Stay Healthy During Cancer Treatments

Hello everyone! It has been a while since I have had time to update my blog, but "life" has gotten in the way. I hope to get back to it soon, but in the meantime, please read this wonderful article from guest blogger Melanie Bowen:

Although medical treatment has drastically increased the quality of life of cancer patients, one of the most important forms of supplemental treatment is exercise. Cancer patients should be sure to exercise during all phases of their cancer treatments. Even though exercise will not necessarily cure cancer, it can help the individuals in their daily managing of the disease, and it will help them when their chemotherapy and radiation treatments have cured them. Although mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer, even people with this disease can also improve their quality of life by exercising.

No one can explain the mix of emotions that every cancer patient exhibits daily. Some will be angry, and others will be depressed; however, one emotion that many cancer patients do not show as often is happiness. However, even though they are going through a difficult time in their lives, exercise will help them to experience a more positive outlook. When patients begin to exercise, their bodies will release certain hormones called endorphins, which will help to improve their mood. Therefore, the depression, anger, and uncertainty will begin to fade away, and more pleasant emotions will result.

Because cancer is such a serious illness, the treatment for it is usually very aggressive. Unfortunately, this aggressive treatment will have many side effects on the body. Patients will experience fatigue, pain throughout their bodies, and weak muscles. Therefore, these patients should be sure to exercise to reduce the negative effects of the treatment. If the patients exercise, they will be able to gain more energy, and this energy can be used to help them continue to do the daily activities that they have been accustomed to doing. Furthermore, if the patients lift light weights, they can strengthen their muscles without increasing their fatigue. Once their muscles are stronger, their bodies will be able to better handle the treatment.

Eventually, the cancer treatments will hopefully allow the patient’s cancer to go into remission. During this time, the patient should still continue to exercise. This exercise should still be a combination of cardio and strength training. By exercising, the body’s immune system will begin to strengthen from the weak state it was in during the treatments. As a result, the immune system will have a better chance of guarding the body against foreign pathogens that may try to invade it.

Since each person’s body will react differently to exercise, patients should talk with their doctors before they begin their daily exercise routines.