My husband recovered from colon cancer 8 years ago--after surgery and naturopathic support only. Two years ago he developed a tumor in his rectum that that involved his prostate and bladder (not a recurrence of the original cancer--different genes). After radiation and a few rounds of Xeloda, he refused the recommended exenteration surgery and kept up with a healthy diet and some supplements, etc. A recent MRI and PET scan show that although the rectal tumor site seems clear of cancer, two lymph nodes near his aorta in the abdominal area are suspicious, and his CEA level is rising. He is planning to start chemo in a couple of weeks.
My question is: with the many benefits of rebounding for cancer patients (strengthens entire body and promotes lymphatic circulation and detoxification), is it wise to do this exercise that specifically promotes the drainage of the lymph nodes? I have read conflicting opinions--that the resulting production of white blood cells more than compensates for the lymph node drainage, etc..
Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.
Allison
Reply # - April 13, 2015, 04:16 PM
Hi Allison,
Hi Allison,
Exercise can be good for colon health in general, but I don't think there is any scientific evidence to show that rebounding is particularly helpful as opposed to other forms of exercise. That's not to say that it isn't; it just hasn't been tested thoroughly in clinical trials.
I would suggest asking your husband's medical team if they see any problem with it. As always, when in the midst of chemo it is good to exercise carefully, considering how chemo can stress the body.
Best of luck with treatment.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - April 14, 2015, 01:31 PM
Thank you, Jim. Having
Thank you, Jim. Having conferred with Dr. Google using the words "rebounding" "lymph" "system" and "studies," I got numerous hits citing studies that conclude that rebounding is especially beneficial for the building the immune system, lymph node circulation, and detoxification. "..Vigorous exercise such as rebounding [jumping on a therapeutic mini-trampoline] is reported to increase lymph flow by 15 to 30 times....
Vertical motion workouts such as rebounding are much different and much more beneficial and efficient than horizontal motion workouts, such as jogging or running."
My concern about increased lymph node circulation is because of my husband's cancerous lymph nodes. Would increasing circulation through the lymphatic system make him more prone to further metastasis? I will ask his oncologist and his naturopathic oncologist.
Again...thank you for your response.
Allison
Reply # - April 14, 2015, 01:51 PM
I don't think there's any
I don't think there's any information suggesting a problem with exercise being dangerous for those with cancer in the lymph system though I've asked an oncologist to comment to be certain.
I hope you husband does well with treatment.
Janine
Reply # - April 14, 2015, 08:07 PM
Hi Allison,
Hi Allison,
i'm afraid i don't have any specific medial knowledge that will definitively answer this question. one could imagine the idea of increasing lymphatic draining could be "spun" either way - maybe it's a bad idea to potentially increase the flow through nodes that might contain cancer in case the cells get pushed onto other areas OR maybe it's good because you are stirring up the immune system and maybe that will kill off the cancer cells. keep in mind i said "spun" very purposefully, there's no known answer to this. is this potentially harmful? maybe.
in general we all feel exercise is good for you, with and without cancer, on or off of chemo. i would use common sense and don't do anything too vigorous while on chemo.
best of luck