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Hi there and thanks so much for posting this question. Are you speaking of breast cancer? I have been working with breast cancer patients but I am not a Pathologist so I would suggest you ask those specific questions regarding lymph nodes although I will like to share how exercise can help you when undergoing chemo. From breastcancer.org Chemo and potential cognitive decline Jennifer Griggs M.D. M.P.H. : This is a good question. Many women describe problems with short-term memory and with concentration when receiving really any chemotherapy. Some of the changes in cognitive function (thinking and concentration) can be due to a variety of problems such as sleep disturbance fatigue information overload a busy lifestyle and depression and anxiety I would say that long-term memory problems (persisting or lasting more than one to two years) are uncommon. If you are affected however this can be a very troubling annoying and frustrating effect of chemotherapy. The hormonal changes that chemotherapy can cause such as "chemopause" may be responsible in large part for the memory and concentration problems keep reading go here http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/chemotherapy/ask_expert/question_06.jsp. I would suggest that you follow your surgeon advise in the case you are not sure get a second opinion. I know that you are concern with potential cognitive changes although life is by far more important and thanks to the plasticity of the brain you can recover cognitive abilities Lets go now to Breast Cancer and Lifestyle Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant(cancer) cells form inthe tissues of the breast. About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2012 an estimated 250000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. along with 54010 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. However there are clear reasons for hope and full recovery after treatment. Exercise can play a fundamental role in the emotional well being and also fron the physiological point of view of the individual. It is known Chronic low-grade inflammation is a possible risk factor for cancer that may be modifiable with long-term exercise According to National Breast Cancer Foundation “Exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. With as little as four hours of exercise per week a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer” BREAST CANCER AND EXERCISE It is well established that regular exercise can help prevent breast cancer (Peel et al. 2009). Recently researchers have determined that high levels of IGF -1 often present in sedentary individuals can increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence (Ligibel et al.2008) Along the same lines a 2005 study of 3000 breast cancer patients found that just 1 hour of walking per week significantly increase the patient’s likelihood of making a full recovery (American Cancer Society 2005) TYPES OF EXERCISE: Cardiovascular and strength training appear to be equally beneficial in generating anti depressive effects (Brosse et al. 2002) so it makes sense that regular exercise and resistance exercises could also be used to manage depression or anxiety triggered by the trauma of breast cancer diagnosis. The greatest results appear to be alter 17 weeks of exercise although small changes can be observed alter 4 weeks (Scully et al.1998) Most people know that exercise can help prevent breast cancer as well as increase the likelihood of a full recovery after treatment. However it is not as widely recognized that regular exercise can also mitigate many f the symptoms of cancer treatment. Here are few of the most notable benefits: EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON CANCER TREATMENT -Increased functional capacity -Increased postmasectomy mobility and Range of Motion -Decreased of Body Fat -Increased Lean muscle mass -Reduced loss of bone mineral density -Decreased nausea and fatigue -Improved mood- self esteem and control In short exercise can be beneficial before during and alter a diagnose of breast cancer I hoper this helps and before you start any physical exercise program please consult with your doctor

2014-11-17 10:59:06

David