Martial Arts after Breast Cancer?

PamelaKay

Before my diagnosis of breast cancer I was doing three different martial arts four or five days a week. I'm at the beginning of my treatment for BC, but I am looking towards the future when I have finished treatment and will be able to be more active. What isn't clear to me right now is if I will be able to resume any of the martial arts I was doing before. I've asked various MD's and gotten only vague answers. 

I have had lymph nodes removed so LE is a risk. I'm planning on reconstruction (left) with a gummy bear implant. I also will need to deal with the thyroid tumor (see signature; big unknown there now). 

I had been doing Jiu Sool Do (combination of 5 martial arts with a base of Tai Kwon Do; black belt instructor); Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, (blue belt), and Filipino martial arts (hand and weapon self defense). All of these involve high contact, combat and sparing: kicking, punching, throwing, wrestling, weapons. I know I can probably do some version of each of these without as much contact, but that would pretty much take the fun and challenge out of it. 

If anyone out there is doing martial arts after treatment, please tell me your experiences and how you have continued martial arts after BC (or not).

NatsFan

Pamela - I don't know specifics about martial arts, but you are right to be worried about the risks for lymphedema.  The key is to start slowly and lightly, and pay attention to the at-risk side.  If you experience any fullness, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, or develop cording, STOP.  You may want to ask your doctor for a scrip to see a Certified Lymphedema Therapist who can take baseline measurements, evaluate your risk and help you develop a safe exercise program.  The LE therapist can also evaluate you as to whether you might benefit from being fitted for a compression sleeve and gauntlet to wear during exercise. 

The Step Up Speak Out lymphedema site is an excellent resource for all things lymphedema.  Recently released on that website are two documents which have guidelines on exercising when you're at risk for LE.  One is for the patients themselves, and the other is for fitness instructors and trainers who have breast cancer patients as clients. 

Here are the links:  Trainer Document      Patient Document

That said, there are many many of us here on the Fitness thread who are at risk for LE or actually have it, and yet we do all kinds of exercises.  The key is to do them safely, and not try to do too much too soon.  We all have the same feeling - you want to jump right back in and get to your previous levels of fitness as soon as possible.  But slower is better, hard as it is. 

Hopefully some ladies with martial arts experience will jump in here, but I wanted to at least help you get started with your research.  The good news is that most of us will never develop lymphedema, so the odds are in your favor.  By learning all you can about LE and learning precautions, you can help tip the odds even further in your favor.  Good luck!!

Dtkd

Hi Pamela:  I so hope that someone posts that they have managed to come back to training in martial ats.  It sounds like you are an amazing martial artist! 

I have been studying Taekwondo with my son (who is now 11) for 3 1/2 years.  I train 6 days a week, did my Danbo walkthrough testing this summer, and was told I would test for my black belt in the next testing, most likely in February. 

Everything changed when I was diagnosed with BC on Veteran's Day.  Now instead of training like a mad woman, I'll be having a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and tissue expanders on Jan. 13, exactly 1 week after I turn 54.

My TKD family is very close and everyone is very supportive, saying that they know I'll come back...that testing will always be there, but I have my doubts.  I won't test if I can't spar, and no one seems to have a clear answer.  I've had enough people tell me I'm crazy to be doing this at all at my age, so it didn't surprise me that when I asked my plastic surgeon if I would be able to punch with my implants, he actually said, "yes, but will you get punched back?"  My friend, who is a 1st Dan, was with me and we just looked at each other and together said, "of course".  He said I might want to find an easier way to exercise, but didn't say it was totally out.

If anyone is out there that has returned to martial arts and sparring, I would really like to know how it went, or is doing.  I know I have a long road ahead, but am hopeful that the goal of returning to what is much more to me than a "way to exercise" is attainable.

Diane.

PamelaKay

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your response. It's been almost a year since my diagnosis, and I am slowly returning to my martial arts. Last summer while I was doing chemo, I realized that I was really missing martial arts and decided that I needed to be involved in some way, so I started helping in the office once a week. Even though I couldn't take classes, it helped to be there and be with my martial arts family. I fully intend to do as much martial arts as possible. The BJJ and FMA may have to wait a bit longer, but I will do what I can as soon as I am able.

