Running through chemotherapy

alaskamama

This thread is for those who hope to keep running during chemotherapy. I found that subtle negative reactions from docs and nurses made me doubt my ability to keep running when I started chemo last summer, and I needed encouragement and camraderie from people who had tried or were trying to run through it. I didn't run consistently (or fast or far), but I did what I could and I believe my off-and-on running had a huge positive impact on my outlook AND on my white blood counts. 

Feel free to share your questions, experiences, hopes and fears here. Let's support each other in staying active during what can be some miserable treatments.

Jenwith4kids

I am newlt diagnosed.  I hope to keep running.  I dont run fast or far now so I imagine I will be even slower and more sporadic but I have every intention of keeping it up.

FairyDogMother

I was training for a half marathon (my first in November 2013). After my diagnosed my doctors told me no half since I would be doing chemo.  Before chemo I ran a 5K and during chemo I would do 1 mile a day in December and November 9 miles a week.  Some of my doctors encourage me to do at least 30 minutes of exercise during chemo while others scolded me.  During chemo I'm having anaphylactic allergic reaction and peripheral neuropathy.  On my bad days I get on the recombinant bike and go for 30 minutes.  

I do believe that if you keep moving forward during your treatment it helps you body. I was taking T/C. Chemo#3 I got the flu and was not able to do anything but lay in bed for 2-3 weeks.  Horrible of course this also had the allergic reaction too 13 days with fever is not good. Yesterday, I got approval again to do 1 mile a day walking since my body is still recovering and Last chemo is today. I'm planning on signing up for my second 5K Feb. 22nd.  I ran my first 5K this year Jan1 the day before Chemo#3.  

The hardest thing for me during my cancer journey was resting during the flu while being on chemo.  I learned you have to have time for your body to heal.  I love the running group, because I find my doctors who are runners get me and understand the freedom and and solitude you can have while you run. I make my best cancer decisions while I"m hitting the trail.  My times have gone down while I'm chemo, but mile is mile.  I think how many other people are running on chemo or entering races.  

Keep on moving!

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

Great thread alaskamama! I'm done with chemo and now on to radiation but I did attempt to run during chemo and I would love to provide support to those going through chemo who are also running. 

I went from running a marathon personal best to finding a lump that started this journey three days later. A little less than a month after that I was formally diagnosed. Needless to say that my running took a back seat while I was dealing with all of this. Then chemo started, I did neo-adjuvant chemo.  Lucky for me, the majority of the medical team supported me continuing with running to the extent that I could. One nurse was a little cautious about it, but at the end of the day it's my body and my decision. 

I ran with no issues on the FEC portion of my treatment, I ran much shorter distances but it felt great. Then I got a series of colds that lasted about 7 weeks and then started walking since I had troubles breathing while running. Running while on taxotere for the second half of my chemo was harder. Everyone is different but it really did a number on my muscles, I had the muscle and bone pain as my main side effect. It took about 6 weeks after my last treatment for that pain to go away when I run.

My advice is to keep doing what you can. You might need to readjust your expectations but it is doable.

alaskamama

I was on adriamycin/cytoxan and taxol. I found that the biggest hurdle to my getting out was mental. I ran my personal best half-marathon summer 2012 (I'd just turned 40 and won women's masters! small pool of runners). I was hoping to run an ultra summer 2013 when I found the lump (beginning of June 2013). So it was hard for me to accept that walking was as good as running -- and far better than doing nothing -- when I was feeling low. I did two-week cycles of dose-dense chemo and the first week I was pretty beaten down and just walked, and the second week I started to feel better and did a little running. 

No one told me I shouldn't run, but the nurses' and docs' responses were so discouraging. They tell people who are out of shape that it's important to exercise, but they tell people who are in shape to take it easy! I guess they are trying to get us to recalibrate our expectations but for me it just made me doubt myself and get depressed and not do anything. A few weeks into chemo, after finding the running thread on BCO, I shook off the negativity and went for it. 

It's good preparation for running after surgery and during radiation and hormone therapy because frankly it's not much easier than it was on chemo!

DPSPINS

I have been doing short (2miles) runs a few times/week, figure skating and snowbording all through chemo and everyone is amazed at how well I am doing.  I believe it is because I keep on doing the things I am used to and my body likes it.

ruthbru

Great thread! Listen to your body; some people are truly knocked out, but if your body says 'run' (or walk, or dance, or skateboard, or....) then do it! I Despite the raised eyebrows of my medical team, I kept to as normal a schedule (including exercise) as possible during chemo. I think it helped me get through treatment better, and I KNOW it helped me bounce back faster once I was done. YOU GO GIRLS!

