But, before you start exercising after hearing all this, there's one important thing I want to tell you. That is, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get his approval and advice.
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Benefits of exercising before and during chemo
Simply put, you are preparing for a big battle. Chemotherapy is like that. So, if you strengthen your body well before that battle, you will have great strength to withstand the treatments and recover quickly after them. Staying as active as possible can even help reduce complications after surgery. Not only that, exercise is a great medicine to control the anxiety and stress that come with knowing that you have cancer, to get good energy for the body, and to sleep well at night. True, when you start receiving chemo treatment, your body may gradually feel tired and exhausted. It may seem difficult to exercise at such a time. That is why some people find it easier to exercise the day before receiving chemo treatment. Let's see what other benefits of exercising during cancer treatment are.| Benefit | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Decreased muscle weakness | Treatment helps prevent muscle weakness. |
| Pain relief | It helps relieve pain caused by cancer or treatment. |
| Weight control | Weight gain or loss may sometimes occur with treatment. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight. |
| Strengthening immunity | Your body's immune system gets more power to fight cancer cells (anti-tumor activity). |
| Stamina | Frequent fatigue and tiredness are reduced, and you gain the energy to stay active throughout the day. |
| Mental strength | The feeling of "I am actively doing something for my health" gives you great mental strength. |
Things to follow when exercising during cancer treatment
You might be surprised to hear this. The recommended amount of exercise for both people with cancer and healthy people is the same. That is:- At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise , such as brisk walking or cycling.
- Or, at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity exercise.
- In addition, it is also very good to do resistance exercises that strengthen the body's major muscles two or three days a week .
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Check Availability →Be very careful when exercising at times like this!
While exercise is good, there are times when you need to be extra careful. In such cases, it is wise to stop exercising, or reduce it, or talk to your doctor before making a decision.| Situation requiring attention | Things to do/things to remember |
|---|---|
| Extreme fatigue or low blood counts | If you feel unimaginably tired, if your blood test shows anemia/low red blood cell count, or if you feel out of control, do not exercise on those days. |
| Low White Blood Cell Count | Low white blood cells mean that your immunity is weak. Avoid exercising in crowded places like the gym during this time, because you can easily get germs from outside and develop infections. |
| Spread of cancer to the bones (Bone Metastasis) | If the cancer has spread to your bones, your bones may become weak. So, be very careful when doing things like lifting weights or doing exercises that could put you at risk of falling. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. |
| Numbness or pain in the limbs (Peripheral Neuropathy) | Chemotherapy can sometimes cause numbness and pain in the limbs. This can lead to loss of balance and an increased risk of falling. If possible, exercise with someone for support rather than alone. |
💡 Take-Home Message
- Exercising before and during cancer treatment has many physical and mental benefits.
- Before starting any exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor and get advice that is appropriate for your condition.
- Listen to your body. If you feel tired or sore, rest. Never force yourself to exercise.
- Avoid exercising in public places when your white blood cell count is low. It is very important to protect yourself from infections.
- Exercise is part of your treatment journey. The energy it gives you is priceless.
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