Walking Through It All: Staying Active With Cancer and Knee Surgery

I have been a walker long before my diagnosis of small lymphocytic lymphoma sixteen years ago. After that diagnosis — and through every phase of treatment, from infusions to radiation — I was determined to keep walking. Walking has given me a wealth of benefits: physical, psychological, and even spiritual.

About ten years ago, I began experiencing serious knee pain. I received injections until they no longer helped. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t wait until I was unable to walk from the family room to the kitchen—that would already be too late. I decided to bite the bullet and have a total knee replacement. I weighed all the benefits walking had brought me and knew I wanted to stay active. The alternative, inactivity, would only lead to more problems. I won’t minimize the surgery — it was hard work with physical therapy and pushing myself. But ten years later, I can say without hesitation, it was worth it.

Now, however, my right knee is acting up. I can’t fully extend it, and consequently, I’ve altered how I walk. Evidently, I’m compensating and moving my body differently. When I saw my orthopedic doctor, he explained that the pain and discomfort I feel—shin splints, thigh pain, and psoas muscle pain—are all referred from my knee. Since I’m temporarily off my BTK inhibitor (Calquence, also known as acalabrutinib) and, as he kindly reminded me, “you’re younger than you’re ever going to be,” he suggested this is the best time to do another knee replacement.

All I could think was, “Easy for you to say!” He showed me how my knee looks worse this year compared to last year’s X-rays — and how it will only continue to deteriorate.

I went home and gave it a lot of thought. If I knew how long I had to live, it would help me decide! But of course, no one knows that. As I’ve mentioned in other blogs, I like to think of this as another time I’m deciding to buy green bananas. I turn 74 this week, and I’ve decided to bite the bullet a second time. Although I’m ten years older now and have a more compromised immune system, I’m scared — scared of infection most of all, and of how much harder the recovery might be. I’ve had to really talk myself into it.

And while I’m talking myself into it, I want to talk to everyone who isn’t walking for exercise at least a few times a week. I know firsthand how helpful it is to keep moving, especially with arthritis. Walking is the simplest and most enjoyable way to help our bodies.

First, always check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. If it is, start small — just ten minutes a day. Then add another ten minutes later. You don’t have to walk for 30 minutes straight to get the benefits. Walking can lower stress hormones, boost immune cells, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and lift your mood.

Walk with a friend and the time will fly by with conversation. Walk alone and you may find spiritual peace, reflecting on your gratitude for simply being able to walk. Many would give anything for that gift. Walking strengthens the body, keeps joints flexible, and allows you to connect — with yourself, others, or the world around you. Listen to podcasts or music that inspires you. Notice the beauty of nature through each season. Walking can make you feel more alive.

There are definitely times I feel lazy and have to push myself to get going. But I’m always glad I did — I always feel better afterward. If I inspire even one of you to start walking at least three times a week, it will be so worth it.

Yes… I’ve just convinced myself once again that I need to do this. Am I still scared? Absolutely. But I believe in pushing myself so I can live fully, for however long I’m blessed to have. This surgery, hard as it may be, will help me stay active and continue reaping the physical, emotional, and spiritual rewards that walking has always given me.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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