Getting Access to increased strength

The week of Feb 24-28 has started and I have reached the halfway point in radiation treatment and have completed 3 of 5 chemotherapy visits.

Warm day for outdoor exercise

Yesterday I was guided through day one of the 12 week study of the effect of fitness on cancer recovery, called the Access Program. A kinesiology student volunteer from Dal showed me how to do the 20 “exercises” on treadmills, bikes, weight machine, free weights, and balance routines that will be my training regime. For the study, I record my energy and fatigue levels before and after each session. Any additional exercise, mostly walking, is similarly logged in a home based report. I was really glad to feel my muscles being challenged again and that “slight burn” indicating strengthening is most welcome. The boost in good feeling from those endorphins was appreciated all day.


The sense of weakness that sometimes comes with serious medical treatment can be resisted when the body actually senses strength development through exercise. I am really pleased to have begun this program.

After 2 weeks on the treatment plan

Today we had a check up visit with Dr Snow, the chemotherapy oncologist. Her nurse, a medical student and Dr. Snow all reviewed my progress and answered any questions.

Winter walk

I reported that the side effects, so far have been minimal, some constipation from anti-nausea drugs and some skin irritation from radiation. Both effects are easily mitigated. The doctor was pleased with my progress. I have been finding it easier to swallow and we agreed that it was a likely indication that the tumour is shrinking as planned. Farris and I went to a little Vietnamese restaurant for some Pho and vermicelli noodles. I had no trouble with the Pho and it was delicious.

I have been accepted into a physical fitness study/program that will have a physiotherapist and a personal trainer develop exercises for strength and endurance using a very nice “gym room” near the Cancer Centre. I will go there twice a week for a 45 minute session. The exercise program is for 12 weeks and they will follow me as part of their research for 15 months. They are doing a trial with 300 cancer patients to determine what effect regular physical activity has on treatment and recovery.

I have 3 weeks of daily radiation ahead and 3 more chemotherapy treatments. We meet with Dr Snow again on Mar 9.

One of the compensating benefits of this journey is the visits I am able to have with my children and grand daughters as they often volunteer to drive me into Halifax for my treatments.

I am very thankful to find so many kind and friendly people along the way. We really are our best people when we care for others. I continue to be thankful for the attention to my care in your messages, thoughts and prayers. It really helps!

Observations on Cancer treatment start

I have started a treatment plan that the radiation oncologist,

Some of the extended family

on Jan 22, described as a plan of radiation and chemo-therapy, to reduce the size of an "Adenocarcinoma" (tumor in esophagus) prior to surgery.

I have completed 2 of 25 daily visits over 5 weeks to the Cancer Centre for 20 minutes of radiation therapy.

On Monday’s, for six weeks, I will have about 3 hrs of intravenous chemotherapy. I have completed one chemotherapy session.

I have been advised that the typical side effects of the radiation will be some tiredness and the chemo may produce some nausea. I have been taking anti-nausea medication and so far I have not experienced any side effects of the treatment.



I am impressed by the health professionals at the Cancer centre. Their friendliness, confidence, skills and empathy have encouraged my optimism. I sense the benefits of the concern, prayers, and well wishes of family and friends. More to come.

I hope to use this blog as an update media and a log of this journey.