exercise during radiation?

Julie--MA

I will be starting radiation in September and am wondering what others' experiences have been with exercise. I run throughout the year and am on a master's swim team from fall to spring.  I am guessing I will be too sore and fatigued to run a few weeks into treatment and am also guessing that the sunburn will make it impossible to swim.  

What have others done for exercise?

Thank you,

Julie  

Moderators

Hi Julie, and welcome to BCO!

You may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's new section on Exercise, including the page on Exercising During and After Radiation Treatment.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

Jelson

Hi, from one Julie to another.

I kayaked almost every day for several hours after my morning radiation. I slathered on 100% aloe vera, a sports bra, wicking t shirt and pfd. I was concerned that there would be friction on my skin, but although I did experience skin issues towards the end of radiation, perhaps due to the location (11 o' clock) it was not affected by my paddling.  I favored the radiation side when loading/unloading and carrying my kayak to from the car, but that was more due to the lumpectomy than the radiation. I can truthfully say that I did not experience any fatigue due to the radiation. I bet if you used the search function for swimming + radiation on the bco discussion boards, you will find swimmers who swam through radiation and advice on skin care. you will also find that there is a very (bizarrely) wide range in what the radiologists and their nurses recommend regarding skin soothing creams/regimens and activity restrictions. 

I hope you find your radiation experience to be as tolerable as I did.

Julie E

marjie

I remained active during radiation and my skin really didn't react until the near the end....coincidentally I'm a paddler too!!  You likely won't be able to swim if your skin opens or blisters but other than that, it is very tolerable.  Unfortunately I did get hit with the fatigue and it was something that I really had to pay attention to - I had also just finished chemo as well so was not likely as strong as I could have been going into it.

My onc recommended Glaxol cream (I buy it in big tubs from Costco) and it was fantastic.  I love it...still use it as my regular moisturizer now.

BLinthedesert

Julie, I ran through radiation.  I am a moderately competative runner and usually run ~70 mpw, I cut it down to 50 mpw and did not do any workouts and was able to maintain this level through the entire time.  For me, trying to push it through hard runs was difficult, and so I sacrificed quality for consistency - in running it works pretty good this way as it only took me three weeks or so to get back to my usual routine.  I worked full-time too, but found I needed an extra 2 or 3 1/2 days in the last two weeks (I probably wouldn't have if I wasn't running so much -- but I have my priorities ;-)).  

I did find that I had more energy at the beginning of the week (after a weekend where I rested a lot) and then got more and more tired towards the end of the week.  The fatigue, for me, tended to come in waves, and I could "push" through if I needed to -- but would pay for it later if I did.  

All and all, it was not bad.

Good luck! 

SelenaWolf

About the mid-point of radiation, I started walking with a friend because I was struggling with late-onset anxiety.  Breezed through surgery and chemotherapy with all the confidence in the world, then - WHAMMO! - part-way through radiation, sheer terror blind-sided me.

A mere month after treatment, we were walking four-times-a-week, five miles each time.  Lingering neuropathy was gone, mind was a bit clearer, felt better physically, and spent time with a wonderful, wonderful friend.

kestrelgurl

Same here! I was able to run and work full-time through radiation with no real issues. I did no intensity and skipped the strength training and cycling. I also found I needed more rest towards the end. Basically it was sleep, run, work, sleep some more.....but I got through it. :-)

I did pay extra attention to making sure I used plenty of Body Glide so I didn't add chafing to the radiation burn.

I had a BMX, so that slowed me down a bit, but I didn't have to wear a bra.

Like BL, I also felt more fatigued towards the end of the week, so did my longer runs early and made sure to rest more.

Funny thing, two of my regular routes took me right by the cancer center. I told the RO and nurses that I always waved when I went by.....sometimes with more than one finger. ;-)

proudtospin

I worked full time during rads but did leave early if having a bad day.  My gym was my savior mentally, continued to go but reduced some things like spin class....opted for stationary bike but no class.  I did not swim as i thought the pool would be drying to my skin.  I just did dif stuff

course at the end of all, I collapse and slept after giving myself a spa day of facial, massage, reiki!

mjjones453

Hi Julie , I exercised during most of radiation. Unfortunately, I experienced fatigue, so towards the end I had to lay low, and let my body heal.and rest.  It seems to me that my radiation oncologist mentioned that swimming was a no-no. You might want to check with your Dr., I think it has to do with the chlorine. Mary

proudtospin

please do not fear this, if you are healthy and active to begin, well, maybe you tone it back but it for me at least, was a huge mental thing

pal of mine said her onco told her he would give her anti depressants or....she could join a gym!

she joined the gym and as she says, she is alive 10 years later!

go work out girl

coraleliz

I was able to run & lift weights during RADs. I had to take a break from swimming laps because of blistering. Running actually helped take my mind off the annoying itch/discomfort I experience form the treatments.

ruthbru

I walked like crazy and did my regular toning routines. Of course, you have to listen to your body, but I really think that exercise helps minimize fatigue.

akinto

I go to an exercise program for women with BC. The new members are quiet, tired and depressed. The graduates are spirited, positive and strong.



Go for it.

ruthbru

If you want to; check out the 'Lets Post Our Daily Exercise' thread on the fitness forum. A great group of women exercising through all phases of treatment and beyond.

linker12

Julie-you sound like you are in such great shape going into this. I walked and lifted weights prior to br ca. I felt fine during radiation, and didn't burn until the last week(-the burn was actually the worst the week after radiation, but healed up really fast). The biggest thing I noticed was that I slowed down after about a month. I didn't feel tired, I just Could Not make my legs go as fast-a totally wierd feeling. And I was more short of breath when exercising. As far as sore, I had some initial  quick "shocky" electric type pains. And my breast felt heavy/achy for about a year,not bad, just not normal. A moderate support exercise bra helped. I think everyone is different, and the stronger you are going into treatment, the better.

Julie--MA

You are all so wonderful!  Thank you for your many replies.  I am sorry it took me awhile to respond, but we have limited internet access in the summer.

I didn't know there is a thread about exercising after radiation; thank you for pointing that out. 

It is really good to hear what so many of you were able to do and what modifications, if any, you needed to make.

Thank you so much!

Julie