Strength Training benefits during Chemotherapy

Researchers is Canadian just reported the positive effects that cardiovascular and strength training provide breast cancer patients during chemotherapy treatments. They found that the completion rate of treament, for patients that participated in either type of exercise was greater than for the patients that didn't perform any regular exercise.

Personally, I found that during my treatments I seemed to fair much better than many of the women that were receiving chemo treatment at the same time. I truly believe that by being physically fit going into my treatment and staying as active as possible during treatment made a big difference in my ability to handle to chemo.

I had times when getting out of bed was difficult to say the least, but I knew in a couple of days I would feel better. On those days when I had the energy to walk and get fresh air it always proved to be good for me both physically and mentally. Certainly, I wasn't able to keep up the same intensity that I did before surgery and chemo, but I did keep moving as much as possible. Remember doing something is better than doing nothing.

Many women complain of weight gain during chemo for breast cancer. This can be avoided or at least minimized by exercise. Exercise also helps you participate in your own health and well-being by being proactive during your journey. For me it was the one thing I had some control over instead of being passive.

How to improve your mood

Wheather you just discovered you have Breast Cancer or you are and old pro like me (this is the 20th month since being diagnosised) you can benefit from physical activity. It doesn't have to be much, any movement is better than none. Of course this is assuming you didn't just have surgery and are not under doctors orders to stay quiet and limit your movement.
Not only will you feel better by moving your body, it will also help you think about and hopefully remember to breath. This is turn helps you circulation, which helps the healing process. It also will make you feel better mentally. Exercise is a proven mood enhancer and it doesn't require and injection or IV!
I know some of you think I'm crazy, especially if you just had your chemo or the very painful Neulasta or other medications to improve your white blood cell count. So, maybe plan a few days out and make a date with a friend that will go at your speed and timing. Just walk. Rest if you need to and keep up your fluid intake.
Please remember you can send questions regarding exercise and breast cancer to me through this blog.
I look forward to hearing from you.

In health and happiness

Kath