BigT16

Anyone have any problems running with TE?

alaskamama

Big T16: I didn't get a tissue expander as I am not getting reconstruction, but I have read and heard from a lot of people that the TE is uncomfortable and many do find it an impediment to running. That was one (of many) reasons I opted out. Good luck....

DPSPINS

I ran a few miles before each chemo treatment. I xc skiied, ran, snowboarded. mountain biked and (figure) skated throughout CMF chemo and did very well with very little side effects. I think I did well because I exercised almost daily. Just get out and keep moving.

cyano

I had TC chemo. I overdid the exercise the first cycle (ran track intervals, hills, etc.), got sick, white cell counts went down to 0.1 and I ended up in the hospital. I also had bone pain, muscle weakness in the quads and shortness of breath. I lowered my expectations and decided that it was better to get out regularly, if less intensely. I then walked for 30 min. nearly every day during chemo. I'm 1.5 years out from chemo and 8 months out from my last surgery (oopherectomy). I ran a 5k a month ago. It was much slower than before chemo, but it felt great. I just started doing intervals on the track again.

aab0716

I am about to go in for a double mastectomy in a week and a half. I currently exercise at least 5 times a week- cardio, weights, yoga, boot camps, running...whatever I feel like doing on a particular day. I want to continue but don't know what I can and can't do (when can I start back lifting weights?). I may need chemo-not sure yet....

any advice? Thanks!

NatsFan

aab - here's a link to a thread with great information on designing a safe exercise program after breast surgery.  If you're having any nodes removed, even for a sentinal node biopsy, you're at an increased risk for developing lymphedema.  Unfortunately many surgeons are not familiar with lymphedema and tend to minimize the risks, so for your protection, you need to learn what you can.   I'll bump the thread for you too - it's in this section and is called:  Guidelines on Exercise For Those With/At Risk for Lymphedema

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58/topic/...

Jenwith4kids

This thread caught my eye on the active topics page so I clicked through.... and found that I posted back in January!!  Too funny!

I have AC#4 on Thursday....  I haven't run in a few weeks....  AC#3 kicked my arse - I got my period, my emotions have been a mess... and the cumulative fatigue has gotten me down.

I did run during the second week of AC#1 and AC#2 and yesterday I ran half a block while I was out for my walk.

I have been walking regularly and running when I can.  My doctors have been very supportive.  My oncologist told me that people who maintain a regular exercise regimen do much better with treatment.  Most people - nurses, friends, whoever I tell I'm staying active - have been impressed and supportive.   I think my friends are talking behind my back because at least three times a week someone calls to schedule a walk with me!

I am really hopeful - but maybe just dumb and happy - that I will feel better on Taxol (though from what I'm reading here, although it's easier than DD AC, there is bone/muscle pain and more fatigue.  We'll see.

I have TE's - I wear tow bras while running... they aren't really bothering me.  They don't move!

alaskamama

Great job, Jen! I have to say, I've gotten my cocky ass kicked SINCE chemo (if you're curious, see alaskamamaruns.blogspot.com). I'm with cyano about doing things less intensely but more regularly. I keep having to relearn that lesson the hard way! I think there is a cumulative effect and we just have to listen to our bodies. 

I found a wonderful physical therapist who has helped me feel more confident about managing lymphedema risk (I had 22 nodes removed) and has given me a good strength training regimen. 

Good luck, all.

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and getting some great runs in. Since I went through chemo last summer and ran through the first half of it, dang cold that would not go away made it really hard to breathe so I walked at that point, I thought I would share some hot weather things that worked for me. 

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I found I was easily affected by the heat and making sure I drank enough water before, during and after a run helped. 

2. You might need to slow down your pace. I found that I could not keep the same pace. I had to keep reminding me that my body was taking a beating due to chemo and therefore I adjusted my pace expectations.

3. A bald head sweats and that just rolls down into your eyes. What I found helped was wearing a Buff. It kept my head covered and soaked up sweat. Plus they are seam free so it didn't irritate my tender scalp.  They are so versatile that you can adjust them to get the coverage that you want.