Dealing with my thyroid cancer and finishing my year of Herceptin have delayed my return, but I am hoping to be teaching regularly soon. It's been a bit of an adventure to figure out what I can and can't do. I discovered that holding a pad for kicking drills was not a good idea when you have a port in (I highly recommend getting one, even so, if you are having chemo), especially when a black belt is doing the kicking. This helped me realize that I just need to figure out where the pitfalls are and ways to avoid them.  

I would like to find more information about the risks of lymphedema. For instance, are there other factors besides injury that raise your risk of developing lymphedema? If you have none of those factors, is your risk lower? I heard of an encouraging study that showed that getting blood pressure taken on the affected arm is not likely to increase your chances of developing LE. This suggests to me that maybe they are overcautious about what causes LE. 

I totally understand what you mean about sparing. Even before the BC, I had several surgeries related to knee and ankle problems, and my master instructor kept saying that martial arts can be individualized, and that my martial arts might need to emphasize forms over sparing. Of course, I completely rejected that advice, as there was no way I would skip sparing. For now, I plan to do what I can and gradually add to what I can do. Whether I will spar again, hard to say until I get through the next few months. When I asked my PS about sparing, I got a similarly equivocal answer, but at least he didn't say flat out that I could ever spar again. 

The timing is so rotten for you, to be interrupted so close to your goal. I would encourage you to be flexible about the future and black belt testing and not to exclude any possibilities. I think sparing is not out of the question. Take things one step at a time and focus on what you need to do to get through each day. Stay as active as you can through treatment. I was surprised at how much I could still do, even through chemo; I was able to practice my forms through most of the treatment (sword form really helped me recover upper body strength and flexibility after my mastectomy). Consider this delay as your ultimate black belt challenge. 

I have to say that my martial arts training really helped me make it through the cancer gauntlet. I used the strength of spirit and understanding of my capabilities developed thorough practicing martial arts to help me through treatment. When I was diagnosed, I had broken through so many barriers in martial arts and pushed myself past what I thought were my limits so many times, that I knew I would find the strength to get through the challenges ahead.

Perhaps you and I will be the ones to blaze this trail and support each other in our determination to continue martial arts after BC. I would be glad to continue this discussion about martial arts and BC at any time.

Dtkd

Hi Pamela:  I had my surgery and there was no lymph node involvement. My oncologist has me scheduled for a Pet scan and if that is clean, I will be able to skip chemo and radiation because of the BMX.  My sister had a tumor on her thyroid, which was biopsied with a false negative and ended up being positive for cancer when she had them remove it, but so far nothing is going on with mine.

Did you have trouble with the tissue expanders?  I'm now almost 3 weeks out, and am supposed to get my first fill at 4 weeks.  I can't imagine how I'll be able to have more saline injected.  My chest is so tight and painful now.  I had to stop taking the narcotics after 1 week, because they made me too sick and constipated.  I'm trying to manage the pain with Aleve, which doesn't appear to do much.  I'm seeing from other posts, that this is pretty normal, which is disturbing.  I guess this is why everyone keeps telling me how brave I am.  I can't imaging how much more difficult this would be if I hadn't started this process in good condition.

It sounds like you have had quite a journey so far.  Hang in there.  I did find that there are women in the MMA, kickboxing and wrestling who have had breast enhancements (implants) and they are able to spar, so I think that once we are fully recovered from both the surgeries, and in your case, the treatment, we should be able to get back. 

Being home recovering does give you a lot of time to think about things.  Although training for my testing and getting my black belt are important to me, actually getting my black belt is just the beginning of my journey.  My master and all of the students have been so supportive.  If the expansion goes as planned, I should have my exchange in May.  I'm hoping that I'll be back and training in some capacity by June or July.  Time will tell, but I think it helps to have goals, especially now.

PamelaKay

Hi Dtkd,

Glad to hear from you and that your surgery went well. Yay to clean lymph nodes! I hope your scan shows nothing and you have no chemo or rads. 

I absolutely hated the tissue expander and the fills. The darn thing was just plain uncomfortable. The only good thing about having it get removed because of being infected was the relief I felt at getting it out.I was one fill from being done. 

