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Suggested exercise when going through chemo

4 replies

RUNFORLOVE · 02/05/2009 10:50

Hello

My father was diagnosed with bowel cancer last August and he as been through so much with operations, infections, radio/chemo etc...

We were delighted to be told last month that he no longer has any cancer in his body but he has to have chemo just to make sure nothing is growing that they didnt detect.

He started it yesterday.

He has been very weak since last year and done no exercise and until recently found walking hard.

He use to love swimming but wont go because his stoma bag - its in a waterproof skin coloured bag and nobody would notice but he doesnt feel comfortable with it on display.

He has lost alot of muscle tone in his legs and I wondered if maybe an exercise bike would be good for him - any suggestions?

Thank you

OP posts:
RUNFORLOVE · 02/05/2009 14:49

Just realised i started identical threads, so use this one please.

Thanks

OP posts:
Pheebe · 02/05/2009 17:54

Really he should do any exercise he feels comfortable with. Walking would be a good way to build himself up to start with. Other family members could go with, make it a bit of a social event. An exercise bike at home could be good but can be a little lonely and monotonous.

Swimming really is the best all round exercise. Does the hospital have a pool he could use. Might feel a bit more comfortable there than at a local pool.

Maybe he could try out some new sports, tennis, badminton, anything that takes his fancy. See what your local leisure center has on offer. Again, why don't you get involved as a family.

Chemo will probably make him tired but there's good evidence that exercise can relieve the fatigue and boost mood so please do encourage him to take at least some exercise, as much as he feels able to cope with.

cancerbackup.com is a good website for no nonsense support and advice.

HTH, and great news he's clear

lisad123 · 04/05/2009 16:16

my husband is going though chemo atm, and been told no to the gym till remission (mainly because he lifts weights i think) but we have started walking loads and brought a bike trailer for the kids. He needs to do what he feels able to do, but not o push it. Also be careful he doesnt over do it, as he will feel it the next day. With swimming he needs to be aware of the infection risks hth

ThingOne · 04/05/2009 19:28

Did you see the replies on the other thread?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/748908-Suggested-exercise-when-going-through-chemo

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