Stem Cell transplant. Chemotherapy. Radiation. Surgery. Medications. The list goes on and on for those that have had cancer treatment. The oncologist will say “Your cancer has been cured” or “It is in remission.” GREAT! But, what is next? Are you left with questions about how you are going to live your life now? Do you still have fatigue? Numbness and tingling in your feet? Trouble walking or running? Want to get back to your active lifestyle running or playing basketball on the weekend?
After a cancer treatment and then recovery, patients are often left with the continued effects of said treatment. You might be left with symptoms such as
Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness in hands/feet)
“Chemo-brain” (fogginess, confusion, trouble with multi-tasking, etc)
Severe fatigue
Tightness of arm/legs
General weakness
Poor endurance
Appetite loss
Depression, anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Sounds like a lot and it is. Cancer patients might be in remission or might be “cured,” but sometimes it can take months or longer to feel like themselves again.
Good news is there are people out there to help you! Fitness programs (when designed appropriately) can actually reduce the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, or stem cell transplant. This can lead to improved energy levels, strength, and independence. Additionally, exercise can decrease the severity of pain you might be experiencing after chemotherapy.
Now you might be asking: “Well what is the secret?” Or “What do I have to do to get rid of this fatigue?” Or “How can I get back to my Zumba classes?”
The best answer is: it depends.
Everyone is different. Especially when it comes to your journey with cancer and cancer recovery. I can say that a fitness plan/program that incorporates aerobic, resistance, and balance training programs will be the best for most individuals.
Aerobic training
Aerobic training is often interchangeable with endurance training. This means that we are getting the heart rate and respiratory rate up. It is the rhythmic and continuous movement where we use large muscles/muscle groups to move the body.
Aerobic training training can include:
Walking
Jogging/running
Biking
Swimming
Rowing
The most important thing is the frequency, intensity, and duration of said exercise. You must be in the correct intensity to experience the benefits described above.
Resistance training
Resistance training has been crucial in regards to decreasing the effects of cancer treatment according to research recently (and in all honesty, my favorite part of the exercise programs). Strength/resistance training has demonstrated improvement in muscle strength and physical functioning, and reducing fatigue and sarcopenia.
Again, it is imperative to have the correct intensity, frequency, weight, or type of exercises. This varies from each person and medical history.
Resistance training can include:
Body weight resistance
Barbell
Free weights
Resistance machines
Bands
Balance training
Lastly, every program should incorporate some form of balance exercises. This can prevent the risk of falls especially for those who may be weaker or experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
One client might be very unsteady and require a cane or walker, while another client may just feel “a little off” with quick turns or stairs.
A common theme above is that the exercise program is very much geared toward the individual. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to fitness programs especially with those with a significant current or past history of cancer/leukemia.
Just know one thing: you can and will get back to your normal self! I have treated patients who have felt like they could never get back to those Zumba classes or to being able to pick up their grandkids again. You can do it. It just might take some time, work, and encouragement, but I know you can do it.
You have already beaten cancer or leukemia. Now let’s continue to fight back. Let’s get you back! Stronger and better than ever!!
Now, who can you reach out to? Physical therapists are always a good place to start (I might be a little bias) especially if they have a background in neurological, geriatric, or oncology care. Additionally, occupational therapists or speech therapists are a good resource to reach out as well. Also, there are ACSM certified cancer specialists who are great fitness-minded professionals as well!
I would recommend reaching out to one of these professionals to start your fitness program. Even if it is just for a couple of visits, they can give you guidelines on how to begin and what would be most appropriate/beneficial for you!
If you or a loved one is interested in starting an exercise program today, let me know! Reach out at 412-790-9717 and I am here to see if we can begin this fitness journey together! I can come to your home (if in the Pittsburgh area) or provide virtual visits. I would be honored to have the opportunity to help you get back to your hobbies/active lifestyle!
Thanks for stopping by!
Kelly
*****Medical disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this website and channel is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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