One thing you can do to avoid the tightness of fills is to have them go low and slow: low amounts spaced further apart. That's what I did. The down side is more trips to the PS for fills and a longer time before having permanent implants. I never really had a problem with the fills, it was just the discomfort of the actual expander (felt like someone had stuck an brick in there) that I hated. I'm still not certain that I want to complete the reconstruction. I dread the thought of going through all that again.

As for the pain meds and constipation, yes that is a very common side effect. If you search the forums, you'll find lots of discussions of various laxatives (let me know if you need help finding the information). I ended up using plain old Epsom salts, which worked when nothing else did (and worked fast). I suggest being proactive on the laxatives; don't wait until it's bad. You know if you're taking Vicoden for a few days that constipation is heading your way, so just start the laxatives at a low level as soon as you start the meds. You should work with your surgeon to find a pain reliever that works for you and doesn't make you sick. There's lots of choices out there.

I think your goal of June or July for resuming training is realistic, especially if you don't need chemo or rads. You should have your permanent implants by then and have had time to heal. Don't forget that you can start back in gradually, with forms and practice, as soon as you feel ready. I practiced my forms throughout almost all of my treatment (I think our school places more emphasis on forms than traditional TKD), and just recently did a bit of no-contact sparing.

I am excited that I will be starting to do more teaching this month, something I've wanted to do for a while. I'm a bit nervous because I'm still a bit rusty on some things, and also new to teaching, but I think that experience is the only way to improve.

Dtkd

Great that you are going to start teaching!  I think one of the hardest things in all of this is sitting around so much.  As soon as the hematoma clears up (oh yes, I developed a 3 inch one on top of one of the expanders, probably due to laying on my side for so long in the ER getting not 1 but 2 enimas about a week ago), I plan to start doing my forms at home.  All but my 2 black belt forms are low impact, and I can do those without the flying side kick and jumping spin block for now.   Forms are a very big deal in our school as well.  They also calm me somewhat, so I think that could only be good.

Thanks for the advise on pain meds.  I'll not be taking any until my exchange.  I can't take codeine or vicodin, which leaves percoset, which also made me sick.  If I can, I'll get by without it.  I hear that the exchange is MUCH less painful than having the expanders.  Don't give up, I think we'll be glad we went through this.

Diane.

YoungTurkNYC

Hi PamelaKay,

I did Krav Maga (at a much lower level than you).  I am now worried because it is a close contact sport, and even before BC, I would get bruises down my arms and on my legs due to the kicks and punches and self defense.   Now, I am on low dose aspirin which increases the level of bruising.  In addition, when I tried it out again after BC, I had a lot of difficulty with holding pads used in training when other individuals are punching or kicking the pads.  This is probably not applicable to you, but some of the people are very strong, and they kick or punch very hard, and this impacted my arms and shoulders, and I had increased joint pain (which I am already experiencing on the AIs). So, for now, I am skipping Krav Maga and focusing my efforts on running.

PamelaKay

Hi YoungTurkNYC, good to hear from another martial artist who survived BC. I hope you are able to return to your Krav Maga at some time in the future. (Hadn't heard of it before, but looked it up; sounds very interesting and similar to Jiu Sool Do in that it is a combination of several martial arts). Perhaps in the meantime you can investigate other martial arts that might be easier on your body (less contact). I have not tried to return to Jiu Jitsu or FMA, as they involve lots of hard contact, but have been gradually returning to the TKD-style martial arts, including some light-contact sparring.

Dtkd, just remember that the sitting around is temporary. Be sure not to rush getting back into things, as you don't want to set back your healing by trying to do to much too soon. A couple of weeks after surgery my stitches opened up after a busy day of appointments and carrying around a bunch of BC books and materials. How's that for ironic? It then took weeks for the area to heal, much longer than if I had been more careful. I had no idea it would be that easy to mess things up.

Here's to our quest to returning to martial arts after BC!

