Breast cancer will stop most in their tracks. So what is this about exercising while undergoing such an insidious treatment? I have been amazed, not to mention inspired, by many breast cancer patients who continue to exercise throughout treatment. At first I was completely blown away. Now, I expect it.

When I was told I was going to meet a patient with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to the liver, spine and hips, I expected to greet a woman who was wasting away from severe treatment and deteriorating from disease. Whom I greeted instead was Colleen Shaffer, founder of Circle of Hope, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to those with breast cancer living in Santa Clarita. She's vibrant and, believe me, she's active. Colleen has worked hand-in-hand (literally) with many through the ordeal of being diagnosed and the ensuing treatment and she has this to say about exercise: "You've lost a part of your body, from a small tumor to your entire breast, and every time you exercise you are giving back to yourself. The bottom line is that exercise will help you physically and mentally to deal with the changes in your body and all that you have to go through. Depression is a big factor for breast cancer patients and exercise is essential for combating that gloom. So much is being taken from you, you have to give back. You have to keep your strength, your stamina and your mental health."

Exercise and Cancer Keep your spirits and your stamina from failing during treatment with appropriate exercise. Of course, check with your doctor first. • Join a low-key exercise group • Stretch • Try gentle yoga, Pilates, or light resistant training • Begin with physical therapy

Cathy Raiman had just finished her second round of breast cancer treatment when the cancer returned. Upon completing treatment, her doctor called her a "poster-child" for breast cancer. She had continued to exercise throughout her chemotherapy and radiation treatment. There were days when she would show up for her exercise class and she seemed like any other student and there were days when she left early.

Cathy has very strong opinions about everything but especially about exercising during breast cancer treatment. "This is my second bout with breast cancer. Exercising is an absolute must to help you feel better. Even though you feel [crummy] physically and emotionally, if there is any way to drag yourself out of bed you just have to do it. It will make you feel a little bit better and a little bit more in control each time you go. One big plus was my bone density. My doctor was shocked at how high my bone density was. Normally cancer treatment greatly lowers bone density but mine is well above average."

Linda Smith is completing her radiation treatment as I write. She has been able to continue exercising three days a week throughout her six-week treatment. Linda said that for her, "the most poignant part of the diagnosis was feeling out of control. The exercise makes me feel pro-active; I feel like I have some control in the outcome. And I don't know if you call it endorphins but I just feel better and the support, the humor in our group and the guidance of an instructor is very important."

Need scientific evidence? Let's take a look at the Journal of Sports Medicine, July 2006. Dr. Alejandro Luci and colleagues developed a study to see if exercise would help improve quality of life. Their biggest interest? To see if exercise would help with the long-term fatigue that continues in up to 30 percent of patients for years after treatment is completed. Half of the study group performed 90 minutes of exercise three days a week. The other half stayed with their regular routine. Women in the exercising group showed improvement in quality of life, physical functioning as well as cardiovascular improvement. The women who stayed with their regular routine showed no improvement.

When exercising throughout treatment, I have found it most beneficial for breast cancer patients to sustain a slow, steady pace. A lot can be achieved in a session; strengthening, flexibility training, balance control and centering, without pushing the limits of fatigue and endurance. It is more important to concentrate on sustaining endurance and preventing muscle tissue wasting than to worry about weight loss.


Karena Lineback is the author of "OsteoPilates: Reduce Risk, Increase Bone Density, Look and Feel Great," contributing author to "Cancer Wellness" and the president of Pilates Teck, Inc.