Post Chemotherapy Fitness Expectations

[TX Trophy Hunter]

Well, I’m halfway through a 6 month chemo treatment and I’m trying to set ambitious yet realistic expectations for the future. I was running 40 miles a week and lifting heavy weights up to about 2 months before my diagnosis, which was when things went south pretty fast. After my abdominal surgery which removed half my large intestine, I have worked back to about 5 miles of walking per day. I have done some body weight exercises but am getting a lot of joint pain with that. I bought a fat bike to replace running and that seems like a good mix of cardio and leg strength for now. Does anyone have personal or second hand experience on what to expect for post chemo fitness expectations or workout changes that worked well?

 

[2rocky]

I'd spend the money and find a personal trainer who has some experience with folks coming back from chemo and colon surgery. While that may be a stretch they can give you some guidelines on Heart rate , and fueling issues that you may have with your new situation.

 

[Gellar]

I think if you listen to your doctors and your body you can go as far as you want. Look at lance armstrong (ped’s, but still impressive) or Ben Askren (not cancer but a double lung implant 6 months ago. )

 

[Salmonchaser]

My son in law is going through the same thing. Super active mountaineer, runner, skiing both alpine and cross country. Chemo and radiation kicked his ass but, like you, he had a solid base going into the treatment. He kept finding he had to be patient with his progress, slowly he began feeling stronger.
Sounds like you’re on a similar path.
Cancer sucks. Wishing you well.

 

[LopeHunter]

Your body will let you know how soon and much you can manage. The new normal may be the old normal or may be something else. Be the best physical version of you that you can be and that is a win. I second the idea of a trainer that has worked with similar clients and second the idea to run (pun alert) exercise goals by your doctors. You got this.

 

[noharleyyet]

Well, I’m halfway through a 6 month chemo treatment and I’m trying to set ambitious yet realistic expectations for the future. I was running 40 miles a week and lifting heavy weights up to about 2 months before my diagnosis, which was when things went south pretty fast. After my abdominal surgery which removed half my large intestine, I have worked back to about 5 miles of walking per day. I have done some body weight exercises but am getting a lot of joint pain with that. I bought a fat bike to replace running and that seems like a good mix of cardio and leg strength for now. Does anyone have personal or second hand experience on what to expect for post chemo fitness expectations or workout changes that worked well?

I did a 6 dose Leucovorin infusion every two weeks over the summer of '22 post op 'mild' regimen. The sigmoid tumor was removed with good margins and no lymph involvement. I couldn't lift nor fall so my gym movements were pretty restricted, but I did as told and gradually regained workouts and then some. Have since tripled cardio and developed much more resistance training intensity.

Sounds like you are on the right path.

Best

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

My son in law is going through the same thing. Super active mountaineer, runner, skiing both alpine and cross country. Chemo and radiation kicked his ass but, like you, he had a solid base going into the treatment. He kept finding he had to be patient with his progress, slowly he began feeling stronger.
Sounds like you’re on a similar path.
Cancer sucks. Wishing you well.

Thank you! I hope the best for him, your daughter, yourself and everyone else that it’s impacting.

 

[TX Trophy Hunter]

I did a 6 dose Leucovorin infusion every two weeks over the summer of '22 post op 'mild' regimen. The sigmoid tumor was removed with good margins and no lymph involvement. I couldn't lift nor fall so my gym movements were pretty restricted, but I did as told and gradually regained workouts and then some. Have since tripled cardio and developed much more resistance training intensity.

Sounds like you are on the right path.

Best

I’m happy to hear about your success, and hope you continue in the right direction. Thanks for sharing your experience.