Anyone trying to get back into shape post BC?

Hi there -
I'm 58 years old and a year out from a unilateral mastectomy and radiation (now on an aromatase inhibitor (Anastrozole) and protein inhibitor (Verzenio). I, too, was very out of shape. I feel fortunate that our local hospital has a Lifestyle Medicine dept with a small gym. I used their "Lifestyle 365" program to jumpstart getting back into shape and lifting weights carefully (I have osteoporosis). This type of gym in the hospital is super comfortable because it's just patients trying to get better and hospital staff. Now I'm out lifting on my own and have more confidence.

What has really helped me is to have what I call a "fitness challenge" in the future - something to look forward to and "train" for. For example, last year I made it a goal to briskly walk a half marathon in the Seattle Marathon (here's a little video that I'm in about training for the 1/2 marathon after cancer: https://vimeo.com/1031362655/a4134f6708?share=copy). Now I'm focused on the "Base to Space" event which is walking up stairs on the outside of the Space Needle (40 stories). It's not so much that I really care about a half marathon or walking up that many stairs, but getting in shape for these small "fitness challenges" motivates me to stay off the couch and it's fun to get out in the community where you're all trying to meet those goals.

Good topic! I’d find it helpful to share and motivate!
I’m finding it difficult to put enough focus on managing my food lately, although I feel it’s a priority. I’m stuck at an uncomfortable weight. (DCIS 2022, radiation, tamoxifen, last surgery to adjust breast shape Nov 2024, now testing for subclinical hypothyroidism, high cortisol, possible adrenal hyperplasia- the doctor visits seem unending.)

If it’s any help to you, I have found I’ve made slow and steady gains on exercising. Two years ago I walked into a gym knowing I needed to do something. I felt very uncomfortable there, and disliked going. But I went, and just did what I could, consistently. It’s a bit embarrassing - the small amount of weight I can lift, and my slow pace on the elliptical but I realize everyone is there for themselves and don’t really care what I’m doing.
I now go 2x a week and feel comfortable. Never thought that would happen! I started rowing and found it’s actually one of my favorite ways to exercise.

I may need to go back to using a food tracking system, like you mentioned MyFitnessPal. I have the LoseIt app downloaded, will probably use that.
Thanks for the post - it was the right comment at the right time!

Hi there -
I'm 58 years old and a year out from a unilateral mastectomy and radiation (now on an aromatase inhibitor (Anastrozole) and protein inhibitor (Verzenio). I, too, was very out of shape. I feel fortunate that our local hospital has a Lifestyle Medicine dept with a small gym. I used their "Lifestyle 365" program to jumpstart getting back into shape and lifting weights carefully (I have osteoporosis). This type of gym in the hospital is super comfortable because it's just patients trying to get better and hospital staff. Now I'm out lifting on my own and have more confidence.

What has really helped me is to have what I call a "fitness challenge" in the future - something to look forward to and "train" for. For example, last year I made it a goal to briskly walk a half marathon in the Seattle Marathon (here's a little video that I'm in about training for the 1/2 marathon after cancer: https://vimeo.com/1031362655/a4134f6708?share=copy). Now I'm focused on the "Base to Space" event which is walking up stairs on the outside of the Space Needle (40 stories). It's not so much that I really care about a half marathon or walking up that many stairs, but getting in shape for these small "fitness challenges" motivates me to stay off the couch and it's fun to get out in the community where you're all trying to meet those goals.

Thank you for sharing your story! Your doctor sounds very detailed! Mine did a basic blood panel which I'm having done again after six weeks of exercise to see if I can get my cholesterol down.

I too feel very embarrassed going to the gym. I've decided to start out walking outdoors and doing some online weight workout videos on YouTube. Last year I had started wall Pilates videos on YouTube and may look to do that again.

I've read that, as "mature" women, we really need to focus on getting enough protein. I realized I'm not getting nearly enough. And I'm terrible about staying hydrated. I'm hoping tracking helps me remember both of those.

Stay in touch! I want to hear how you are doing!

@val97 I was able to get my cholesterol down by going on the Mediterranean diet and increasing exercise.
In 2021 my doc wanted me on a statin but I resisted for about 6 months, said I’d try lifestyle changes (not Mediterranean diet then). No change in numbers, so went on a statin. Last summer, 2024, I took myself off the statin because I felt it might be making my memory worst. This time I tried Mediterranean & more exercise.

My general doctor doesn’t think the numbers are low enough. And the internist at MD Anderson agreed. But my doc decided to run a lipoprotein A test just to see. This test is being used more often to help determine the need for cholesterol lowering meds when there is a question. My lipoprotein is high, 87. So pretty much regardless of lipid panel testing scores, I’m going back on the statin. I am going to monitor my memory (if I remember, haha) this time and in 3 months if it’s affecting my memory we may need to look at other meds. There are a few diseases that scare me as I get older, Alzheimer’s is one. But living like a zombie because a drug is affecting my brain, is just as concerning.

I attached a screen shot of my lipid panel from 2021 and April 2025 if you’re interested to see. Interestingly my triglycerides are higher now. It’s always something!

I’m confused! My lipid panel is similar to yours 2025. My PD didn’t say anything about putting me on statin! I thought my cholesterol was good!

@myoga I thought my 2025 numbers looked pretty good, too. The internist had already mentioned that she thought the LDL would be better around 45-50. I see her as part of the survivorship program. Normally she doesn’t look at my cholesterol but the anti-cancer drug I’m on, tamoxifen, is known to raise cholesterol and I had asked her how much of an effect it would be. So she pulled up my numbers - and commented on the LDL.

My general practitioner is the one who prescribes the statin. Because she thought the numbers were still towards the high end of the range, she ran the lipoprotein A blood test and ordered a heart CT scan for coronary calcium - both to help decide statin or no statin.
(She has gotten pretty use to me, I guess! It takes a bit of convincing to get me to take any drug!!)

It’s the high Lipoprotein A that is a problem.

Lipoprotein A is mostly genetic and there is nothing to do, or take, to lower it. So the doc says the only way to counterbalance the high number is to lower the regular LDL as much as possible. Pharmaceutical companies are working on a drug now, but it’s not ready yet. Any score over 50 on the lipoprotein A is considered high.

Thank you for the explanation! I’ll ask my doctor about testing for lipoprotein. There’s no history of heart attack in my family, maybe that’s why my doctor didn’t order the test. That or she doesn’t know about it. Thanks again!!