Guest Blog: Melanie Bowen

Melanie Bowen recently reached out to me to get her message out and I was happy to oblige as it fits in line with the Run Sea Legs Run mentality of health, wellness, and their pursuit even during tough times.  My sister sent me a great quote a while ago that says 100 milers aren't tough.  Cancer is tough.  That usually comes to mind during ugly miles of an event or training run.  I've never fought cancer or serious illness but I admire those who've gone through the fight and are still fighting and staying positive.  In that regard and with no further introduction, here is Melanie Bowen's piece:

Fitness During and After Cancer

While physical fitness is important for everyone, those who have received a cancer diagnosis need to take extra care to incorporate exercise into their routines. Whether you have undergone treatment for breast cancer, recently received a diagnosis of mesothelioma or ever been treated for any type of cancer at all, your chances of recovery and remaining cancer-free may be directly related to how regularly you exercise.
Anyone who regularly exercises for at least 30 minutes a day receives certain benefits. The activity releases endorphins that result in an elevated mood. Increases in physical activity also lower high blood pressure and decrease cholesterol levels. Furthermore, those who exercise regularly also report a decrease in symptoms of fatigue. While these perks are great for everyone, to a cancer patient, these advantages offer a sense of hope as well as stamina for enduring difficult treatments.
Several studies indicate that regular physical exercise greatly increases the chances for survival among cancer patients. Following treatment, those who remain active also have a lower recurrence rate.
If you were active prior to your cancer diagnosis, it is vital to remain so throughout treatment. In some cases, during difficult treatments, you may need to cut back on some of your physical exercise, but do everything you can to continue getting at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. If you have not regularly participated in physical activities, you need to get started immediately. It may take a while to work up to a healthy fitness level, but you need to do all you can to give your body the energy and strength necessary to survive.
As with any exercise, check with your doctor before making big changes. If you are uncertain as to how your diagnosis will affect your physical abilities, ask your doctor or oncology staff. They will help you develop an exercise routine or get in touch with resources that will help. Rather than simply falling inactive if regular activities become difficult, look for accommodations that can help you carry on. For example, if chemotherapy treatments leave you particularly weak, take your daily walk in a park or other area where plenty of benches or other resting places are available. Then set out as usual and take the time to rest when you begin to feel winded or uncomfortable. Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile! 

You can follow Melanie's posts at The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance's Google + page (https://plus.google.com/u/0/113728328125576889617/posts). Her goal in blogging is to help others going through their battle with cancer.