Getting Fit Before and after Surgery
Getting Fit for Surgery
Just like training for a marathon, you need to prepare your body physically and mentally for cancer treatment. With regular exercise and maintaining physical activity, you can optimise your fitness and become stronger. This can improve outcomes following cancer treatment, as well as help manage the side effects of cancer and improve quality of life.
Guidelines suggest people with cancer should progress towards, and once achieved, maintain:
At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week. Examples include walking, jogging, cycling and swimming.
2-3 resistance (strength) sessions per week. Examples include lifting weights or using body weight to strengthen your body.
Where possible, try to move more and sit less.
Further information and tips on exercise can be found in the booklet below, from the Cancer Council Australia. This advice is general in nature, and you should discuss this with your healthcare team. To gain a tailored exercise program, it is beneficial to see an accredited physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.
Immediately after Surgery
Self Care: Participate as much as possible in your personal care. If you are having difficulty, an occupational therapist may be able to help.
Start these exercises as soon as you wake up from your operation.
Deep Breathing
Breathe deeply and cough every hour while you are awake until the pain in your incision is gone after you’ve had major surgery. These exercises work better if you do them sitting up.
Move, sit out of bed and change your position often. These position changes help to make your breathing and coughing exercises work better
1. Breathe in deeply and slowly, expanding your lower rib cage, and letting your abdomen move forward.
2. Hold this breath and take in a smaller second and then third breath in on top and trap it.
3. Hold for 3 seconds.
4. Breathe out slowly and completely.
5. Rest and repeat 10 times every hour. Rest longer if you become dizzy or lightheaded.
Sitting Out of Bed
Your goal is to sit in a chair for 6-8 hours a day after your surgery. This will be hard work, but will help you recover quicker.
Changing Positions
Change your position every hour while awake, or as directed by your nurse. Moving often will help prevent problems like infection, blood clots, and weak muscles.
Walking
Have a nurse or physiotherapist with you the first time you get up.
Wear proper footwear that is supportive and not slippery.
At first you may need some help. As you become stronger, you will be able to walk more on your own. You may need to take short rests in between walks.
It’s normal to feel dizzy and uncomfortable when you first get up.
Move slowly. If you have more pain or dizziness, please tell your nurse or physiotherapist.
Your goal is to be able to walk laps of the hospital floor 4-6 times a day.
If you have any questions about these exercises, please ask your nurse or physiotherapist.