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| Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | OP "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 | I ran across this small study on Science Daily that suggests that exercising after cancer therapy may help your "immune systems remodel themselves to become more effective, potentially fending off future incidents of cancer." See Excercise Could Fortify Immune System Against Future Cancers . This study does not reference Head and Neck Cancer, or look at long term survival, but I think it's worth a glance. The concepts of exercise may be nearly impossible to imagine for someone emerging from the tunnel of the brutal therapy for head and neck cancer ... but it's all relative. A trip to the mailbox is exercise if you've been in bed for a week, and a walk around the block will help your spirit as well as your body if you've only made it to the mailbox thus far. Soup cans (or bottles of Boost) make great starter free weights. Dogs can be invaluable - I firmly believe my husband bounced back as quickly as he did because of our dog's daily walk. Maria
Last edited by Maria; 10-15-2012 10:57 AM. Reason: typos
CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010 TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.
| | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | Great article, Maria! Not just for cancer survivors but great inducement for anyone to make sure their immune systems become effective. As with anything, starting with very small steps can be very beneficial and a very good reason to get a dog or some other pet that can get one outside for a little fresh air and exercise. Thanks!
Anne-Marie CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
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