How do I get him/her moving?

One of our real challenges post surgery has been conquering the fatigue associated with recovery and the side effects of the medications.  The advice we received is exercise is the key.  The problem is how does someone find the motivation to even do simple exercises when they are so tired, nauseous, dizzy and often times in extreme pain?  Even worse, if they can't drive, and have to ask someone to take them to the gym or physical therapy?


For someone, like my husband, who was physically active prior to cancer (going to the gym and lifting weights several times a week, coaching baseball, etc.), the simple exercises are just boring and make the lack of stamina seem more obvious.  One of the first things the oncologist told me was that my job was to get my husband out of the house as often as possible. I had no idea how challenging that would prove to be. I tried many different things, and most of them didn't work.

Still searching for answers, but have had a recent turn about.  My husband may have stumbled on a solution.  Something he really misses is coaching baseball. The baseball season has started and our son is so happy he can play.  This is a very big deal.  Keeping the children physically active and engaged helps them cope better with the stress of their parent's disease.  Even better, we found a coach that is happy to have some extra help coaching when my husband is feeling up to it, so it is a win/win for our family. 

On a side note, to make t-ball possible, we got our son on a team with the son of another family who are willing to help me coordinate transportation and supervision while our five year old is at practice and games.   The coach has even offered to pick up my husband and son and take them to the field.

I know this situation may not work for you, but get creative.  My husband went to his first practice last night, and was on the field for the entire hour.  He is a little tired and sore today, but grinning from ear to ear.  He can't wait for practice on Saturday.  Keep in mind he is almost 6 months post op, so this type of exercise may not be a good fit.  During the last season, Fall ball, he came to as many games as he could and sat in a stadium chair.  At that time, just the walking to and from the field was exhausting, but very beneficial.  As they tell us with everything...  check with your doctor first.  Wish I had a quarter for every time I heard that one.

My advice, don't give up.  Find something you love and do it together.  It isn't always easy.  I couldn't believe how hard it would be.  If you have found something that works for your family, please share it!