Breast cancer treatment with chemotherapy and radiation leave the body and mind exhausted and weak. Many doctors recommend a lot of rest during treatment. Many also recommend at least daily exercise to provide energy, lift your mental state and move the chemotherapy and radiation medication through and then out of your body.
Walking
Walking is simple and easy to do, and you don't need any equipment to get started. Begin at a modest pace and time, realizing that your energy level lowers---fatigue sets in a bit quicker during treatment. Walking from the house to the end of the block could be the farthest you go. Ideally, try to walk around the block, or even around the house, at least four times a week. If you go outside, take it slow and bring a friend or family member.
Yoga
Now the furthest thing from your mind is the thought of standing on your head in a yoga class. Yoga is a gentle exercise in which you pace yourself. A number of styles of yoga exist, and some even offer class specifically for breast cancer patients. Hatha and kundalini yoga styles can be modified to your energy needs. Plus, yoga also helps to relax and calm the mind, as well as provide movement and strengthening.
Tai Chi
Another meditative and slow-moving exercise style is tai chi. Tai chi is a martial arts technique featuring postures or poses that move from one into another---similar to dancing. A flowing motion-style exercise sequence, tai chi stimulates the immune and lymphatic systems.
Swimming
Swimming is both a calming and healthful form of exercise. It gently moves the muscles, strengthens breathing and stimulates the lymphatic system. As good as this exercise is for you during treatment, caution must be taken, especially if mastectomy surgery has been performed prior to chemotherapy. If choosing swimming as your daily exercise, talk to your surgeon and/or oncologist how long to wait until entering the pool---many state waiting at least a full month after surgery.
Biking
A quick bike ride around the block pumps the blood through the body, and also lifts the spirits. As with walking, biking may be more exhausting than before treatment. Ride to the end of the block and then rest. See how you feel before you try for a longer ride. Fifteen minutes four times weekly will give you exactly the right amount of exercise.
Gardening
You never thought tinkering around in the garden could be exercise, did you? Well those bending, squatting and digging movements keep your heart rate down, lower your stress level, and also provide you a dose of vitamin D while outside. Take a moment to go outside, pull a few weeds and breathe some fresh air. Even a few minutes break up the day and give you much-needed daily exercise.
Caution: Easy Does It
Exercise can be done during breast cancer treatment, but with any exercise program, consult with your doctor before starting. Talk to him about your special requirements and needs during breast cancer treatment. And DO NOT exercise if you have any of the following: fever; nausea or vomiting; muscle, joint, chest, arm, or jaw pain; swelling of any type; irregular heart beat; dizziness, or have any treatments scheduled for the same day as your exercise program.
References
- "Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook"; Judy C. Kneece, RN; 2005
- "The Encyclopedia of Breast Cancer"; C. Turkington et al.; 2005
- "Breast Cancer Q&A: Insightful Answers to the 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions"; C. Pfeuffer; 2003
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (2nd Ed)"; Michael Murray, N.D.; 1999
