Going to the gym?

Hi Trish, 

I found pottering around the house & garden during treatment was quite enough to be honest as both the chemoradiotherapy & radiotherapy are renowned for causing fatigue & a couple of weeks in I found it difficult getting through the day without having a ‘nana nap’!  I found my symptoms reached their peak 11 days post treatment but things began healing pretty quickly after that, I returned to work 5-6 weeks after treatment was finished although I only work part-time. I think each of us, although the general symptoms are similar, deal with & react to the chemo-radiotherapy slightly differently so it really is best just to play it by ear & do what you can while you feel you’re able but don’t be afraid to say ‘I can’t be bothered’ either just listen to your body & rest when you need to.

Nicola x

Hi 

Do whatever you can manage Trish, we’re all different. Until you know how the treatment will affect you, you can’t really plan for much so just take it day by day.

I didn’t do any gym exercise prior to, or throughout treatment due to discomfort and pain in my nether regions. Sitting and standing for long periods was very uncomfortable. I just pottered around the house or garden and had occasional days out with the kids, but I’d usually be sitting or lying down.

I finished treatment end of June 2018 and returned to the gym October time. When I then gradually re-started yoga classes and light jogging. From Jan onwards I upped my game, started aerobics and couch for 5K and yesterday I ran my first ‘Race for Life’!

Whilst my body has changed and I have some stiffness and aching, I think I’m fitter now than I’ve ever been.

Sx

Thank you, that’s really reassuring and also made me realise I should just give myself a break.

Xx

T