Ultra marathon runner worried about activity level

UltraRunnerGale

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago, I quit smoking and started running. I had DCIS and only had surgeries, no radiation or chemo. I took tamoxifen for 5 years.

I now have a local recurrence. They want to do radiation and depending on the oncotype test, perhaps chemo.

I am now an ultra marathon runner; I complete distances beyond the 26.2 marathon distance. Some running, some power hiking, done on trails. I've got a lot of races scheduled and must do many long training runs. I have a 50 mile race in June and a 62 mile race in October.

My question is, how tired is radiation going to make me? I'm sure if I have chemo, that's going to be a whole other situation!

ruthbru

There is no way to tell. Some people are wiped out, others are fine (I did chemo first, and actually felt my energy level returning to more 'normal' during rads). I think it does help being in good shape going into any treatment. It may or may not help you get through it better, but it will definitely help you bounce back faster once you are done.

coraleliz

UltraRunner-I'm also a runner & ran during my radiation. I really didn't notice being tired. I had bialteral BC & got RADs to both sides(twice what most people get). It was time consuming going to radiation 5 days a week for 5 1/2weeks. I stopped on my way home & ran fun places(the creek, the lake, the beach, or trail). I found that running & working out helped take my mind off the side effects of radiation. Mostly skin issues for me. I didn't have chemo. Hoping you to can run thru treatment.

Annette47

It's very individual.   I had zero skin issues but did have some fatigue.   Running (although I run WAY less than you do, LOL) my usual amounts didn't seem to make it any worse - I was tired regardless.   I did however have during the last couple weeks significant swelling and soreness, which made me have to stop running for a bit - even with doubled up sports bras, it was just too much jiggling to be comfortable.

I did find however that it was relatively easy to quickly build back up to where I was once I was able to start again, so even if treatment interferes with one or two of your upcoming races, you can hold onto the thought that you WILL get it back and be stronger than ever once you are through this.

ETA - I have no experiene with chemo, so can only comment on my experience with rads.

doxie

I was fairly fit going into chemo.  I was able to stay active until the last two infusions when I had some complications that slowed me down.  During rads I build back strength.  Fell asleep each evening at 7 for an hour, then went to bed about 9 and slept beautifully.  Not bad for someone with insomnia.  Ran some through rads until the last week and two weeks after.  Giggling was too painful and I'm small.