Dtkd

Hi Pamela:  Slight set back...  I developed a hematoma about 2 weeks ago.  Tuesday, my PS is going to open up the incisions and clean it out. This will push back my first fill, but hopefully only one week.  Left side looks great,, so will be good to get the right side on track.  I still have a lot of pain, especially when I drive, so am becoming a bit of a recluse, only driving my son to school and TKD and to Dr's appts or to get food.  Hopefully, I'll be ready for work in 2 weeks.

How is class going?

Diane.

PamelaKay

Hi Diane,

Sorry to hear about your setback. Be glad you aren't doing chemo or rads, as that would set you back even longer. Rest as much as possible.

This is the time to get your community to help. Most people are glad to help out. I had a friend who coordinated all the people who wanted to help through a site called Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.org) It's free and you can list tasks and people can log on to see what still needs doing and accept tasks. They helped with everything from driving to making breakfast. If you're like me, you find it hard to ask for help, especially when you think you can do it yourself, but getting rest right now will really pay dividends in how fast you recover.

The teaching is off to a bit of a rough start, but we are working out the kinks.

Dtkd

Hi Pamela:  I am thankful every day that I chose BMX and avoided chemo/rads and that my lymph nodes were clear, again avoiding the rads.  I know from this site how hard that would be, especially without a spouse or significant other in the picture. 

I actually do have a CaringBridge site, and my mom was here for a little over a week, but you are right, I'm not good at asking for help.  This morning I drove to the dentist.  My son sat there patiently while I got my teeth cleaned and I talked with the hygienist, whose mother is scheduled for BMX on 2/28/14.  When we got home, my son watched a movie and I took a 2 1/2 hr. nap!  Baby steps I guess.

It's been raining here for 3 days.  Very glad for the rain, but it's making me feel even more shut in.  At least this weekend I have my son for company, instead of just talking to the cat! LOL

Hang in there and keep at it.  You are an inspiration!

Dtkd

Hi Pamela and YoungTurkNY:  Did all 10 of my forms this morning in the living room for the first time in almost 4 weeks.  I had to skip the jump spin and flying side kick, and go easy with my blocks and punches, but I did okay.  I actually put on my uniform and belt, which I've NEVER done outside the Dojang before...thinking it might help keep me going.  It was nice to hear the snap of my uniform.  It makes me thing anything is possible.

Hope your training is going well!

Diane.

PamelaKay

Diane, glad to hear things are going better. Is your healing back on track after the hematoma issue?

I hope you are feeling more confident that you will soon be ready to resume training for your black belt.

How old is your son? Sounds like he is doing TKD also.

I'm still working on improving my teaching techniques. I plan to start going twice a week next week. On Monday I worked out at the gym for an hour, taught the kids' class, and attended the adult sparing class. Even though I was exhausted, it felt good to work hard.

Dtkd

The hematoma is mostly resolved.  My PS opened the incision Tuesday and basically mopped it out with gauze...not pretty, but it resolved most of it.  I do still have a lump about the size of half a golf ball, but that's about a quarter the size it was, so I'm hoping it will be okay now.  My first fill is supposed to be a week from today.  I'm having some joint pain from the AI I'm on, so they may need to switch me to another med.

Fantastic that you are sparing and teaching.  My son was 11 on Dec. 2, and is a senior red belt and has so much potential...with fantastic kicks!  He broke with a double jump spin kick at his Sr. Red testing, and it was awesome!  At our school, the Danbo's do a black belt "walk through" where they do their colored belt forms, all of the drills, one steps, Hapkido and some of the breaking and sparring, so that they will be prepared for BB testing.  It's an all day event, with the Danbo candidates sitting through the black belt forms, more advanced breaking and a few other things.  We're really hoping he'll be ready to test for his Danbo with me  this summer, when I also hope to test for black.   One day at a time, right?!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!

mmtagirl

I was so excited when I read this thread and found other martial arts women!  I have trained in Muay Thai for the past 12 years with the past two years having had to give up sparring and heavy pad work due to cervical fusion (not MT related), a thyroidectomy in July, 2013 (thankfully hurtle cells only and not cancer) and diagnosed with IDC in December.  For someone who thought they were in great shape and very active, turning 50 sorta stinks!

