Physical activity
Before, during and after your treatment try to be as physically active as possible. How much and what type of activity you do is something you can decide and control. Staying physically active is something you can do yourself to help you recover. Physical activity also has a positive effect on how you feel; it will give you a personal satisfaction, improve your self-image and your social interactions.
When undergoing treatment, be as physically active as your abilities and condition allow. Moreover, you don't have to practice sports or do intense physical activity. Playing with your children, doing household chores, gardening, and moving around on foot or by bike are also forms of physical activity. Do not be hard on yourself if you feel too tired or are in pain and find it difficult to be active.
As you start to recover, your energy will also bounce back, and you will be able to extend the time or activities of your daily exercise routine. The sooner you start exercising, the better you will feel, the fewer medications you are likely to need, and the lower your risk will be for complications. However, listen carefully to your body; do not exercise if you are not feeling well or running a fever.
However, you should always let your clinician and/or onco-coach know about the physical activities you undertake and always seek their advice if you have any doubts. While treated with chemotherapy and for some time afterwards, your immune system will be weaker than normal. This will make you more prone to infections. For this reason, it is best to avoid exercising in closed environment with many people, such as gyms, until you feel fully recovered. If you are on radiation therapy, avoid swimming pools; they can expose you to bacteria that may cause infections and to chlorine that may irritate your radiated skin.
- If you do not have the energy to exercise a full half hour, break it up; try three 10-minute walks during the day.
- Make exercise enjoyable; recruit a walking partner or listen to music or a podcast while performing activities.
- Dress comfortably and drink plenty of water.
- Warm up and cool down with gentle stretches.
- Do some low impact exercise like walking or swimming.
- Tell your clinician or onco-coach what physical activities you are undertaking or wish to undertake. If you feel tired or weak, ask for advice to help you feel strong again.
- Contact a cancer patient organisation that can provide information, advice and support about your patient journey.
- Can I continue exercising?
- Do you recommend I start/re-start my physical activities and when?
- Is there a type of sport or physical activity I should avoid?
- Is there a physical activity support group active in this hospital or near where I live?
- Does my insurance/hospital cover sessions with a physiotherapist?