Phaledax....anyone.....question?

N

napolitano

0
Listed here you will find the additional information you requested in order to help eveluate a question from my previous post.

I am having chemotherapy and trying to maintain some sort of work out schedule with the doctors permission. Although, was not pleased when I was weighed after my last treatment. I gained 5 lbs., I asked why, since my appetite is surpressed. I then found out that I rcv' a steriod intervenously every 2 weeks w/ the chemo drugs.

Here is the name of the steriod: Dexamethasone

Here is work out schedule: Gym days, 20 minutes cardio (cycle), weight training: seated leg press- 130 lbs. 3x15
seated leg curl- 50 lbs. 3x15
horizontal calfs- 150 lbs. 3x15
hip abduction - 130 lbs. 3x15
leg squats(ball squats) 3x15
hanging calf raises 3x15
leg extension - 70lbs. 3x15


Everyday: work abs and do calf raises

On off days from the gym I walk 2.5-3 miles. Gym 3 days....walk 2 days

The above schedule is for a good week, on chemo weeks I make it to the gym once and walk 2x a week due to fatigue.

I am a 5 foot 2 inch, 36 year old female, who was 10-15 lbs over weight and gained 5lbs. during chemo. Carry most weight in my core area?upper and lower abs? Lean legs, large calves, petite arms(no strength).


The question was- how do I keep from putting on unwanted weigh while on steriods? I was told by my doctor that working out is good for me during chemo when my body has the energy. Others have told me to quit weight training. Help!!!

Sorry, about this post being so long, but wanted to include as much info as possible so you could help.

Thank you soooo much

Ciao
Napolitano
 
Napo:

Your doctor suggested you continue to exercise; that's what I would do. If you trust you physician, and he has guided you down the correct path before, there is not reason for you not to trust this bit of advice too.

Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult to curtail your weight gain while on steroids. However; you may be gaining muscle mass, rather than low quality fat weight. I wouldn't work your abs and do calf raises everday, always take at least a day off after lifting a muscle group. Weight gain or not, getting to the gym and doing the very best you can do in there is what you need to be doing right now. When your chemo is over and you're in remission is when you can really focus on conditioning yourself into top physical condition. For now, do what you are able to do and know that it is helping you in so very many ways.

I have to admit; the fact that you make it to the gym at all is reason for an ovation!
 
well Dexamethasone is a adrenocortical steroid which is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. this steroid would NOT help with hypertrophy (muscle gain). Im guessing you have leukemia or lymphoma which is typically what this is used to treat, but it has other applications for other cancers. your workout schedule is not very good for hypertrophy, so continue useing low sets and high reps to achive your goal (not building muscle), and keep working out you need to. I can almost guarantee you wont gain that much weight even if done for the rest of your life. I suspect most of this weight is likely water weight, which can only add a certain amount of weight (so you wont gain more water weight than you already got). Im sure you have a decent diet and reducing your calories would be pointless if this is water weight and could hinder your health with your condition. so in a nutshell keep doing what your doing, cause your NOT going to gain much more muscle or water in the future, and Im sorry your going to have to keep a few extra pounds.
 
ADLER and PHALEDAX

Thank you for the response to my question. Phaledax, I am rcving' treatment for breast cancer that spread to 4 of 8 lymphnodes. I appreciate your tips and advice. Life is more important than a few gained pounds, I need to remember. Just don't want to become a butterball. Thanks again.

Adler, thank you for your response. Mostly for helping me to realize that as long as I do something for my fitness it is better than doing nothing. After, I beat this I will be dedicated and focused on achieving the fitness goal I set and started to work on before being diagnosed.

I have measurements that were taken before my diagnosis, I will remeasure and list progress here if that is ok. Thanks again

Napolitano
 
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