I had a BMX two weeks ago with TE.  Going a bit stir crazy wanting to be more active but my PS still has me in an ace bandage for another week until I get my first fill and has not allowed any activity to increase my heart rate.  I had a positive lymph node that we weren't expecting and I meet with my oncologist on Friday where I assume he will recommend chemo given my family history (mom has had 2 primary bc with mets and recurrance and my grandmother had 2 primary bc).  I was just getting back to more intense exercise before this diagnosis and want to be in decent shape if chemo is on the horizon. Minute rested in knowing how long after surgery before you were able to begin workouts again?

Dtkd

mmtagirl:  It will be 5 weeks since my BMX tomorrow, and my PS says I can start to exercise...slowly, no high impact.  He also said that I could start to increase my lifting from the 10lb limit he gave me, but gradually and carefully.  I have just been increasing walking and working on forms gently so far, but am considering going to the beginning TKD classes, where I won't have to be doing spin kicks, etc. in another week.  Give yourself time to heal, and do not overdue it.  BMX is major surgery and the TE's really gave me trouble pain-wise.  Listen to your body, but if you can, get out and do a little something every day...even if it is just to walk down the street.  I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks and driving really hurt at first but is getting better.  I was off the pain pills after the first few days at home, because they made me sick, and constipated me and the nerve block they gave me didn't take, so pain management may have been a little different for me.  If you are still using the narcotics, be extra careful, since you may not be able to feel what's really happening.  Hope this helps.

Diane.

mmtagirl

Diane, thanks for your words of wisdom.  I will ask my PS on Thursday how much walking I can start. I know lifting will be restricted a few more weeks. I will focus on my stretching exercises for now.  I will drive for the first time today. I have been avoiding it with all the snow but realize the cabin fever will dissipate when I get some personal control over my schedule and activity.

I have been off the pain pills for the past 10 days or so except for an occasional morning when my TEs give me the most pain.  I have had a few mornings, like today, where I feel much more stiff and sore.  Haven't taken anything yet and hoping the exercise will help.

Glad you are doing well and I appreciate having someone a few weeks ahead of me that I can go to for advice. Take care.

Jorf

Hello fellow MAs! I came on looking for a different topic but saw this. Just want to throw out some perspective from someone several years out from tx. Diagnosed exactly 8 years ago - lumpectomy, chemo, mastectomy, saline implant. I was diagnosed at 49 just as I was training for my preliminary black belt in TKD. A year and a half later I turned 50, had my black belt test, had a mastectomy - all in the same week. 

I continued training throughout it all. My goal when I did chemo was to go for a walk every day - there were just a couple of days that my walk was out the front door and back. Mostly just under 2 mile walks. Some v e r y  s l o w  and short. (I was absolutely thrilled the day that I felt strong enough to step off of the dirt road that I'd been walking out to the end and home on for months and onto the paved road that sent me all the way around the 3 mile block!!) Anyway, I learned a lot by going to class during that time. It helped immensely with strength and range of motion (I also was in PT after the first surgery - had a small rotator cuff injury during the axillary dissection and then again after the mastectomy, which I think made the implant part much easier). Through chemo I would go to class and do what I could and sit down when I needed to and then get back up again. The biggest lesson that has continued for me ever since is understanding when we need to use power and when we need to use relaxation. If you think about a punch or a block or any arm technique, it's that very tiny last moment - the twist in the forearm - that the power comes from. The rest can be very relaxed and, honestly, I think it's better relaxed - more fluid, more ability to come from the back rather than the arm more focus on using the power when it's needed. Much less waste.

Most of all, what I want to say is that it's 8 years later. Last fall I tested for 3rd Dan. This does not need to end your martial arts life. I think, particularly with the perspective of time, that going through cancer treatment in preparation for my black belt was one of the best lessons. We go into black belt thinking that it means one thing and then a couple of years later, and from then on out, we realize that it means something completely different. Yes, after black belt you start off as a beginner. Technique-wise you start over and really figure out how to do it. But more so in the understanding of who we are as martial artists, as teachers. My cancer journey taught me a lot about that.

So, keep going. Do what you can do. You'll get through the other side. 

