Guest post about benefits of exercise for cancer patients

David Haas from the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
(http://about.me/haasblog) asked me to post this short article he wrote.

Thanks, David.

Cancer: Physical Fitness, Well-Being, and Recovery

One of the most important components in fighting cancer is a positive mental outlook combined with an optimal level of overall fitness. Physical fitness plays an essential part in reducing stress, fatigue, and depression during cancer treatment and recovery, and contributes to a positive mental state and enhanced feeling of well-being. Studies have shown that even 30 minutes of activity, such as taking a walk every day, provides a beneficial effect for cancer patients at any stage. An improved level of physical fitness boosts the mental and physical stamina needed to fight this disease, and can reduce the risk of a recurrence of some cancers by up to 40%. For example, Mesothelioma doctors have discovered that an increase in fitness levels improved lung function and increased the length and quality of life in patients after diagnosis and mesothelioma treatment.

According to studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute and other research facilities, physical activity and fitness can also have a direct and specific bearing on the development and recurrence of certain types of cancer. Decreasing the amount of fat in the body increases the level of certain hormones, including estrogen, which affect the growth and development of tumors. Regular exercise also causes the release of endorphins, which elevate mood, reduce stress, and aid in pain management.

Some other benefits of better fitness on treatment and recovery can include:

- An increase in energy and reduction of fatigue.
- A lessening of the occurrence and severity of some of the side-effects of treatment, such as loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, weight gain, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis.
- A reduction of the occurrence and severity of secondary health issues caused by cancer treatment and certain medications. This includes high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, and abnormal blood sugar levels.
- A shorter recovery time after treatment.
- A better prognosis and lower incidence of recurrence.

Physical fitness during and after cancer treatment equals better overall health, lower stress levels, and an improved sense of emotional well-being. It can help provide you with a better quality of life in recovery and beyond. While it is never too late to begin a regimen of physical activity, it is important to speak with your doctor to decide what level of activity is right for you, and how to incorporate it into your treatment and recovery plan.

Good Vibes Needed for Winnie and Frieda, and a Great Resource

Please send out your best Good Vibes for two friends who have recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Winnie Brown is the mother of Deb Rupp, one of our closest friends. Winnie has been diagnosed with an extremely rare type of cancer, adenocarcinoma, which originates in sweat glands--in her case along the scalp line between her right eye and ear. She had a procedure to scrape away several layers of skin in a large area and is now waiting for that to heal so she can start radiation treatments. Winnie is in good spirits, but understandably nervous about what lies ahead. Even with what she's going through, she is still going to be the star cook at her annual Christmas Eve brunch Saturday.

Frieda Hicks is the mother of Sue Metzler, our sister-in-law. Frieda has been diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. She has had two procedures to take out cancer tissue, and is in a wait and see period as the docs decide possible next steps. Like many people, she has heard and read the horror stories that go with chemo and radiation, so is apprehensive about those treatment options.

About a month ago I found a great web site for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors--appropriately called Cancer Survivors Network, at:

http://csn.cancer.org/welcome

It has discussion groups based on different kinds of cancers, so members can communicate with others who have been or are going through the same or similar situations. You don't have to register to read the posts, but you must register to post or reply to a post. While I had the best medical treatment and support I could have asked for, it would have been great to be in touch with others who were patients or survivors themselves of base of tongue cancer. If not for your own use, please pass this along to others who might benefit from it.

Mike

More "Wait and See"

I had an appointment with the oral surgeon today and the result is more "Wait and see" on my rate of healing from the ORN. Because the next two possible steps both involve complicated and painful surgery, she is going to give that area every chance to heal on its own. She did see some small signs of healing, but the rate is way behind what it should be, and I have developed another ulcer, this time on the right side of my mouth.

I am going to see one or two other doctors for their opinions before a decision is made to stay this course or move on to Plan B or Plan C. Looks like mid-January until another decision point is reached.

So, Team Mike's Good Vibes might have allowed me to turn a corner on this, but keep them coming--this is far from resolved.

mike