By Rita La Rosa Loud, B.S.
Research strongly supports regular exercise during and after cancer treatment to help manage side effects, rebuild strength and stamina, and lower the risk of recurrence. Yet fewer than 30% of U.S. cancer survivors exercise regularly.
Introducing Michelle
As a fellow survivor, I’m honored to introduce Michelle Geraghty, a wife, mother, grandmother, retired nurse, and breast cancer survivor. Her fitness journey began at age 69 when she joined our inclusive program, which combines resistance training, endurance exercise, stretching, and functional movement.
Before enrolling, Michelle had tried Zumba and dance aerobics. She was looking for a program that would help her improve her balance and build muscle strength.
Diagnosis and response
In August 2024, a month after joining the fitness program, Michelle was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. She met the news with amazing strength: “When I first found out I had breast cancer, I wasn’t shocked, angry or even sad.” Her nurse explained that she had triple-negative cancer in her right breast and ductal carcinoma in her left. Michelle joked, “I’m an over-achiever,” and remained determined to keep negative thoughts at bay.
She began chemotherapy on October 22 and, with her oncologist’s blessing, continued exercising through the first three months of treatment. “Exercise made me feel I was doing something for myself. It helped me cope with the chemo,” she said. “My wonderful class members were extremely supportive and encouraging. I had more energy, enjoyed it, felt good after class, and looked forward to coming.”
Nutrition and exercise during treatment
Before starting the exercise program, Michelle had already lost weight through a nutrition plan. As her activity level plummeted during treatment, she worried the weight would return. Instead, strength training helped her build lean muscle; at her trainer’s suggestion, increased the protein in her diet to help counter muscle loss – especially during the second round of chemotherapy, when forced to pause the program temporarily. “I got valuable guidance on meeting my protein needs, planning healthy meals, using proper exercise form, stretching effectively, and safely increasing weights while recovering from surgery,” she said.
Returning to fitness after radiation
After completing treatment, lumpectomy surgery, and six weeks of daily radiation in April, Michelle returned to class in June 2025. “I was concerned it would be like starting from scratch,” she said. To her surprise, her energy, endurance, and strength returned to previous levels within three weeks. She now enjoys attending her grandchildren’s basketball games, helping them prepare for college, and traveling to New York to be with family, something she credits exercise with making possible.
In July 2026, Michelle will celebrate one year cancer-free. “I hope to encourage others on their cancer journey and show that doing something positive, like exercise, can make a lasting difference,” she said. “This program kept me strong – physically and mentally.”
The Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College adult group fitness program includes resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, stretching, balance, and functional movements. We are located at Presidents Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy. Call 617-405-5978 to tour, inquire about complimentary training and obtain registration procedures. Street parking is available; a parking garage is next to the building.
About the Author: Rita La Rosa Loud holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with additional education in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She is NASM Certified and has been actively involved in the fitness industry for more than 35 years. She is also an author and writes fitness-related articles for various publications. Currently, she is a fitness researcher and directs the Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College. She can be reached at 617-405-5978 or by email at Rita.larosaloud@quincycollege.edu.
