A million and one questions swimming around in your mind, fear and trepidation for the future, and concern for not only yourself but for your loved ones too, are all normal reactions to receiving a cancer diagnosis. When you are naturally an active person, sporty either in your professional or personal life, frustration can also play a huge part in the range of emotions you experience.
Even on days when you feel demotivated and understandably would much prefer to spend days on the couch with the drapes closed, remaining physically and emotionally active is essential; here are some helpful tips.
Before Your Cancer Treatment
Now, the American Cancer Society’s official guidelines state that not only will staying at your current level of activity before your treatment begins has been shown to help strengthen your body and even help you to handle and then recover from your treatment more effectively.
For athletes and those for whom physical exercise is a hugely important component of their lives, whilst adhering to these guidelines is entirely acceptable, you must ensure you do not damage any part of your body before your treatment start date.
It would also be worth bearing in mind that, when treatment does begin, you are far less likely to be energized and motivated enough to stick to your morning running schedule, so you could begin to wind down the intensity and duration of your regular exercise regime.
During Cancer Treatment
The goal throughout your cancer treatment is to stay as active as you can and there will be days when you can think of nothing worse than even taking a short walk around the neighborhood.
On such days, you need to turn your attention to staying mentally active, rather than physically, and there is no better way to do this than to begin a journal filled with everything you cannot wait to do once you are in remission.
When dealing with a leukemia diagnosis, for example, you can often find yourself confused between what you believe to be true about the disease (from close friends, the media, and movies) and the facts, which is why you should make the most of the expert knowledge, advice, and experience you have access to.
Medical professionals and therapists working for the prestigious Moffitt Cancer Center will help you to focus on those exercises that will still stimulate your mind and allow you to physically express how you feel through movement.
Treatment Recovery
Naturally, the type and stage of cancer you are fighting will tend to depict how much physical energy you will have.
However, in general, most people who are undergoing cancer treatment are usually able to increase the duration and intensity of their exercise as the side effects from the drugs tend to lessen. Remember, as you are recovering from the treatment, to listen to your body and allow yourself to rest, relax, and recuperate instead of insisting on returning to your punishing physical exercise schedule as soon as you are back on your feet.