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• January 11, 2013 5:59 p.m.

  I keep hearing about people exercising during treatment. While I'm sure that exercise would be beneficial, I am so exhausted by chemo that I cannot begin. Most days simply walking up a flight of stairs wears me out. Might anyone have some advice?

  - Fay

• December 10, 2012 4:08 p.m.

  Just returned from walking all four Disney Theme Parks at Disney World, Florida, in four days with my grandson's and their parents. I have metastatic breast cancer w mets to the lung,bone, and abdomen. It's been 8 1/2 years since the cancer returned. I pop in an exercise DVD 4-5 times a week, aerobic exercise with stretching and toning. It's a great way to work on the weight issue and get the "good body cells" fully oxygenated. Without a doubt I could not have enjoyed the sparkle in my grandsons' eyes as we walked and rode the rides without a commitment to staying strong w a regular exercise routine.

  - Diane

• December 2, 2012 12:39 p.m.

  Hi, I'm seven months after chemo for ovarian cancer on warfarin and gained thirty pounds. Chemo left me with neuropathy. I can barely walk sometimes. I am determined to lose the weight so i just started using my treadmill five minutes a day along with diet changes. I feel good and can see the benefits from the little I am doing. On a mission:-)

  - Wizzi

• December 2, 2012 6:09 a.m.

  One needs to be unorthodox in one's conception of 'exercises'.Very recently,my mom taught my father some yogic exercises called 'Mudras',which are done sitting in one place-with no strnuous physical movement.She suspects that the recent improvements in his blood reports is linked to these.Even I started doing these 'mudras' today for healing sleeplessness.

  - sanjit

• November 30, 2012 8:26 a.m.

  I believe exercise has been one of the best medicines for fighting my metastatic breast cancer. Having already been a fitness enthusiast, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. So, two months before having mascectomy and tram reconstruction, I amped it up to get my obliques as strong as possible. I had an amazingly easy recovery. Two years later, 8 years ago, I was diagnosed with bone mets. It attacked my right humerous, and I have since had 5 open arm/shoulder surgeries. This has left my arm with quite limited use. Exercising techniques have now changed and as the years have passed, my routine has been more challenging. The intensity I exercise at and my abilities has changed but I would not give it up. I continue to exercise as much as possible. i am fortunate to have a treadmill, stair climber, Pilates reformer and weight system set up in our home and I make it my happy place with twinkle lights along the ceiling. I sometimes take my kindle on the treadmill and before I know it I've walked 5 miles! It makes me feel in control, which makes my mind and body feel 'normal'. It is about time the medical world starts to recognize the be fits of exercise and fitness for cancer patients. Especially with breast cancer patients who often gain weight during treatment. It doesn't come off easily afterward, as often the thyroid is compromised. Nutrition counseling and fitness training should be a standard prescription.

  - Janet

• November 30, 2012 2:00 a.m.

  I have stage 4 breast cancer, my pelvic area, all the long bones and ribs, sternum and my scull bone infiltrated. I walk for exercise, and believe me it works wonders. I am not allowed to bend nor lift heavy things.

  - Amelia

• November 29, 2012 7:12 p.m.

  Some facilities have chemo/radiation and exercise equipment under the same roof. Point being, it would be so beneficial if sometimes before taking a chemo session; a patient might spend a few minutes on a treamdill right before their treatment to get the "kinks out" and relax a little.

  - Phil

• November 29, 2012 4:07 p.m.

  I have just passed the 5 year anniversary of completion of 8 months of chemo for metastasized breast cancer to the stomach lining(inoperable). During treatment, I walked daily for 45 minutes with the exception of only 5 occasions. Sometimes I felt I could not make it back to my house especially in the first few days when I would feel 30 years older than I am! I feel that the exercise helped my mind and body to keep going during the treatments. Once finished treatment, I have kept up an hour of exercise a minimum of 3X per week in addition to doing yardwork. I am convinced that this has made my body stronger and more able to cope in continuing to fight the cancer. I always feel better after a session.I would strongly encourage keeping up an exercise regimen if one feels up to it.

  - Deanne

• November 29, 2012 4:07 p.m.

  Both my radiation oncologist and medical oncologist and GP suggested that exercise would help after surgery and radiation for melanoma/lymphedema. It worked, keeping the swelling down and controlling the nerve pain. I would recommend this advice to everyone who has cancer followed by treatment.

  - Mary

• November 29, 2012 3:24 p.m.

  I have always exercised. Usually a two to three time a week aerobics class that includes cardio, weights, bands, stability balls anda little yoga. I have recently started adding some yoga classes since I have read that that may prevent pain. For the past 3 1/2 years I have had metastatic breast cancer to bones and lungs. I am pain free for the most part and attribute that to Aredia and to all the exercising I do. The oncologist supports this. I am 81 years old.

  - Ethel

• November 29, 2012 3:12 p.m.

  Exercise was not prescribed for me, however, since I am a retired PT, I know how important exercise is for healing of any kind. After my 2 lung cancer surgeries and chemo, I started a slow conditioning program consisting of walking and gentle stretching. Now on the eve of 5 years since my initial diagnosis, I just completed a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and back up!) It took determination to regain my strength and endurance, and my love is hiking, but any exercise program definitely makes you feel better, mentally and physically.

  - Sheryl

• November 29, 2012 11:31 a.m.

  I find that oncologists have little advice to offer as far as encouragement to exercise or eating properly. Whatever I have done was on my own instincts and from reading and studying what others experienced.

  - Nita

• November 29, 2012 11:23 a.m.

  I was asked by my Dr to try to exercise. For me that is a four letter word,but I have started to exercise. I am wondering what I should be eating since I do not seem to be losing any weight and I was told I needed to lose 30 lbs. I am on Tamoxifen and warfarin.

  - Melissa