Hiking was a powerful ally during 14 months of breast cancer treatment.
A month after a mastectomy, hiking helped me climb Mt. Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia.
Finding Solace on the Trails
Being outdoors and surrounded by nature offered a unique form of healing, particularly during a challenging time like cancer treatment.
Before starting chemotherapy, hiking provided essential time for myself while I was also my mother’s caregiver. This became a vital way to manage multiple roles and center my social life. The trails offered a natural setting for contemplation and a much-needed escape.
Navigating Treatment Side Effects
Chemotherapy significantly impacted energy levels. I shifted to shorter walks and casual hikes, always accompanied by someone, a promise I kept until the first phase of treatment concluded.
Side effects like neuropathy and fatigue meant walking with a less-than-steady gait after infusions. It took mental adjustment to navigate these challenges, but continuing to get outside remained a priority.
- Hiking served as a crucial coping mechanism during 14 months of cancer treatment.
- Nature provided both physical activity and mental respite, aiding in emotional well-being.
- Navigating treatment side effects like fatigue and neuropathy required adaptation in physical activity.
The reassurance from my oncologist early on bolstered my connection to the natural world. A journal entry from that time captures it simply: “Met with Dr. D.: hiking is good. Blood work & kidney function good.” This simple affirmation felt as important as meticulous notes on doctor’s appointments or treatment schedules.
Even on days when chemotherapy left me feeling wiped out, I found ways to connect with normalcy and joy. One journal entry from the same day I heard “hiking is good” reads: “Big chemo. Sort of wiped me out, but did go to Osaka’s with Guy [my son] and eat veg. sushi rolls and made baked chicken for supper. We had fun laughing. I was punchy and giggling again.”
The contrast between my post-chemo stride and my energized hiking walk was stark. It served as a powerful reminder of my inner strength.
Moments of Beauty and Resilience
My nightly journals documented these experiences, often mentioning the birds I saw, like a beautiful hawk perched on a post. Special afternoons at Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia were also noted.
While not every outing was easy, each held a certain beauty. I recall a “Long walk off Blue Ridge Parkway. Not a lot of energy,” acknowledging how energy levels fluctuated. Yet, the good days shone brightly, like a “Six-mile hike on AT — Bunny’s birthday! Made cardamom cake with rose petal buttercream frosting.”
What is the benefit of hiking during treatment? Hiking provided essential physical activity and mental rejuvenation, acting as a crucial support system during a difficult medical journey.
The end of treatment brought profound emotional and physical exhaustion. There were days filled with tears, and after hitting a personal low, I attempted a hike in Boone to the Turchin Gallery, hoping to lift my spirits.
Unfortunately, I was too tired to complete it. However, with the support of friends, my son, and the restorative power of the outdoors, I rallied. A note from that time reminds me: “Hiked at Backbone Rock while Guy ran — saw a Great Blue Heron on the way out.”
For many, immersing oneself in nature is an unparalleled way to heal, whether from cancer or life’s other burdens. Hiking was my sustained source of strength and happiness throughout my treatment, and it continues to be.
This piece reflects personal experience. Consult a health care provider for medical advice.
