I have been very fortunate to be a participant in an exercise study for breast cancer survivors for the last 23 months. The study just ended and the preliminary results are significant. Looking at bone density, and the impact of exercise looks very positive. The study was funded by the American Cancer Society,and the Komen foundation.
Two groups were randomized, one attending a stretching, yoga class and the other a strength training class. The exercise results from both groups show very positive health improvements. Total body mass reduction, flexibility increases, less falls and bone density level gains.
Besides all the numerical health benefits, the emotional and personal gains are outstanding. To be a part of a land mark study that is pro active for your own health, and help other women going through breast cancer in the future is an honor. I was able to exercise with a good friend and become friends with other women who also happen to be breast cancer survivors. I am stronger than I was 2 years ago in many ways.
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Thank-you all for your kind words. As more of the results are released I will update here.
There were about 200 women all breast cancer survivors. The groups data was collected into 2 groups. One who were already menopausal when they got breast cancer and those, like myself, who the breast cancer put them into menopause. Some of the 30 year olds, and yes there were quite a few, came out of menopause after their treatments ended. Many women had hysterectomies after or in conjunction with their treatments.
Prior to the class I had bone pain and aches. This is a common side effect, or late effect, from chemo. Now I just have normal aches and pains like any 50+ year old woman. My balance has improved quite a bit. My Body Mass reduced by 2% and I lost over 10 pounds. Some women had more dramatic results!
Since Chemo eats bones,combined with the loss of estrogen during menopause, the building bone aspect of the study was very important. My bone density numbers maintained their level during the study. One of the hopes from the study is that an exercise program can have the same reults as drug therapy.
More to come as the results come out which may be in March or April!
December 18, 2008 - 11:07amThis Comment
Haralee,
I think it's remarkable, what you've done and how motivated you are. Being in an exercise program for 23 months by itself is an accomplishment many people have never accomplished; to be committed to it as part of a study that will help other women makes it twice as cool.
How many of you were there? How often did people attend their respective classes? Do you know when the study is due to be released?
I would love to read how you feel you are stronger now in many ways than you were two years ago. If you have time, please write more about your story and about how you've changed since.
And in the meantime, thank you! For the work you've done for all of us!
December 18, 2008 - 10:34amThis Comment