SATURDAY STRENGTH: Exercise Does Help With Side Effects...

I don't know about you, but even though my last chemo treatment was over 2 years ago, I still have aches and pains, and fatigue. It's very frustrating. I've searched the internet to see if others are experiencing this same thing, and sure enough... there are tons of survivors who feel like this. I've been trying to figure out a way to get rid of these side effects from chemo, and I keep thinking that exercise will help. But, it's so darn hard to exercise when you feel so awful. Finally... I just found a testimonial from a cancer survivor, that assured me that exercise DID help her. I thought I'd share what I found...

I had chemo and radiation 22 months ago and I as well have aches and joint pains. I can't say it was/is excruciating but I felt my body was turning into this old crippled woman. I had to do something. About 3 months ago I started exercising. NOT for weight loss/control but for a healthy well being. I was walking some, however I didn't feel the benefit until I increased my workout. I do a combo of may different things since I tend to get bored with the same exercise, and quit! I jump rope, jog some, do some stairs, some Taebo, sit- ups, weights and a little toning. It takes about a hour. I cannot express how much this has helped me. I now occasionally have pains. Usually in my hips. Some have totally disappeared. The numbness and tingleness in my feet and toes seems to have improved. I feel like I have my life back, after almost 2 years! I now have the energy to do things I couldn't. Starting out was VERY hard. My knees hurt terribly, and ankles. It was very frustrating. I was trying to help other things but created other pains. However I kept doing it, (5 days a week) and it passed within a couple of weeks. I dont know if you have a exercise routine, but I hope this will encourage you and others to do so. Especially those that have joint pains. I feel this has been my saving grace.

Keep in mind - if you are experiencing pain, or anything unusual - don't forget to mention it to your doctor at your next checkup. That's really important. There could be something wrong. However, if he thinks you are physically fine, then maybe try to start exercising. If you are already doing this, then try doing a little more. And be patient - remember, she said that it took a little while before she could see results, as far as relief from pain.

I hope this helps.

-Kara

SATURDAY STRENGTH: Jyze - equipment that helps with rehabilitation...

Having breast cancer can cause of sorts of problems, but one of the problems I've found is that I'm having a hard time getting my strength back. I've been going through all of my exercise equipment - to see what might help, especially with my chest and arms. I unearthed this really cool equipment that I bought a few years back. I'm excited to use it - I think it might be a very good thing! It's called Jyze.

I know - sounds weird, but I think you'll like it. One of the things that attracted my attention was that it's good for rehabilitating surgical repairs. Here's some information from their brochure...

Jyze delivers breakthrough utility in rehabilitating injuries and surgical repairs. Jyze's short or long arc exercises improve functional ability and athletic performance and can be used in treating many chronic conditions. With it's simple but easy to use winding action, Jyze provides:

-Extreme versatility with unlimited exercise techniques and uses consistent with today's best rehabilitation protocols

-A spinning action the provides great visual feedback and encourages higher repetitions and longer, stronger workouts

-Improvements in spinal stability, proprioceptive awareness, muscular fitness, and cardiovascular fitness

-Multiple resistance levels with smooth and comfortable pace-based resistance with 3 to 70 pounds of force

-An addition to existing workouts (or it can be used stand-alone for rehabilitation and a return to full function)



I went to their website, and it looks like the system costs $19.95 - for that, you get the yellow resistance band (3-15 pounds) and the orange resistance band (8-30 pounds), a DVD, and some other stuff. I tried to click on the "Shopping" link, but couldn't get anywhere, so if you are interested in this item, you'll probably have to contact them. The email is: info@jyzefit.com The address is: 522 W. 4630 N., Provo, UT 84604
U.S.A.

This item was also featured in Prevention Magazine - to read about it, click HERE.

SATURDAY STRENGTH: Strength and Courage DVD

In researching exercise programs for breast cancer patients, I came across a website called STRENGTH AND COURAGE. The DVD they offer was developed by breast cancer survivors and medical experts. They are a non-profit organization. If you'd like to get more information on their DVD or their group, click HERE.

As far as I can tell, there are no specialized exercise groups here in Utah for breast cancer survivors. I think there is a great need for this. Has anyone heard of programs here for survivors? If so, please email me at: sistersurvivors@gmail.com

Thanks,
Kara

SATURDAY STRENGTH: Cancer Survivors and Patients Urged to Exercise...

Consider this:

In one year, women who needed chemotherapy for their breast cancer can see a swapping of muscle for fat that's equivalent to 10 years of normal aging, says Dr. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In other words, a 45-year-old may find herself with the fatter, weaker body type of a 55-year-old.

In an article in USA Today - July 2010 - cancer patients and survivors are urged to exercise. There is growing proof that exercising can help with some cancer-related fatigue, and that it can improve your quality of life.

A recommendation by the American College of Sports Medicine issued guidelines advising cancer survivors to exercise the same amount of time that an average person should: 2 1/2 hours per week. If cancer patients don't feel up to that amount of exercise, they should at least do something on days when they feel well enough - they should avoid inactivity.

Exercise should include aerobic and strength-training. Check with your oncologist before starting any vigorous exercise program - especially if you have problems with things like Lymphema.

Try to find a physical fitness trainer who specializes in training cancer patients and survivors. Why? Well, for instance, studies have shown that careful weight training can protect against Lymphema, however, the average fitness trainer doesn't know how to safely offer that special training.

If you'd like to read the full article, click HERE.