workit

I read your well-considered piece on exercise and chemotherapy, and must say that while I didn't approach the subject from an empirical perspective, it did occur to me while I went through chemo that physical conditioning could make a marked impact on tolerance levels.

Several times during chemo, I resolved to "push through" my discomfort and be active. Though I was able to do so in the moment, in the aftermath I felt pretty beaten up. That said, in the time between treatments (one every three weeks), once the side effects went away I felt very well, with great energy.

Many, including my doctor, were amazed at how well I tolerated chemo; I'm now about six weeks past my last treatment and sailing along at a good clip, resuming life and getting a lot done.

I'm blessed with a strong body based on years of road biking and stringent exercise, so it was the sheer fact that I brought to the chemo table an able body and a chipper spirit that I've done as well as I have. Certainly, preparing for chemo through physical conditioning could do much to reduce fatigue and other issues.

My most daunting moments were when my typically fit legs could barely carry me up one step, which I attributed to the assault by chemo on my white count. I don't know if conditioning can do anything about that.

I appreciate your studying and addressing this subject. I think it is important. My cousin is a medical oncologist; I'll discuss it with her, and with my own oncologist as well.

Best wishes to you!

I don't know if the China Study is the end all and be all but you don't have to be a weather man to know which way the wind is blowing. I read and study EVERYTHING I can get my hands on about foods and HEALTH and make up my mind that way.
It seems to me if you check places around the world that don't eat flesh foods and lots of grains they appear to be much healthier.
SO.....I'm just taking out an insurance policy by going to Raw Plant foods etc.....Just my take on it and I try and share the info so people are aware of it, do their OWN research and make up their OWN mind. I have gotten my BP down to 110/70 and I am 68 and haven't had a reading like that since college. My weight dropped from 175 - 155 and holding steady AND my anti oxidant levels went from 16,000 ( 10,000 being the worse ) to 47,000 ( 50,000 the best) SO it appears my cells like this diet. We are made up of cells and our Killer T Cells KNOW HOW to kill cancer if they are in tip top shape. SO I plead my case and I rest.....lol
Good Luck to you !!

my husband is having numbness in his finger tips. Dr said he was adjusting his medication but numbness is back. He is starting his third chemo session of the six session cycle. After this one his is supposed to get a scan to see how well chemo is working. This is no easy journey.

I just joined. Was diagnosed in 1996 and 1998 with low grade NHL. Had bmt in 1998 and have been cancer-free since then. I go to a cancer camp in Indy twice a year....Camp Bluebird...newcomers are always welcome!

First of all, workit, I hope you are well. Second - how ironic. You friended me and my wife works for LLS! Have you ever visited the Indy office? They are an amazing organization!

Thanks, workit and thanks for backing me up re: alternative "medicine." This is hard enough without that.

Hi Workit, I hope you're doing well these days. I have 2 types as well, stage IV. I'm remission for just over a year now. Yipee!! The worse part for me was not the chemo but all the needles! Take are, glad you're here, it's a good place to be. Stay well.