Dragon Tales by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

The value of exercise and being active is often discussed. Weight control, muscle health, and general well being of the body are all assisted by exercising. Exercise is also now being studied as an important way to combat cancer-related fatigue.

Eighty percent of people who have been treated for cancer report being fatigued. This fatigue can be physical, emotional, or feeling so tired that it is not possible to think clearly. It can last, sometimes for many months, past active cancer treatment. This type of fatigue is also not well managed by drugs.

The use of regular exercise for cancer patients and survivors will need more scientific study, but does seem to show good results. Dr. Don MacKenzie ( of UBC) was guest speaker at a banquet in Peterborough, Ontario in 2010 which Abreast A River Team members attended. He spoke of the plan to create a gym and exercise facility in Vancouver for recovering breast cancer patients. The plan is to assist these women with their exercise programs but also gather scientific data on the value of exercise in their daily lives.

It is also suggested that exercise during treatment can help reduce the impact of that treatment on a person's body. Following, as much as possible, your usual physical activity during chemotherapy and/or radiation will help maintain usual muscle strength and physical fitness.

For any cancer related fatigue it is always important to discuss how you are feeling with your doctor. (i.e. trouble sleeping) It is also important to discuss any additional activity you plan to include beyond your normal routine.

Many types of exercise,walking, jogging, swimming,cycling, resistance exercises or using strength training weights can all help with improving aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Researchers are also studying the use of other practices such as yoga.

Cancer-related fatigue can be a complex problem. The key is to avoid becoming exhausted. It is important to create a routine that will work for you specifically. This means that you will need to set priorities, pace yourself, and delegate jobs to others that you can no longer manage. This will give you the time and opportunity to concentrate on those things that will be important as you work back toward good health.

There will be both "good" and "bad" days, times of tiredness and fatigue, but the condition of your mind, spirit and body will get you through any difficulties. One important aspect of any exercise program you choose is that you must do it at the best time of day for YOU. Any program must also be developed slowly in order for it to be of the most benefit to you. People are more apt to stick with an exercise program if these things are considered.

Dragonboating gives a combination of becoming physically fit and keeping company with a lot of people who help keep your spirits up. These are all people who have been through breast cancer and know how it is.

In other news.......

Abreast A River raced in Moncton N.B. on Saturday May 28th. Since only two Maritime breast cancer teams were in attendance Abreast a River had one race against a corporate team containing 12 men! Team Captain Phyllis was pleased that our team crossed the finish line only one second behind them.

The Breast Cancer Challenge was won by 'Tit Bateau with Abreast a River in second place.

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333