Recently I was contacted by David Haas and asked if I would consider a guest post; David is a Family Hospitality Coordinator at Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. His article is on a topic that I have not written about - the importance of physical activity during and following treatment.
Hopefully David's article will inspire us to find an activity - we don't have to work out at the gym or run a marathon, it might be that Yoga or Tai Chi is better suitable for some of us. My thanks to David for sharing this information and for the important work that he does.
Fitness to Assist in Going through Cancer
Dealing with cancer is always extremely difficult. Often, there are too many questions and not enough answers. No matter what stage a person is in, cancer is obviously extremely difficult to deal with, and finding ways to both cope with a cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment, and finding ways to aid in treatment and improving success rates is often on the forefront of everyone's minds. It is becoming more and more common to hear doctors and cancer experts discuss the added benefits of staying active while going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or even while in remission.Obviously, having a physically active lifestyle is generally accepted as an extremely important component in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no matter what a person's overall health is. Taking part in fitness activities provides the same benefits to cancer patients as it does to those who haven't been diagnosed with cancer, and the largest benefit is an improved quality of life. Staying active is extremely important when going through cancer treatment, as it can lead to increased energy levels and can help prevent too much weight gain. It is easy to lead a more sedentary lifestyle while going through cancer treatment, but staying active can help patients stay in shape and enjoy their lives more. Cancer patients suffering from mesothelioma, lung cancer, or any other different types of cancer can enjoy similar benefits from added fitness.There are no definitive guidelines that suggest fitness has a direct impact on cancer survivor rates, and a great deal of further research must be done in order to better understand just how fitness and exercise relates to cancer treatment. However, many mesothelioma doctors and doctors of almost any other kind of cancer are encouraging additional exercise to patients. There has been more and more discussion on exercise and fitness being incorporated as part of treatment plans and routines. One panel recently has begun to spread the word that taking part in exercise is extremely important for cancer patients. This panel wants further research to be done, and wants doctors to begin discussing exercise and fitness options with their patients further, as it isn't enough to just briefly mention fitness as an option. Instead, doctors need to discuss options in depth and decide the best possible routine for each patient. By continuing an active lifestyle through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or remission, a person can enjoy a better overall life.
The Original Intent Of This Blog
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
I'm Still Here!
It's been more than one year since I have written a post so the best place to start is to say that I'M STILL HERE and I'M STILL HEALTHY. Hip-Hip-Hooray! I expect/hope to receive confirmation of the "still healthy" when I see Dr. Patel next month and receive results of the PET and CT scans I had just before Christmas.
The treatment schedule remains the same - every three weeks an infusion of the trial drug and Herceptin. I have been told that some results of the research were presented at a conference this Fall and the results are promising. I have also been told that as of April 2012 I will no longer be required to have the CT scan every nine weeks.
I'm not sure what happens when a research drug is approved. I'm not sure if those receiving the drug in the research project continue to receive it until the drug is marketed for all or if we stop receiving the drug in its research formula until it is available for all. When I first thought of these questions I felt a little scared but I've had some time to think about it and I've decided to not worry. As of right now there is nothing I can do to change the outcome so I will wait to see what happens and if I need to be scared I will deal with it then.
So, on with the update. I am now working 7.5 to 8 hours a day and I'm tired at night but able to keep up with this schedule. It certainly has taken longer this time to return to my former lifestyle. I do have a few other side effects but what I miss the most is my energy.
It's an interesting endeavor to move from living with cancer and treatment to living the life of recovery. In the midst of the battle the focus is so very much on arming yourself with all the weapons needed to win. Every waking moment is spent using all the weapons to give the best advantage. And then you win the battle ... you move into recovery and on to integrating all the lessons learned ... weaving them in with what your life was and creating a new life.
Sometimes I am more successful with this weaving and sometimes I've got to unravel what I've got and start back again. And that's life ... we learn, we grow, we forget, and then get back on track again.
I don't want to forget the lessons that cancer has taught me. I don't want to take any day of my life for granted. I don't want to forget to be grateful or to forget my blessings. I don't want to forget to take care of myself. Sometimes I do forget but I'm fortunate to have some lingering side effects so I don't forget for more than a few hours. There you go ... I'm counting my blessings again. I choose to count my few stinky side effects as blessings, they are a constant reminder of what I've gone through and the lessons I have learned.
As I am writing this post I am reminded of the following:
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Oh how I hate trials when I am in the midst of them ... all trials except for cancer. It is through cancer that I have learned my greatest lessons. And even though cancer is yucky I am grateful for this life changing experience.
