Chemotherapy treatment involves the use of different medicines that destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of cancer and has a high success rate. However, the treatment also results in several side effects such as nausea, hair loss, anemia and fatigue. Exercise can aid patients in dealing with the side effects of chemotherapy better, says the Gastric Cancer Fund.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatments involve medicines that stop the division of cancer cells or destroy them completely. Chemotherapy medications may be administered before or after surgery and in varying doses, depending on a patient's condition. Because chemotherapy affects the entire body, it can also destroy normal cells in the body, causing side effects.
Cancer-Related Fatigue
According to the Gastric Cancer Fund, more than 70 percent of cancer patients who receive treatments such as chemotherapy, biotherapy or radiation experience cancer-related fatigue. The condition causes a continued feeling of tiredness that interferes with an individual's ability to function normally. Prolonged bed rest, inactivity and medication are all contributing factors to this condition. Regular exercise that involves different activities is beneficial in combating cancer-related fatigue and improving overall well being.
Disturbances in Sleep
Patients undergoing chemotherapy can sleep better if they exercise, says Dr. Miles Hassell, director of Integrative Medicine for Providence Cancer Center. People who experience extreme fatigue can aim to split up their exercise routine into manageable intervals of about 10 minutes each. The other benefits of daily exercise include improvement in mood, lower risk of anemia and better counts in white cells.
Types of Beneficial Exercises
Cardiovascular exercises such as walking and swimming increase stamina and strengthen the heart. Lifting weights and working with resistance bands improves muscle tone and strengthens the body. Exercises that involve stretching keep the muscles flexible and reduce pressure on the joints. All these exercises are beneficial in improving an individual's overall health, well being and state of mind during and after chemotherapy.
Precautions
Consult your physician before embarking on an exercise program. Exercise in a manner that is beneficial to you and not too rigorous or taxing. Exercise must not interfere with any required weight gain and must also help you to maintain your weight at a normal level. If you want to increase the intensity of exercises in your workout program, seek the approval of your physician.
