"Moving through cancer." Sound strange? It's not.

January 10, 2011

By Linda T. Gottlieb, MA, CPT, CET

 
Research continues to support the positive benefits of being physically active during cancer treatment and beyond.  Let’s dissect the words in the phrase to encourage you.

Moving (adjective): advancement, being in motion, capable of having movement, and my favorite “to take action”.

Through (preposition): In at one end and out the other, passing through subsequent steps in order.
Through (when used as an adverb): To a favorable or successful conclusion.
Through (when used as an adjective): Travelling or moving to a destination.

Cancer (noun): An evil thing that can spread destructively.

Many cancer survivors are quick to notice improved quality of life and feel more in control when they are involved in an exercise program.  Biking, yoga, walking, swimming, and dancing.  These activities (and more) can and do help survivors (and their friends and family) manage the stress and upset that goes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis.  Cardiovascular and strength exercises are a key component to develop or maintain stamina and good muscle tone during and after your treatment regimen.  Improving your general health with exercise helps you move through challenging treatments, one day and one session at a time.  Knowing that your body can respond in positive, health affirming ways, even when cancer fatigue sets in, is an awesome self-care statement for recovery.

It’s a new year and you can be a new you. Perhaps you can begin thinking of your cancer experience as a continuum, a path you travel that has guideposts, milestones and signs to help you to a positive outcome.  Embracing increased movement helps you keep your thoughts centered on moving- one step at a time toward your cancer-free destination.  It’s a proactive choice vs. a reactive one.

Think on this quote from business guru Peter Drucker: “You can either take action or you can hang back and hope for a miracle.  Miracles are great, but they are so unpredictable.”  Why not consider taking action with small steps (literally) that will deliver great rewards.

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