Exercise

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Hullo,

I'm 64 years old and have pancreatic cancer (head) I'm waiting for a date to start chemo.(2-3 weeks).    

Any advice about exercise. I'm trying to walk 2 miles a day. And some body weight exercises as well as dumbbells. As I'm struggling to put weight on, I was wondering if I should walk less??!!

  • Hi  

    I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I've had chemotherapy I didn't lose weight ahead of it so don't have any relevant experiences to share. However, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

    I would normally suggest that you post in the group relevant to the cancer you have but I can see that you've already done that and not had any replies there either.

    If you don't get any replies here you could post your question in the ask a nurse section of the online community and one of the cancer nurse specialists will respond within 3 working days. If this is something that you'd like to do, just click on the link I've created.

    You might find this information from Macmillan on cancer and weight loss helpful to take a look at.

    While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

  • Hi Rab,

    I walk every day for about half an hour. I really believe it’s important to keep moving, especially through chemo. A bit of fresh air and gentle exercise does wonders for your body and your head.

    I don’t think a short daily walk will have a big impact on your weight loss. The key thing is to nourish yourself as well as you can. Home-cooked meals are ideal. Try to eat little and often if you’re struggling with appetite. Drink plenty of water and if you can, cut back on caffeine, alcohol and sugar. It’s all about giving your body the best possible chance to cope with treatment.

    I did all of the above and had very few side effects. I know everyone’s experience is different, but a good, positive mindset really does help.

    Wishing you all the very best on your journey. Take care. x

  • Thank you very much. That was really useful. I do enjoy having a walk and feel more positive for it.

    Best wishes. rab

  • Hi Rab,

    I've tried everything I could get hold of but exercise beats everything.

    I am 63 and luckily I had been working out regularly since lockdown when I was diagnosed November last year.

    All I can say is that my gym mat has become my best friend.

    ChatGPT and DeepSeek will give you pretty decent workouts and routines.

    I hope this helps.

  • Thanks for that, I'm 64 , and like you started a regular routine over lockdown. It's good to know I seem to be doing productive stuff that other people have benefited from.

    Thanks again.