Dtkd

Ma'am:  This was so very helpful, and was exactly what I was looking for when I started searching the internet in December, realizing that my testing would be put off until after my mastectomy.  I started TKD in order to do something meaningful with my son, but of course, it became much more than that as I got further down the path. 

I can hardly wait to get back to class, even at half speed, and will be thinking about what you said about employing relaxation.  Our Master talks about this often, but I hadn't thought about hoe it could help me now.

I will keep going.  Thank you so much for your response!

PamelaKay

Welcome, mmtagirl and Jorf.

mmtagirl,after my umx last February, I had a number of setbacks in healing (see my Feb. 5 post above), and as soon as I was recovered, I started chemo. At first, when I started chemo, I thought I was going to be totally wiped out. It took a few weeks, but I soon realized that most days I was capable of doing more than I expected.

I started to really miss martial arts, and decided I needed to be at my school, even if I couldn't actually do any martial arts, so I came once a week and worked in the office (I had actually started doing this in 2012 when I was out due to ankle surgery; in January 2013 I was just starting classes again).

Sometimes I would practice forms, but I was too cautious to actually participate in classes. That was probably a good idea, as I tend to get carried away and forget my limits when I get involved with MA. One thing is that the port is rather touchy, and even though it seems out of the way, it can get banged holding a target (hurts for weeks after). Also, when you're on chemo, all sorts of strange things can happen, and I didn't want to have any setbacks on the chemo due to some injury. I just wanted to get it done ASAP! So I settled for forms.

So the end result is, you can do more than you think, but don't do more than you should. It's better to give yourself time to heal than to push too hard too fast.

Jorf, good to hear your accomplishments in martial arts after BC. Very interesting, your remarks about power and relaxation. I will have to play with that idea when I practice.

This week I will be doing MA twice a week (up from once a week). Another step in my goal to returning to my full martial arts schedule.

mmtagirl

pamelakay and Diane, thanks for the counsel on not doing to much too fast.  I certainly don't want any set backs!  jorf, I thing you are on to something with the relaxation. Gonna try that when I start back and consider more mindfulness in my exercise routine in general.  Glad I found you gals!

BigT16

I had my UMX in September and 2 dan martial artist.  I used my forms as part of my rehab.  Initially I did only the foot work, just get some exercise and to get off the couch.  I haven't been in class since September,  I have both a port and TE.  

My MO suggested no contact until my port comes out in December 2014.  I was invited to teach, I might take that up. 

Jorf-  Did you have implants?  If so how was it to come to full contact and push-ups?

Dtkd

Hi Ladies:  Just checking in to see how you are all doing and how training has been.  I have my black belt testing on Aug 9 and am doing my best to be ready for it...back training 6 days a week.  It has been rough and there have been days when I thought maybe it was time to just stop, but each day I get stronger, so I keep going because I don't know how to do anything else. 

I had to stop taking the Femara, due to joint pain, which 3 months later, has actually gotten worse and now they think I may have Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Regular exercise is key, so I'm just doing my best to keep moving.  Sitting is rough, so testing will be a challenge when I have to sit formally.  I had I had my exchange surgery with permanent silicone implants on 4/11/14. My PS is starting to realize I mean business and has actually gotten on board with my training and testing and we put off what I hope is my last recon surgery, scheduling it for a week after testing when my PS will do fat grafting and nipple reconstruction.  Fingers cross he doesn't have to repair anything!

BigT - I did some sparring drills...nothing major, but took kicks to the solar plexis for the first time since BMX and reconstruction last week  I wore both my chest protector and a sports bra with Turtle Shell inserts (hard plastic, like they use in groin cups for men) underneath it.  It was okay.  I guess we'll see how they hold up against a back kick soon.  I think my biggest worry about sparring isn't the hits, but the stamina to keep going afterwards for the board breaking.

PamelaKay - How is the training?  Have you been able to participate more?

mmtagirl and I are on another thread together, so I know she is out there rocking the MT classes, even while on chemo!  Amazing!

Keep on kicking and punching ladies!

Diane.

 

 

 

PamelaKay

Hi Diane and other martial artists!

Glad to hear, Diane, that you will be testing in August. How amazing that, just a few months after your diagnosis, you will be testing for your black belt! Quite a distance you've come from when I first heard from you at the beginning of the year. 

