Quick muscle gain before chemo
MellowGa
Posts: 1,258 Member
For my strong lifters, I have Stage 3 Throat cancer, I will be going for chemo/radiation for seven weeks, this will probably start in three weeks.
So in this short time I am just trying to pack on any pounds but as much muscle as possible.
I will be loading up on protein and carbs.
But as to muscle gain, should I stick to 5x5 heavy, or rotate in 5x5; 4x10; 3x8.
Any advice appreciated; once I beat the cancer I will continue with the lifting but not as intense as this short period to bulk as much as possible in a tiny window.
So in this short time I am just trying to pack on any pounds but as much muscle as possible.
I will be loading up on protein and carbs.
But as to muscle gain, should I stick to 5x5 heavy, or rotate in 5x5; 4x10; 3x8.
Any advice appreciated; once I beat the cancer I will continue with the lifting but not as intense as this short period to bulk as much as possible in a tiny window.
6
Replies
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If you rotate in other sets x reps - part of the time will be trying to get to actual best working weight, best meaning the same overload on the muscles requiring body to build more.
During that time it won't be an overload to the muscle, and no need for gain on that.
Stick with 5 x 5 and keep on progressing.
While there are calculations to get Actual Resistance weight on like squats and deadlifts, and of course conversions to 1RM for all of them, and then conversions back out to your other rep ranges - they are estimates and while some weights could be right on, some easily could not be.
Sounds like well prepped for the surgery, hope it goes better than thought, and recovery faster than estimated.4 -
Personally I wouldn't do anything that is going to knacker the body, lower the immune system before you have tge chemotherapy which will do that anyway.
Not wanting to be personal, I don't know your age, but if you want to have kids have you considered having your sperm frozen?2 -
Your not gonna to pack pounds of muscle on in in three weeks.
I would concentrate on adding body weight more than hopes for muscle in such a short period. Having extra weight will help assure the treatments can go full cycle without stoppage.
Not that resistance training is a bad idea , even during treatment if your energy is there it would help retain muscle. Though if you are having radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks on top of chemo it's probably a better idea to rest as much as possible as it will drain your energy something else.
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I got you.
Listen to this podcast. This guy has stage 4 kidney cancer for over 2 years I think and has been strength training through chemo as best he can. He’s been able to maintain his body weight and strength levels throughout the process.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/barbell-logic/id1255032859?mt=2&i=10003946458191 -
Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.5 -
Personally I wouldn't do anything that is going to knacker the body, lower the immune system before you have tge chemotherapy which will do that anyway.
Not wanting to be personal, I don't know your age, but if you want to have kids have you considered having your sperm frozen?
I'm 47 already have three kids and a vasectomy......so done with kids...lol
but I appreciate the thought, and young guys should definitely think about it.0 -
Thanks guys. I'm meeting with my DR's on the 29th, I will certainly get their input on this ( should I or not exercise), and I appreciate your guys input, and hopefully it goes well1
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Personally I wouldn't do anything that is going to knacker the body, lower the immune system before you have tge chemotherapy which will do that anyway.
Not wanting to be personal, I don't know your age, but if you want to have kids have you considered having your sperm frozen?
I'm 47 already have three kids and a vasectomy......so done with kids...lol
but I appreciate the thought, and young guys should definitely think about it.
No problems. My mate had his frozen before chemo.1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
2 -
Thought I had replied to this but don’t see it so will repost.
I don’t know about quickly adding muscle, but I do know that many people going through the same general treatment for head/neck cancer have a hard time maintaining weight, energy and hydration. A nutritionist/dietician consultation and routine follow up is mandatory at the better cancer centers.
All the best with your treatment and your journeys. Get cured.0 -
Thanks guys. I'm meeting with my DR's on the 29th, I will certainly get their input on this ( should I or not exercise), and I appreciate your guys input, and hopefully it goes well
Im sorry to hear about the throat cancer.. I know you'll kick its *kitten*, we got a holiday planned remember
.. Much strength to you my friend for the fight ahead 1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
Maybe. But a 3 week "bulk" is pointless anyway.2 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
thanks! so far they said to continue what I am doing.1 -
orangegato wrote: »Thought I had replied to this but don’t see it so will repost.
I don’t know about quickly adding muscle, but I do know that many people going through the same general treatment for head/neck cancer have a hard time maintaining weight, energy and hydration. A nutritionist/dietician consultation and routine follow up is mandatory at the better cancer centers.
All the best with your treatment and your journeys. Get cured.
yes, I am at Emory University, they are top notch and I will have all of those plus Speech therapy.
I also told my wife lap dances are good for motivation
lol 8 -
trigden1991 wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
Maybe. But a 3 week "bulk" is pointless anyway.
yep, I know a Bulk in three weeks is pointless, after I talked to a dr yesterday they said just keep what I am doing, I am in great shape for this and as an above poster said, they are more concerned with the recover after treatment, but starting off in good health.3 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
thanks! so far they said to continue what I am doing.
Glad your meeting went well.0 -
trigden1991 wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
Maybe. But a 3 week "bulk" is pointless anyway.
Oncologists would definitely argue that the calorie intake of a bulk & perhaps resistance training isn't pointless pre chemo especially to a lifter that is already training. It has a purpose, maybe just not the exact one OP was looking for.
