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Options for less-strenuous exercises?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from Allison: What are some types of exercises I can do that are not too strenuous? I'm a 45-year-old breast cancer survivor!
Answers —Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.: With small amounts of exercise, she shouldn't be concerned about starting with truly minimal levels of activity. We might encourage a patient, for example, to walk for just 2 minutes, twice a day, as an initial starting point in the setting of severe fatigue. After a week, this could be increased to 4 or 5 minutes, if possible. Again, getting professional help is probably the best but we recognize that many people don't have access to this help or perhaps can't afford it. In this situation, get the advice of your physician and begin to exercise, if possible, even at very minimal levels.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: It may very well be that your insurance policy will cover a physical therapy consultation to help evaluate your physical activity level that would be appropriate for you. That setting realistic expectations of yourself can help minimize how discouraged you may feel as you start on this program.
Russell Portenoy, M.D.: It's also important to recognize that just as physicians vary in their recognition of fatigue and their expertise in managing it, physical therapists vary in the way that they approach patients with cancer and their knowledge of exercise as a treatment for fatigue. It is important to talk to the physical therapist and try to identify a therapist who has some experience or interest in this area.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Ease Fatigue, Boost Energy. Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., Russel Portenoy, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about ways to manage fatigue and increase energy levels.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N.Lillian Nail, Ph.D., R.N., is the Dr. May Rawlinson Distinguished Professor and a senior scientist at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Nursing in Portland.

Russell Portenoy, M.D.Russell Portenoy, M.D., is a neurologist and chairman of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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