chemo tolerance. Have never done keto, could not since all I really like are black bean meals with spinach and beefless ground for the nutrition but that is OK.
I am glad to see you. I mostly walk. My weight training involves lifting my little washer and spinner out of t he tub for showering. I do enjoy walks. I mostly go for the 10000 steps a day and usually plan a long walk at least once a week eg Walk 8.5 km/5.28 miles roundtrip just to have a burger meal at the restaurant. The walking makes me feel good. I am on Herceptin which only targets a protein in my cancer makeup so I am not hit so hard anyway. Usually walk to and from the hospital for treatments, scans etc.
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Hi wavesofharmony, nice to meet you!
can you fill out your profile? what treatments are you on? Where are your met?
I was just at the massage therapist having my traps and pecs worked on. I started a new weights routine and I got so sore!
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When I was first diagnosed I was working with a Naturopathic Physician who had me on tons of supplements and a very restrictive nutrition plan. In addition she had me doing 2-hour infrared sauna sessions a day and wanted me to only do light activity, like gentle walking and restorative yoga. During the time I worked with her (and she was billed as a Naturopathic cancer specialist in the metabolic approach to cancer) my cancer became more aggressive and spread deeper into my bones. It was when I altered my plan and began receiving standard of care treatment and a more reasonable nutrition plan that I began to feel better in spite of the introduction of medications. As a post menopausal woman in my mid-60s I understand the importance of maintaining muscle mass in order to maintain functional mobility and balance.
I am very fortunate to be married to someone who has always been active and who encourages me to be the same. We came together when we were in our 40s and we want as much good quality time together as we can have. I know that being diagnosed with MBC in my 60s, statistically is not good in terms of longevity. But I am determined to have the best quality of life I can for as long as possible. The nutrition plan I follow along with all the other lifestyle practices I focus on have restored my energy levels and optimized my body composition. I am probably fitter than I ever have been.
I am happy to hear that you are able to get in some walking everyday. Moving is such an important thing
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I think I resolved the visibility problem…
My metastasizes are throughout my spine, ribs and pelvis. In addition to the hormone suppression and Ibrance I receive quarterly infusions of Zometa. In the past year there are no new areas of mets and scans show healing of those areas.
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What’s your new weight routine? I just finished my balance/weight workout using the BOSU and some hand weights.
Hope the massage does its magic!
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Yay, got the 5k done and am currently doing 20 minute walks with the hubs mon-fri. I could do more but he’s got a problem with his leg, so we’re working up to that.
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Great job Mae, glad you completed the 5K and are steadily walking, that is great! Good cause you are supporting as well.
I walked to the grocery store further away today, was quite hot and found it was hard to figure out how to get there as unbeknownst to me, a large section of road I use along the way was under construction. I finally got to the store, got what I needed and came home. Got 10000 steps in that trip but the walk home was hot and I got tired and body was stressed. Made it home and promptly fell asleep. If the weather is better tomorrow morning, I may take a walk up to Walmart and back for an 11k walk with a food break as well. It will all depend on the weather.
I got a new UV shirt as well which I quite like. Material dries sweat quickly so I use it as a walking shirt.
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hurrah illimae! Yay for the mermaids!
waves, boring workout with free weights. It was from a small thing a PT prescribed years ago. My massage was lovely & so worth it. I go to a registered massage therapist and it's considered allied health so it's covered by my extended health insurance.
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Well, did my walk today. Was hot so I figure if I need more steps will get them in on my treadmill. So far did 8500 steps or approx 6.5 km or just over 4 miles which is good enough I guess. Just went for groceries and picked a store further away. Only milk and a chocolate treat though since I have to carry it home. Brought 2 neck fans. Wore one there and home and in case it ran out would use the second one. Brought water for the way home. Lovely and still ice cold since it is from water bottles in the refrigerator. I just use tap water, stick it in the fridge and put in the metal water bottle when needed.
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Wavesofharmony: Axe throwing. Wow. I am impressed to say the least. When were you first diagnosed and under the care of a naturopath? I am all in favour of using non-traditional treatment as an adjunct to current Western treatments. We should all be keen on good nutrition and it is too bad that we need a slap up the head to make us realize that.
To all: I need to get off my arse and do some real walking and not pretend that doing daily shopping up and down Hastings Street (about five blocks each way, there and back) at a fast pace is exercise.
moth: I should look into massage as part of my integrated health care.
mae: love the pic. Are manatees considered "chubby mermaids" ?
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Elderberry, yes! These speculation that they were an early source of mermaid stories but who knows, it’s funny though.
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Elderberry - I received the BC diagnosis in November, 2019 and had to wait and go through weeks of testing to get the final diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in late January, 2020. I began working with the Naturopath in January. Initially I worked solely with the Naturopathic Physician also in January, 2020 because my original Oncologist seemingly wrote me off. She said she wanted me to take 3 different medications and wrote them down on a scrap piece of paper and told me to search the Internet for information about them. She was just not a good fit for me. I have studied and worked in the Natural Health realm for many years. And I am someone who wants to understand the details about my health.
I worked with the Naturopathic Physician until about June, 2020 when it became clear from worsening test results and symptoms that her approach wasn’t working for me. After an expensive (add-on) consultation she said I was getting sicker because of trapped rage at my parents. That sounded like a cop-out and my therapist (who has known me for 17 years (on emotional, mental and spiritual levels) agreed that that perspective was inaccurate. I found an Oncologist through a second opinion and actually ended up on the 3 medications recommended by the first Oncologist. The difference was my new Oncologist took the time to explain the actions, why’s, etc. for me. He also always listens to my concerns and supports my nutrition and lifestyle practices.