I hope this update has been a gentle nudge to count your blessings today if you have not already. Until next time, may each of us live every day with gratitude for our blessings.
The treatment schedule remains the same - every three weeks an infusion of the trial drug and Herceptin. I have been told that some results of the research were presented at a conference this Fall and the results are promising. I have also been told that as of April 2012 I will no longer be required to have the CT scan every nine weeks.
I'm not sure what happens when a research drug is approved. I'm not sure if those receiving the drug in the research project continue to receive it until the drug is marketed for all or if we stop receiving the drug in its research formula until it is available for all. When I first thought of these questions I felt a little scared but I've had some time to think about it and I've decided to not worry. As of right now there is nothing I can do to change the outcome so I will wait to see what happens and if I need to be scared I will deal with it then.
So, on with the update. I am now working 7.5 to 8 hours a day and I'm tired at night but able to keep up with this schedule. It certainly has taken longer this time to return to my former lifestyle. I do have a few other side effects but what I miss the most is my energy.
It's an interesting endeavor to move from living with cancer and treatment to living the life of recovery. In the midst of the battle the focus is so very much on arming yourself with all the weapons needed to win. Every waking moment is spent using all the weapons to give the best advantage. And then you win the battle ... you move into recovery and on to integrating all the lessons learned ... weaving them in with what your life was and creating a new life.
Sometimes I am more successful with this weaving and sometimes I've got to unravel what I've got and start back again. And that's life ... we learn, we grow, we forget, and then get back on track again.
I don't want to forget the lessons that cancer has taught me. I don't want to take any day of my life for granted. I don't want to forget to be grateful or to forget my blessings. I don't want to forget to take care of myself. Sometimes I do forget but I'm fortunate to have some lingering side effects so I don't forget for more than a few hours. There you go ... I'm counting my blessings again. I choose to count my few stinky side effects as blessings, they are a constant reminder of what I've gone through and the lessons I have learned.
As I am writing this post I am reminded of the following:
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Oh how I hate trials when I am in the midst of them ... all trials except for cancer. It is through cancer that I have learned my greatest lessons. And even though cancer is yucky I am grateful for this life changing experience.
I hope this update has been a gentle nudge to count your blessings today if you have not already. Until next time, may each of us live every day with gratitude for our blessings.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Round Two: August 2010
Well it seems as though I have almost abandoned this blog. For anyone who feels that I have left them hanging ... I'm sorry. I've been busy living .. that's my excuse and as far as excuses go I think it's a pretty good one.
The most important news to share is that CT and PET scans of last week show that I am still in remission. I am so very blessed - King David's words come to mind "... my cup runneth over ..." (Psalm 23:5 - by the way Psalm 23 just happens to be the first memory verse I can remember learning).
My treatment schedule is still every three weeks for both Herceptin and the study drug. I have completed the one year study commitment but am pleased that I am able to continue receiving the drug for as long as it continues to work for me - I am now considered a part of the long-term study. Every nine weeks I have a CT scan, an Echo and an EKG - each of these are required for the study. And every week I have a B-12 injection which helps me to feel better and boosts my energy a bit. Recently my potassium level fell below normal and so I take potassium twice a day.
I'm working five hours a day - I thought I was ready to increase to six hours but after a short trial last week I discovered that five hours is just right for now. For a couple of days last week I worked a little longer and then felt awful so my little test run proved that I really was not ready. I do feel good but sometimes the fatigue does sneak up on me.
I hope this finds each of you well and more importantly that you are living each day full of love for yourself and others in your life and remembering to count your many blessings.
The most important news to share is that CT and PET scans of last week show that I am still in remission. I am so very blessed - King David's words come to mind "... my cup runneth over ..." (Psalm 23:5 - by the way Psalm 23 just happens to be the first memory verse I can remember learning).
My treatment schedule is still every three weeks for both Herceptin and the study drug. I have completed the one year study commitment but am pleased that I am able to continue receiving the drug for as long as it continues to work for me - I am now considered a part of the long-term study. Every nine weeks I have a CT scan, an Echo and an EKG - each of these are required for the study. And every week I have a B-12 injection which helps me to feel better and boosts my energy a bit. Recently my potassium level fell below normal and so I take potassium twice a day.
I'm working five hours a day - I thought I was ready to increase to six hours but after a short trial last week I discovered that five hours is just right for now. For a couple of days last week I worked a little longer and then felt awful so my little test run proved that I really was not ready. I do feel good but sometimes the fatigue does sneak up on me.
I hope this finds each of you well and more importantly that you are living each day full of love for yourself and others in your life and remembering to count your many blessings.
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