I'm doing well, all check-ups this year have been clear for both breast and thyroid. I still haven't decided about reconstruction, but the thought of more surgeries just seems overwhelming at this point, when I'm just starting to feel better. Finished my Herceptin last month and have my port out.

I've been taking on more teaching responsibilities recently, and working hard to improve my teaching techniques. Physically (for more reasons than just the BC), I'm struggling to get back to my previous level of fitness. For every step forward, it seems I get knocked half a step back.  Nonetheless, my master instructor wants me to test for my second degree on my black belt in December. I've sparred a bit here and there, but my lack of stamina makes it hard to perform well at it.

I also plan to start back to Jiu Jitsu classes next week after almost two years away from it. I am a bit nervous about this, as there are many new people in the class that I haven't rolled with before, so it's hard to know what to expect when grappling with them. I'm going to take it slowly and with great care. 

Good luck to you, Diane, with your BB test. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Pam

Dtkd

Hi Pam:  I'm so happy that you are doing well and your scans are clear.  Sparring is hard stamina-wise for sure.  It's the one part of my testing that I just don't know how it will go.  I've only sparred once since my surgery.  I did okay, but was exhausted.  I'll have to break after sparring, so don't know how much gas will be left in the tank.  I may just have to go on determination alone. 

I have one final (I hope) reconstruction surgery about a week after testing for nipple reconstruction and fat grafting, and while I'm excited to have it done, the thought of another surgery and being off work and out of training again just doesn't appeal to me at all, but at some point, I want the rest of my life back (i.e. dating and a social life), so I'm going for it.  I know that many women decide to just live without reconstruction and are very happy with that choice.

Kudos on going back to Jiu Jitsu classes and continuing your teaching.  The only way we fail is not to try, right?

Hope everyone else is doing well and managing to train, or at least think about returning when you are strong enough!

Diane.

Dtkd

Hi Ladies:  I realized that I haven't posted on this thread since my black belt testing on Aug. 9.  I spend most of my time on the January surgery sisters thread. 

Honestly, I was pleased with my testing.  Yes, it was exhausting, and let's face it, I'm 54 and have been through a lot this year.  I got through it fine, and feel like I did much better than in my walkthrough test last summer, which was BEFORE BC.  I had a week to train with my new belt and went back in for my final reconstruction...nipple construction with lipo and fat grafting on 8/18.  I was off work a week, and went back to TKD last Wednesday on "restricted" training...i.e. no hopping/jump kicks, no punching, and no taking hits for another week.  I am allowed to run on the mat, kick and do forms.  I have to admit, training is uncomfortable, sort of burning on my chest from the grafting, but it feels good to be back.  I know from past experience, it will get better if I just keep going.

Hope you are all making progress toward training again!

Diane.

vyneza

Hello ladies, 

Super excited that I found this thread! I'm training for my orange belt in Krav Maga, not as high up belt wise as everyone else but definitely aiming to slowly but surely train for my black belt, especially with the inspiration of you ladies kicking cancer's ass and taking names

I am also a little different than most on this thread in that I don't currently have cancer. I have Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (cancer predisposition syndrome) which we found out after my twin was diagnosed with breast cancer back in Nov. So I have to within the next year have a bilateral double mastectomy. I'll be doing a nipple/skin sparing mastectomy with a direct to implants reconstruction.

I realize that after surgery it'll be some time before I can go back to Krav, I'll keep up with the cardio as soon as I am able to, when I get the ok I'll slowly go back into Krav again, I also plan on letting my instructors know so they can work with me. 

What steps do you take to minimize impacts to your chest? I'm only 4'11 and holding pads for other people invariably my chest absorbs punches and kicks. 

My plastic surgeon is concerned that if I'm taking part in an activity where I can potentially fracture my ribs then that means I can rupture my implant. She recommended wearing two sports bras or a sports bra with padding and if possible also a chest protector. I do have a chest protector for sparing but its a bit bulky for regular training. Any suggestions for chest protectors?

Also have you noticed any diminished upper body strength? She said that I could still pushups but just not that many. I have an unstable shoulder as is, so I have to do pushups from my knees but I still want to be able to do at least 20 or something.

