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← Return to Exercise during chemo
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I was diagnosed in Dec of 2018 and did not start chemo until Feb 2019.. During that time I was trying to hit the gym at least 3 times per week and basically only did the bike and a bit of rowing.. I use to ride my bike a bit, but 3 months ago developed a PVT blood clot and now I am afraid of riding my bike. I do go to tai chi on Wednesday's at a hospice centre which is geared to be very slow.... I try to walk once in a while in order to keep the blood flowing in my legs especially since the clot... but due to a bit of depression.. I don't get out walking as much as I should... like last night I pushed myself to go for a small walk at a park that I like to go to ..
Replies to "I was diagnosed in Dec of 2018 and did not start chemo until Feb 2019.. During..."
janlanderz - Have you discussed exercise with your doctor? Are you on blood thinners? Discussing and getting the approval of the doctor would be of upmost importance. This could probably be done via a phone call (or a message on a portal is your center has that). Once cleared, I would start off slowly as geoger mentioned. Walking is a wonderful way to get exercise and get out of the house...total mood changer. While riding a stationary bike and using a rowing machine (or cables, bands, etc.) are terrific and some of my favorites, you are skipping many parts of your body that need strengthening. Perhaps a trainer at the gym could get you comfortable with a routine to start with. I can understand your fear of riding a bike outdoors if you are on blood thinners. Exercise will help the depression most of us are familiar with having this diagnosis. The more active you are the less time our brains dwell on the cancer. Please don't hesitate to send me a personal message if more guidance is needed. Just click on my name!
@janlanderz Hello, and welcome to Connect. We’re not physicians here, but we can all try to share experiences and hopefully help you find answers. You’ve asked about exercise during chemo. I do know that chemo will make you tired, but that’s all the more reason to exercise. As an oncology nurse, one of the doctors we worked with had just done a study on the benefits of exercise for chemo patients. She then wrote a book but of course, I don’t know the name of it. 😑 I’ll have to look it up. Check with the oncology center where you get treated—they may have groups that exercise together. Get an OK from your doctor, but I’m sure it will be alright. Just start out slow and easy
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