January 2012 Update

My blog was recently discovered by David Haas. David writes and researches for the betterment of cancer patients around the United States. He is a cancer patient advocate for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.

David has asked if I would share some information from him on this blog site. I have told him that I would consider it and I have decided to include it below. I hope this information will be useful to any of you that are following my blog and progress.

By the way - Carol and I have hibernated to Florida until the first part of May. Been here about a week and a half now. Two days were downright cold here, but things are back to Florida normal with highs near 80 for the next seven days. Been swimming twice in the pool and golfed four times. Saw a great movie, 'War Horse' and been out to dinner a couple of times. Of course I have frequented the normal hang-outs, such as 'Tiki Hut', 'Palisades', 'Wheelhouse Inn', 'Nineteenth Hole', and 'the Dome'. And let me tell you, there is a 'COOL BREEZE' a blowing in the dome.

Info below provided by David Haas (http://about.me/haasblaag) -

Fitness and Feeling Good After Diagnosis

Keeping a moderate but steady fitness regimen, both during and after cancer treatment, can have big rewards. Whether newly diagnosed, going through treatment, or in remission, those who exercise regularly tend to experience better overall physical health, better emotional well-being and a more satisfying quality of life.

Some of the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise:

- more energy
- reduction in pain
- improved body image
- less anxiety
- lower recurrence rates
- decreased mortality
- more strength
- positive outlook

For all cancer patients, the ultimate goal is survival, followed closely by quality of life and resuming normal activities again. Guidelines established by a group of 13 researchers with expertise in their respective fields, recommend regular fitness activity for optimum results. ( http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/062910/page5 )

Researchers found that women diagnosed with breast cancer who regularly exercise 3-5 hours each week show improved survival rates when compared with women who did not exercise regularly. Other studies suggest survivors of colorectal cancer who keep to a regular activity regimen experience decreased recurrence rates and longer survival rates, regardless of whether they were physically active before diagnosis.

Choosing a light to moderate fitness routine and tailoring it to fit the needs based on where a person is within the cycle of diagnosis, treatment and remission, is crucial. Blending exercise in with regular daily activities tends to work best for most people. Starting easy and working one's way up should be the goal. Getting started is as easy as spending 10-15 minutes doing gentle stretches, followed by 10-15 minutes of moderate walking. Add more vigorous activity as energy increases, until 3-4 hours per week are attained.

Certain cancers may place limitations on the type or amount of physical activity a person is able to perform. For example, those with tumors affecting balance may choose to practice stretching exercises while seated on a floor mat. Those with cancers affecting the lining of the lung, like mesothelioma (http://www.mesothelioma.com/), may require low lung capacity exercises like physical therapy, or short walks at low intensity. Seeking suggestions from specialists, like mesothelioma doctors (http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/doctors/), for their fitness recommendations will offer safe and enjoyable fitness activities specifically designed for one's individual ability.

The important thing is to work with a doctor to put a good and do-able fitness plan in place. Start easy and work up to a moderate fitness program. The benefits are worth it.