[raptorParticipant]

Hi,
My wife was diagnosed 20 months ago after many months of pain and lack of diagnoses. She is aged 46 and has put on considerable weight. Whilst I see many people on the forum speaking about sport and the gym, what is the balance between getting fitter ( a relative term) which might make the body stronger versus not actually having the strength with the disease? She one push for the former to help with the latter? Or is it just correct to do what can be felt like doing ? Thanks in advance.

[rebeccaRParticipant]

Hi – As someone who had no bone involvement but very reduced kidneys I found exercise was incredibly mentally uplifting and whilst very tired on chemo always felt better for going for a walk or swim (I was told I could swim throughout chemo) – once I’d motivated myself to do so. With bone involvement I guess you have to choose your exercise regime wisely ie less impact type but feel it is really beneficial to regain strength and sanity. The stronger your body is the better we can cope with the demands of chemo and relapse. Even after SCT I gauged my recovery on how I could walk a little further each day and that in itself gave me a positive to hold on to (I was 50 at diagnosis). Your wife is very young to endure this and am sure exercise and weight goals will make her feel more like her old self. It is amazing how good you feel about yourself – even if today’s goals are not to the same degree as pre MM. My hubby made me exercise throughout and whilst it was a struggle at first it really became my saviour. It is important to listen to your body but also, as always, to push that little bit more. My advise is be sensible in goals but ensure the goals keep moving forward – it’s a great uplift to body and soul.
Rebecca

[Anonymous]

Hi (raptor)

I’m sorry to hear that your wife is having to cope with this at such a young age. I was diagnosed at the age of 50, seven years ago. Its been an adventure so far and definitely getting your head round it, however you achieve that, helps things along.

Although I have bone involvement (especially fragile ribs) I agree with Rebecca that exercise is mentally uplifting and builds strength for coping with the treatment over all. During remission, I did a gentle gym programme each week supervised by a physio, followed by a swim. As a non-gym goer previously, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

Initially after my SCT in 2013, I tried a yoga class for a while but when I went back to work full-time I gave it up and then later, I found that I preferred the 1:1 nature of the gym. I think you can feel very nervous and when I found the right PT I really trusted her and was able to relax and enjoy the sessions and also not compare myself with anyone else.

Now I’m heading into second-line treatment next week, I have bought a hand/foot pedal machine that I can do at home to keep the circulation going. I am also going to try and continue going for a walk every day, which we do normally as we have a dog. The benefit of walking is that it is free and out in the fresh air!

Apparently with a port-Cath you can swim during treatment so maybe I can continue that too!

I hope that you will find a form of exercise that feels safe and fits in with your wife’s treatment and your lifestyle.

Best wishes,
Rachel

[raptorParticipant]

Thank you very much for your kind words and good advice

[Author]

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