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mae: yes, funny. Most mermaid illustrations show these great beauties with scaly bottom torsos. Their beauty lures sailors in and then they drag them to their deaths in the depths. I heard that maybe dolphins were the mermaids since dolphins will still come and hold people up in the water. Where is the long wavy hair? The bare bossoms? Ha ha.
waves: Shame, shame, shame on the first oncologist. Had she never heard about "printed handouts" for you to review and discuss with her. I dropped my first MO like the proverbial hot potato and found a wonderful MO. Since Covid we do tele-appointments but he is always open and responsive to emails. I am at a lost for words to say my reaction to the suppressed rage diagnosis.
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I've been lurking around, trying to allow myself to apply the word "fitness" to myself...lol. I think I was too scared and sad when first diagnosed to do anything physical, and after SBRT radiation to my spine, my RO instructed me to not lift anything over 20 pounds for several months. Well, it's been several months and I want to make peace with this body of mine! I'm seriously heartened by all the walking and 5k-ing and axe throwing going on here, holy cow. I have only been doing yard work, which I love, but I don't work up a sweat every day out there - some days it's just peacefully watering things. Which is wonderful in its own way, of course. But I need and want to do more. Thanks for the inspiration, this is what I love about this site.
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SF cakes, a peaceful mind and rest are important too. I’ve always found baby steps and consistency best for increasing activity.
Currently, DH and I are doing just one mile a day, next week I’ll try to get him to 1.5, no rush.
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SF-cakes,My axe throwing is not really as impressive as it sounds! The axe we throw only weighs 1-pound. So, is it a big workout? No. But it is a great stress reliever and a ton of fun.
When I first mentioned my axe throwing to my Oncologist, he was quite concerned. He said he didn't want me lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds. I jokingly said I wouldn't be able to pick up our cat…who is a big boy and weighs more than 15 pounds. But after our conversation I was worried about weight training, so I requested an appointment with the Physical Therapist who has access to my scans and could advise me about working out. I went to the appointment armed with a big notebook on everything I had been doing. She just shook her head and said I am not the typical 64 year old BC patient seen in the clinic. Her advice was to continue to do what I am doing but to just be careful of exercise with weighted twisting.
If you have an axe throwing venue in your area, I would highly recommend you try it. Great fun!
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Wavesofharmony, That. Looks. Amazing. Thanks for sharing that photo! I think I was picturing some massive axe contest like out of the movie Braveheart or something... Can see how this would relieve some stress! I don't know if this is a thing in my part of the world, but I'm looking into it.
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I think axe throwing would be a good way to let off stress and get some well needed movement through the shoulders and chest for sure. Would have to see if there is such a place here in Ontario.
Going to walk to and from the hospital for my doctor appointment and infusion. Pretty hot and humid but am used to that. Only time that would be a problem is if I had to walk over an hour. Will wear my neck fan and charge while at my appointments at the cancer clinic. Should get close to 10000 which is fine with me.
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Have to add, my neighborhood is a pain. So many side streets blocked off for roadwork that I was unaware of. Annoying to say the least.
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Wow, almost got thrown off my treadmill. My belt had been jerky and not looking up the issue earlier, decided I was going to walk on it today. Discovered the belt was at fault. Looked up the owner manual, found the allen key and went about adjust since the belt was on the left hand side. adjust the belt and ran it until it was centered and tried it again. This time it is working. Bought some treadmill oil from amazon though as I have not lubricated the belt yet. Only thing that sucks is banged my head hard after putting the allen key back where it belongs. Must be the 13th after all.
Planning to pick up the walking outside today though until I get my lubricant for the belt tomorrow hopefully. Note to self, tighten the belt every once in a while and make sure to keep it in the middle. The other issue is that my apartment is small and when open the treadmill is right near the front door so that could have been an issue also.
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Mara,
Be careful! A health coach program I got certified through taught us simple tenets for longevity and one of them is avoid silly mistakes. Moving and activity are important but you have to do it in such a way as to not hurt yo
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aaa Mara, what a Friday the 13, I am glad you managed it after all but be careful please (((hugs)))
I see many new vibes here. a brief about me for newbies, I started walking last year around June, after fracture, radiation, bedrest.. I started few minutes per day like 3-5 minutes and wasn’t easy, thanks to Mara who inspired me and the energy of this thread, in good conditions I can walk 45 minutes now, sometimes 2 courses of 25-30 minutes.
I like axe throwing!!! I can imagine that C on the target and throw the axe with all my power, what a feeling!!!!!
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Weather is very nice out so planning a long walk to the burger joint further away that I enjoy. Total roundtrip will be 9km/almost 6 miles. Lunch will be the rest in the middle. At my speed of walking, takes almost an hour and a half to get there and same amount of time to get home. Will post step total after.
Nice walk overall, got sweaty but the weather was actually comfortable, not humid either which was nice. Grand total of steps roundtrip 14576 which is pretty good. Sitting on the couch with my neck fan on, glad I wore my UV shirt as well.
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Yay Mara! 6 miles though, must be some burger.
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well-equipped Mara, 2 thumbs up for 6 miles 👍
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Mae, I do love the burger. I always get the snack size burger and onion rings and pepsi. It helps to motivate me to go further.
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What a great use of this forum! Between initial diagnosis in 2015 and bone mets discovery in 2018, I got into the best shape of my life. 4am boot camp, hiking all over the San Diego mountains, Spartans, etc. I ran a Spartan after my third AC infusion, and now I do almost nothing. It's really got me down. I could use some of your enthusiasm. Less whining and more Motrin!
A good friend of mine has taken up pickle ball. I'd so love to join her, but I'm moderately concerned that I'd break something. And I know I'd be the weak (wo)man on the court; something I'm just going to have to get over.
I'll spare you all the other excuses because we all have them. I'm just going to get moving, so thank you for the inspiration. Walking to the burger joint is a great place to start.
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