Thanks again for any advice or suggestions. Definitely an inspiration to keep on going with Krav and a huge relief to know that my training doesn't have to end.

Dtkd

Hi Vyneza:  I'm sorry you will be joining the BMX club, but it is nice that you will be able to do immediate reconstruction without expanders.  That will help with your recovery time.  Just do the exercises they give you for range of motion and you will be fine. 

Check out Turtle Shells online, and fit into a bra that they sell, in much the same way that men's groin cups fit into jock straps.  I just put it on over my sports bra when we spar and then put on a chest protector.  I think they are comfortable enough that you could wear them to protect yourself out on the floor under your uniform, and know one will know...at least to look at them. 

Of course your PS is concerned, it's his job, but I wouldn't let that stop you unless he has some really good reason or research to point to.  There are plenty of ladies out there sparring in MMA, kickboxing, and wrestling that have had augmentation without any problems.  My PS looked at me like I was crazy at first, but got on board when he saw that I meant it, and now marvels at how quickly I heal.  You just have to listen to your body and take things slow after you recover. 

I have had some diminished chest strength, but I expect it to return and I've definitely increased my core strength.  As far as push ups go, I think you shoulder may ultimately hold you back more than your chest.  I have a friend (she is the wife of one of our TKD Masters) who is a 13 year survivor with BMX and saline implants and can do upwards of 90 pushups...more than her husband.

As far as taking hits goes, I just turn sideways when holding the pad for a back kick and let my hip take most of the impact, as opposed to my ribs.  Admittedly, size is on my side, since I am 5'9", but it does work.

No matter what, your training doesn't have to end!

Best of luck!

Diane.

PamelaKay

Congratulations, Diane, on earning your black belt!  That is a doubly awesome achievement just months after your BMX. 

Vyneza, there are many reconstruction options that will keep you active in martial arts. Because I was concerned about implants, I looked into the Brava reconstruction system with autologous fat grafting. Brava, a system that uses vacuum suction to expand breasts, is mainly used for enhancement, but some doctors are starting to use it for mastectomy reconstruction in combination with fat grafting. You can check it out at the Miami Breast Center. This appealed to me because I wouldn't have anything foreign in my body and didn't involve another surgery. However, the process is longer and more involved than implants. 

There are also the gummy bear implants, a newer style of implants that is more of a solid gel than a filled bag, so it can't rupture (at least, not in the same way). 

So, since you have some time before surgery, make sure you research all your options. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll find a way to continue your Krav Maga. 

When you start holding a pad for kicks again after surgery, work with someone who will start with lighter kicks so you can determine where the problems will be, then gradually have them increase the force as you figure out the best way to accommodate. In other words, don't start out holding a pad for that 6'6" 280 lb bruiser who will kick you into the wall and end up in pain for weeks afterwards (been there; done that). 

Sounds like you plan to pace your recovery; a great idea. Check out my Feb 5 post where I've told about trying to do too much too soon and ending up with problems. Give your body the time it needs to recover, especially early on. There'll be time later to catch up. 

vyneza

Hi Diane,

Thanks so much for your quick reply and great suggestions!! I'll definitely check out the turtle shells w/bra and use that along with my sports bra. That sounds like a better alternative as oppose to using two sports bras along with my chest protector for just regular training. Also at lot less obvious  

Yeah I'll have to admit I was discouraged by my PS's concern but after finding this thread and seeing so many other ladies continue with training after BMX has really helped make this decision easier for me. I was super bummed thinking that I'd have to give up training altogether.

Its great to hear that your friend who is also a survivor can do more pushups than her husband, that is awesome! Yeah with my shoulder 90 pushups is out of the question, hahaha.  I'm use to my shoulder holding me back a bit so I was worried it'd get worse after the surgery but  it sounds like with taking it easy and proper training I'll be able to regain my upper body strength as much as possible. 

Turning sideways for pad holding with back kicks is a great idea! I'll try it out now to get a feel for it and also figure out how else to modify my pad holding a bit to prevent direct hits to the chest. Once again thanks so much for your input and encouragement. No idea how much of relief it is to know I can still do what I love.