Hello Everyone

Hi Lisa

Re nutrition, the macmillan centres often offer cooking course and some can be done by zoom. Penny Brohn have a nutritionist that you can consult with one to one. They also do a variety of online cooking courses that you can zoom in to. I gather the general idea is healthy balanced diet with lots of variety and colour in your fruit and veg. Don't forget that your herbs - fresh and dried have micronutrients too so go for variety there too. Also we need to be mindful of protein in our diet and to try to eat protein at every meal - the usual veggie things like eggs, soya, tofu, quorn, quinoa, nuts and seeds etc

I am very private about exercise too - the recommendation is 75 minutes high intensity exercise or 150 mins moderate cardiac exercise per week. I try to do 25-30 minutes a day as that is a manageable time slot and I can miss a day and still hit the suggested number of minutes per week. I found some excellent and free online classes such us workouts with Meera on youtube that I can just switch on when it suits me. I also do resistance training 3 times a week - I use those stretchy bands you can get from amazon for about 10 pounds. I focus mostly on arms, chest and core. I hate squats, but still make myself do them once a week. I do about 10-15 minutes of resistance training in one go as I get bored with it very easily!! And then I love to walk in beautiful places so do a fair bit of that too. I guess just start slowly and build up and do what you can when you can. It takes time to get going and to build up stamina and strength. Or you can have a personal trainer to get you kick started with doing the right sort of exercise and sticking with the programme if that is your thing,

Good luck with getting started xxx

Thanks for the info...all makes sense really doesn't it.  I have only just started to exercise a bit again as i had really sore feet from oral chemo (Cape) so I can start doing a bit more now they are getting better.  A CTPA scan showed some small blood clots on my lungs which I am now taking blood thinner tablets for so I get out of breathe easily but I am hoping they will dissolve soon with the tablets.  I have some resistance bands that I have been using for my arms and chest, they are really easy to use so I will continue with those.  I have some small hand weights too which are good.  I have found a Mira Pham on YouTube - is that who you mean?  She looks like she does a lot of exercise videos which look good so I will try them out too.

I need to sort my eating out.  I eat quite well (lots of fruit and veg) but also eat a lot of rubbish too.  I will start to eat nuts and seeds again - in fact I had some almonds and walnuts earlier so funny you should mention them!  I always add Tumeric, Paprika and Chilli flakes to my food plus I have some other herbs that I add.  I also need to up my Green Tea intake, this is really good for you apparently.

I know it will be a slow process as I have put on a lot of weight, apparently Cape causes that to a lot of people.  My stomach is huge and I don't like it!  I have next week off so I will get moving more.  I live in Devon so I have lots of beaches to go and walk on - no excuses anymore!

Thanks again.

Lisa x

The meera I am talking about wears a burnt orange outfit and is part of the menopause Stella app. but I also found her again by googling her. I think you can choose anyone to be honest for a workout of the length of your choosing. I have 2 left feet, so no dance based ones for me!

It sounds as though you have been through a tough time, but that you are feeling v ready to get going again and take control of it all. Enjoy your week off and all those stunning beach and cliff top walks. xx

Hi Lisa,

I use the 'Feel Better' app by Deliciously Ella. I have been following a more plant-based diet since diagnosis and have been stuck for meal inspiration sometimes and this has helped me out loads as it has lots of varied healthy plant-based recipes and snacks that you can make. Also, it has a library of exercises to do at home - ranging from stretches, strength, cardio, yoga, etc (I have never used this part since I go to the gym, but it looks like it would be very useful!). The downside is, you have to pay for the app, although I think you get a week's free trial if you wanted to give it a go.

Re the exercise part, I also work from home and am sat at a computer all day. Sometimes I get up that little bit earlier and go for a walk around the block before work as if it's my 'commute' - you can start with a short loop and build up to be a bit longer as and when you feel ready. It also works at the end of the day :) I feel much more refreshed when starting work after a walk as if I'm ready to tackle the day!

I think the hardest part about exercising is getting going, once you're over that hurdle, it should become easier!

Best of luck! x

Thank you Rose.  I will look into the Deliciously Ella App, I follow her on Instagram and love the food she produces.

The exercise is the hardest part to start and keep up, especially as I don't particularly enjoy it.  I do like putting music on and dancing around the lounge a bit! So perhaps I will do a little more of that!  I know I need to sort myself out as I am overweight due to Cape and obesity is linked with cancer, I do not want it coming back that is for sure!!

Thanks for the advice.  Much appreciated.

Lisa x

I think you hit the nail on the head in that it's about finding a form of exercise that you enjoy so it isn't a chore in itself to even get going! If putting music on and dancing around the lounge get's you moving, then do it to your hearts content :)

I started walking and step counting and find myself quite motivated by doing a set number a day.  I have an Apple Watch and have set the exercise goals and each day / week it gives awards. Daft as it sounds, these do make me walk as I don't want to “miss out”.   If you're motivated by a bit of self competition, this could be an idea