I was first diagnosed 6 years ago with a tiny spot in the gum tissue of my alveolar ridge. Four surgeries, two rounds of radiation and one cycle of cetuximab later, I am doing well and returning to normal activity level. A year before my diagnosis, I had begun to run to stay in shape (at age 54). I have tried to continue a moderate schedule of running throughout my treatments, which the doctors have encouraged as beneficial. But with my last surgery being a neck dissection with removal of part of the parotid gland as well as a branch of the carotid artery, I am wondering what is considered safe as far as exertion. Have there been any studies done on cancer and exercise? Specifically, what would be considered a safe heart rate for someone my age (61)? I am small (5' ,100 pounds). I find in this cancer journey, it's important to find ways to challenge ourselves as we find ways to feel "normal" again. I've only gone 8 months since the last recurrence so I'm in no way "out of the woods" yet, but regaining my strength every day and thankful for every day I'm here to enjoy life! Thank you to anyone who has information on this subject.

I had my left common carotid artery, including internal and external sections, completely removed, and remaining sutured and clamped in 2013, meaning I only have blood flow from my right side to the rest of the head and neck, and was never told of any exercise restrictions, other than starting out slow and going to rehab first before starting out a very basic indoor exercise routine, I'm not running though, when I asked, which is a joke compared to what I did before cancer, but that's mainly due to the chemo in 2009, and is what it is now. Due to some other surgeries, and side effects, I see a cardiologist who has performed a series of tests including 3D carotid ultrasound, EKG, ECG, stress test, which came back clear except for the left carotid defect, orthrostatic hypotension. I'm also closely monitored and tested by my other doctors, maybe 7 lol, so I feel confident there, but you may want start with your doctors for further insight that may pertain to you. One thing I have noticed, which may also be due to other structures removed like the sympathetic, spinal accessory, vagus nerves, and veins, I no longer sweat on my head, neck, face, very slightly on the arms, if any, even in this hot weather, so I'm always carrying water, try stay aware of the fact. I should carry some type of alert bracelet or something as I have no left neck pulse if it's taken there, but such was never suggested, and it's not like I need approval either.

Good luck, but it sounds like you're doing well.

Thanks Paul! You are a walking miracle! That's encouraging that even with your extensive surgeries, you have a green light to exercise. I'd love if you or others hear of any research pertaining to cancer and exercise, you could pass it along.
Best wishes as you continue on this journey!

I have, and have read a number of articles pertaining to cancer and moderate exercise benefit, some specifically for head and neck cancer, others with cancer general from surgery, treatment, recovery, neuropathy, well being, etc.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705654/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150504130520.htm#.V8RYaeK3Evs.facebook

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160604051004.htm#.V8RanaI2K9Y.facebook

Thanks again Paul! These are great articles and I find the part about exercise beneficially oxygenating the tumor fascinating! It seems that my running can only do me good, but I will ask my oncologists about the level that they recommend. Feel free to pass anything else related to this topic along. I would be willing to be a part of a study as well if there was ever one being conducted out in northern California where I live. Thanks again!