OP, break a leg. Hope treatment will seem fast, and well as recovery.
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orangegato wrote: »Thought I had replied to this but don’t see it so will repost.
I don’t know about quickly adding muscle, but I do know that many people going through the same general treatment for head/neck cancer have a hard time maintaining weight, energy and hydration. A nutritionist/dietician consultation and routine follow up is mandatory at the better cancer centers.
All the best with your treatment and your journeys. Get cured.
yes, I am at Emory University, they are top notch and I will have all of those plus Speech therapy.
I also told my wife lap dances are good for motivation lol
Well I hope she gets on board with that :laugh:0 -
I wish you the best in your treatment. In the mean timeI highly recommend reading the book "The Truth About Cancer: What You Need to Know about Cancer's History, Treatment, and Prevention"
by Ty M. Bollinger check out the reviews on amazon.0 -
Longevity100 wrote: »I wish you the best in your treatment. In the mean timeI highly recommend reading the book "The Truth About Cancer: What You Need to Know about Cancer's History, Treatment, and Prevention"
by Ty M. Bollinger check out the reviews on amazon.
I haven't read it but the title already sounds "sensationalist"....does it try to use scare tactics and suggest we've been lied to about cancer? Or does it go the other way?3 -
The best of luck to yo in you treatment - My dad had throat cancer in 1967 & he is now 91 y/o - it can be beat. I would stick with your 5x5 program as long as you can - don't overdo it - also eat everything in sight & put on some weight - you might not feel like eating with the chemo - Eastcoast Jim0
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I had a similar experience earlier this year and am down 50 pounds from where I was as swallowing is extremely difficult both during radiation and after surgery. Keep hydrated, and eat as much as you possibly can leading up to surgery. It's not easy, but your positive attitude will be the key to your recovery. Sending good vibes your way!1
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day six into treatment, Chemo sucks, but doing ok, food taste like crap, but eating anyway, plenty of carbs and protein. I am still working out lifting and doing PIYO some elliptical, not trying to gain muscle, but just trying to make the muscles work. I do feel drained and tired, but pushing through. I know my body needs the Calories and I need to move my muscles.
beating the mental game is the challenge.15 -
Treatment is most important. If you put your workout regimen on the shelf for awhile, it is ok because the priority is to kill your cancer. And you’re doing it. Keep on. Be strong. Get support when you need it. Focus on the goal. And hydrate.1
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trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
thanks! so far they said to continue what I am doing.
This is pretty much what I was going to suggest- they tell pregnant women this- don't start anything new- just keep doing what your doing.0 -
day six into treatment, Chemo sucks, but doing ok, food taste like crap, but eating anyway, plenty of carbs and protein. I am still working out lifting and doing PIYO some elliptical, not trying to gain muscle, but just trying to make the muscles work. I do feel drained and tired, but pushing through. I know my body needs the Calories and I need to move my muscles.
beating the mental game is the challenge.
Hope you're through it soon and it goes well.1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Wait until you are recovered and start. I'm not a medical professional but I would not personally do anything to stress the body before starting chemo.
Wishing you all the best.
Its more relative to the type and intensity of the chemo used for treatment. Chemo coupled with radiation treatments is also something to address.
But as fat as just starting chemo, strength training or physical activity before just chemo alone isn't too concerning in many cases. It's during or post chemo treatment when the body is taxed and could bring problems.
I played catcher for my baseball team the day before half my treatments without ever experiencing a stoppage of my treatments or having to cancel surgeries. I know several people here on this site that have lifted during their treatments and had no ill effect on their treatments as well.
Once again it's relative to the individual and their current health and strength along with the exact type of treatment.
Maybe. But a 3 week "bulk" is pointless anyway.
More or less pointless than doing nothing?
3 -
day six into treatment, Chemo sucks, but doing ok, food taste like crap, but eating anyway, plenty of carbs and protein. I am still working out lifting and doing PIYO some elliptical, not trying to gain muscle, but just trying to make the muscles work. I do feel drained and tired, but pushing through. I know my body needs the Calories and I need to move my muscles.
beating the mental game is the challenge.
Good luck to you! My mom is coming up on her 6th and last chemo session for aggressive breast cancer. If the drugs that are responsible for the food taste issue are the same as hers, you are going to have to get creative! She is eating all sorts of things she doesn’t typically like because she says it all tastes like crap anyway and why develop and aversion to the Things she does like. Keep stuff handy so that you can grab quick bites even if a full meal is not appealing.
Your drive to keep active is inspiring! Don’t tire yourself out but do what you have to do to get through all of this!0 -
day six into treatment, Chemo sucks, but doing ok, food taste like crap, but eating anyway, plenty of carbs and protein. I am still working out lifting and doing PIYO some elliptical, not trying to gain muscle, but just trying to make the muscles work. I do feel drained and tired, but pushing through. I know my body needs the Calories and I need to move my muscles.
beating the mental game is the challenge.
Dropping in just to admire your spirit, and wish you smoothest possible progress.
I always tell people chemo was the worst hobby ever: Worse than extreme sports, worse than adventure travel. Fortunately, it's temporary, and the "one day at as time, do what you can" approach is perfect.
For me, it's 17+ years behind and steadily getting smaller in the rear view mirror. You'll put it behind you, too, and I predict you'll be fully thriving soon thereafter, with your determination.
Best wishes!7
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