Anyone trying to get back into shape post BC?

Posted by val97 @val97, Jun 11 12:28pm

Hi. I am 53 (about to become 54). I was diagnosed August '23, had a double mastectomy in October '23, a second surgery to get clear margins in November '23 and my reconstruction March '24. No chemo or radiation and put on Tamoxifen. Post that, we sold our house, packed up and moved August '24 and have been working in an elementary school and trying to rehab a house. In March '25 I had a surgery to remove my ovaries so I could be put on Letrozole. Each surgery left me unable to do any kind of exercise for 6 weeks. I got out of a routine and now find myself gaining weight and feeling tired.

I've really let myself go between recovery, depression and dealing with the chaos of moving to a new city where I didn't know a soul. I'm trying to take the next six weeks to get myself into a good exercise routine and watch my diet. I've just registered on MyFitnessPal, have been walking hills, doing sprints, using weights and will start yoga next week but, holy cow, am I out of shape!! This first week has been very frustrating. I get tired easily and feel so weak!

Anyone else out there is this spot? I'd love to find a some people to chat with to keep each other motivated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

myoga | @myoga | Jun 15 6:23am

In reply to @triciaot "@myoga I think it’s pretty recent that it’s being tested, just make sure it’s lipoprotein A...." + (show)

Thank you!!

celestebradham | @celestebradham | Jun 15 9:10am

I’m older 60- but my insurance offer a free program to anyone who is over weight, high blood pressure or pre diabetic. I got a scale, high blood pressure cuff. It all goes to their app. And you can see progress.If you have a fit bit or Apple Watch they will track your steps. They have a section for tracking food intake and offer free coaches advice.
*I had already been doing healthy yoga and pranayama ( which I LOVE) and it’s made a difference too in blood pressure.
It’s slow progress… stay with it
*

cookercooker | @cookercooker | Jun 15 9:27am

Here's an explanation of "How to boost your 'good' cholesterol" from the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388. It mentions the pro and cons of statins as well.

cmb93 | @cmb93 | Jun 16 7:34am

I’m 55, and trying to do the same! Swimming everyday is my go to (bad knees). Diagnosed 5/24, dmx 8/24, finished radiation 11/24, ovaries removed 12/24 and the fatigue was unreal. Slowly started swimming each day and changing daily eating habits. I agree with @celestebradham my insurance company provided great support with weekly to biweekly check ins with nurse, nutritionist, weight coach, etc. am up to swimming about min of 1 hour a day. Am also finding going to bed earlier has been a must and game changer. Doing my best to drop the weight and get new knees! Hang in there and know you are not alone in this new season of changes. Keep the faith! You’ve got this!

celestebradham | @celestebradham | Jun 16 8:39am

In reply to @cmb93 "I’m 55, and trying to do the same! Swimming everyday is my go to (bad knees)...." + (show)

I was swimming too until I got osteopenia( after a year of Exemestane - so exercise needed to be bone on bone.

val97 | @val97 | 6 days ago

All this info has been super helpful! Thank you for sharing.

Can I ask if anyone has struggled with weight GAIN and bloating the first week or two or more of getting back to more intense exercise? I've actually gained 5 lbs since starting and feel like my whole system is off.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | 6 days ago

If you have a YMCA in your area, Livestrong at the Y is a great program, and it's FREE!
It takes some commitment as a 12 week program, but that brings a sense of accountability too. It was great for me! Very nurturing and knowledgeable teams lead you through the program. Some weeks we talked about cancer, other weeks we didn't at all. I went through the program three years ago, and I'm still going to my local Y a few times per week, along with others that were in my Livestrong class.
https://livestrong.org/how-we-help/livestrong-at-the-ymca/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/livestrong-program/

elliejk | @elliejk | 5 days ago

Im 61 and similar but no reconstruction i stayed flat and already had ovaries out so on Anastrozole. Gym 3xweek sometimes 4

We could be friends in MyFitnessPal

myoga | @myoga | 4 days ago

In reply to @celestebradham "I was swimming too until I got osteopenia( after a year of Exemestane - so exercise..." + (show)

I’m not sure how much exercise help with bone protection. I run, walk, and do light weigh training every other day. Yet, my last Dexa went deeper into osteopenia. Still, I’ll continue with the exercise because it makes me feel good. I’m also taking vit D+K with salmon bone that I cook in pressure cooker. Not sure that works either. I’ll know in October when I’m scheduled for another Dexa. By the way, I’m moving on from exemestane to Letrozole now! 🤗

cjefferson67 | @cjefferson67 | 4 hours ago

Hello, I'm a breast cancer survivor. First diagnosed in 1999 with ductile carcinoma breast cancer in my left breast. I had reconstruction surgery no chemo or radiation. The cancer returned in 2002. I had chemo for 8 months. Surgery then radiation for 6 weeks. After these treatments it left me extremely exhausted. Also taking several medications at the time. One thing I've learned through all this is that medication are toxic to the body which adds the fatigue. Over the years I had to learn to listen to my body. Rest when tire. Correct my diet. Exercise. Start out slow. I very been in remission now for 23 years from metastatic breast cancer. Allow the body to heal. Goung through cancer treatments can put a toll on the body. Give the body a chance to heal itself. Stay positive which helps build the immune system.