weightlifting for cancer survivors

[artmaker]

Cathe, I've joined one of the threads, and a question arose which I hope you've researched and can help with. I am a breast cancer survivor, had a lumpectomy on my right breast three and a half years ago, and still retain a number of my lymph nodes. I was doing some lifting at the time, and the surgeon told me to limit my weight lifting to 9 lbs. Well, 3 years later, and I lift 12 pounds regularly, sometimes 15 and feel fine. I've been doing it gradually and trying to be careful. I am going to be ordering your PS and SH tapes, and want the challenge of going up in weight when appropriate. I will be doing it carefully, and trying not to overstress my muscles. Do you have any advice for me and for other cancer survivors, not necessarily breast cancer, perhaps ovarian, about what guidelines to follow when lifting, and what limits to set? It would be very helpful to all of us out there, for unfortunately, I have a feeling we are more than a few.

Thanks for any assistance you can give.

 

[Aquajock]

Hi, Artmaker! Obviously I'm not Cathe, but I wanted to chirp in and say, "A Big Hats Off!" to you for your overcoming such obstacles, and "Thanks" for joining the forum! I too am curious as to what exercise protocols are appropriate and/or prescribed for cancer survivors - my stepmother had a mastectomy over a decade ago, and a couple of years ago she asked me for suggestions on upper body strength training. She's now using a couple of Kathy Smith training tapes very consistently.

You may want to see if there is any information on the American Council of Exercise (www.acefitness.org) or the IDEA (www.ideafit.com) websites. There may not be any primary articles commissioned by those organizations available for you to download (I'm a member of both, and I don't remember reading anything), but there may be good links to other, scholarly publications that may address your question.

I posted a question on the Turnstep bulletin board for group fitness instructors a couple of days ago, asking for any information regarding exercise applied systematically as an adjunct to alcoholism / chem. dep treatment, and so far it appears that there is not a whole lot out there. Let us all hope that, as society evolves over the next few years, they will start to pay attention to issues like these!

Just my two cents - welcome to The Cathe Gang!

Annette

 

[artmaker]

Annette-thanks for the welcome.

You might want to recommend to your stepmom that she look around for a yoga class for breast cancer survivors. I took one when I was still doing radiation, and it helped me enormously in regaining muscle tone and flexibility before I started lifting again. There's also a good book of exercises out -- if you are interested I can get you the name and author--I can't remember right now.

Susan

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Artmaker! I must commend you on your unbelievable strength and courage. Also, a huge heartfelt congratulations to you for overcoming all that you have endured. What an inspiration you are.

As far as sharing guidelines is concerned, I must say that I do not feel that I am qualified to comment here. I have not taken courses that specialize in this area and I also do not feel it is appropriate for me to dispute your doctors orders.

I would suggest that you go back to your doctor and ask him/her what the reasons are for limiting your lifting to 9 pounds. At that point share with him/her that you are an educated and dedicated exerciser who takes things one step at a time and works out with great caution. Let your doctor know the weights you are currently using and that you have been experiencing no difficulty. I'm sure he/she will give you valuable insight as to why they feel strongly about the weights they have recommended or perhaps even give you the go ahead to proceed in the manner that you wish too. Good Luck and please let me know how you make out. Take Care!

 

[Bobbi]

Artmaker,

Be sure to get a second opinion if your doctor is adamant about staying at 9 pounds. My first child was born by cesearean and I changed docs so my second could be a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearean). Some docs believe once a cesarean always a cesarean. I'll take the good old fashioned way any day!. My point is some doctors are conservative and it's fine to disagree with them and find a doctor who thinks like you do. The human body amazes me. The things we are capable of even after major surgery! You sound like a strong and smart exerciser. I think there is also a certain mental toughness required to put oneself through the paces weight training. I doubt it compares to the strength it takes to survive cancer and come out fighting! Three years out, there should be fewer limitations than at the beginning. You are inspiring!

Bobbi