I also recently found a new product that I wish I would have found last year because it would have been great for my bald head. It's a cooling towel by CoolCore (www.coolcore.com). The larger towels made from technical fabric, similar to a running shirt, can easily be worn as a head scarf and it says in place when you run. The great thing about these towels is that they are chemical free and all you need to do is wet them, wring them and snap them and they become cool. As long as they are wet, either with water or sweat, they stay cool and help you stay cool. I'll be honest that I'm not sure where you can pick them up. I bought mine at a race expo last weekend after seeing the really cool demo. It's a great little product and I thought I would share.

Jenwith4kids

I ran today!!!  Nobody is home and I just wanted to share!  I had taxol #3 this last Thursday....feeling pretty good. I didn't run far and I really ran slow.  But I ran, then I walked and I ran AGAIN!  Woohoo for some normalcy....

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

yay Jenwith4kids

Claire_in_Seattle

Jen....I was much livelier during Taxol than at the end of AC, and I had six dose dense of each.  My boast is that I did the Chilly Hilly (cycling event) in the middle of Taxol and some training rides for the upcoming Seattle-to-Portland.  Now, more than 4 years later, I am stronger than ever. One of the things I do now is regular 5k runs.

I think I did much better throughout the whole ordeal because I exercised.

Which reminds me that I need to go out for a ride.  Work day, and I am still beat. 

Back to exercise.  Essential to stay strong, to keep your brain in shape, to preserve bone health, for energy, for vanity, your libido, and for cardio health.  One thing not commonly mentioned is preventing falls.  Of course, as an exerciser, I end up on my butt regularly anyway.

My big exercise mishap was hitting a pavement crack the wrong way about 3 years ago on a wet day.  So still suffering a bit on that front.  But all else continues to be more than find. - Claire

Jaryco234

So I just had my first chemo treatment yesterday for breast cancer. I am very active do boot camp daily and run. My doctors advice was not to run. I was very discouraged. I felt great after chemo yesterday and I woke up feeling great this morning. My first instinct was to go for a run but after what the doctor said I just went for a walk. I decided to do some research and found this website. I am so glad to hear so many who have been able to keep running. I think the main thing is to listen to your body and if you are fatigued or sick take easy or stop if needed. If you feel good see what you can do and go for it. Thanks for the advice and I will keep watching for more posts on your thoughts.

Jenwith4kids

I ran again today, thanks to my husband who got me out there.  I was having an "I hate cancer" day....  We didn't run far, and I sobbed the last quarter mile...running and sobbing....geesh, this really sucks.  But, I ran today! 

HockeyCat

Anyone still running through chemo? I'm starting next week and try to run/walk when I can...

KGotThis

I would love to be able to run through my chemo infusions but they've really kicked my butt. I'm receiving dose dense, bi-weekly AC treatments, followed by a next-day Nuelasta shot, and for about 7 days after I'm so tired, nauseous and fatigued that walking up 2 flights of stairs is a workout. I started running less than 2 years ago, but had completed a 10k and two 5k races shortly before my diagnosis. It's killing me not to run, as it was THE stress-reliever for me, and lately, I've had stress I began walking as often and as vigorously as possible after my lumpectomy and sentinel node removal surgery in early July. Unfortunately, the lumpectomy incision didn't heal properly and I needed to have another surgery to repair that incision 3 weeks after the initial operation. That set me back even further in my efforts to maintain my pre-diagnosis level of physical fitness. I'll begin 12 weekly Taxol infusions at the end of September so I'm hoping to begin running during that cycle of treatment. For now, days 7-13 are "good" ones so that's when I do strength training, ab/core work and get out and walk. I won't lie~it's hard work. I don't walk as fast or far as I did prior to chemo, but I am moving and that counts!! 

Blondb3

Hi! I was recently diagnosed and have had one round of chemo (A/C). I feel great but have to wait one more week to start running because of my port (it's only been 2 weeks). I'm nervous about running with the port. Does it feel weird? How will I know if something is wrong? Has anyone else had these fears/ issues?

Moderators

Hello Blondb3, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. We're sorry you have to be here, but glad you've found us.

You may also want to check out our 2014 Running Thread, which is another active thread here. We're sure you'll find other runners there, and that you'll be hearing about their experiences shortly.

Please do keep us posted as to how things go for you.

Warmly,

The Mods

Oncearunneralwaysarunner

Hi Blondb3,

I've had a port for over a year and I've been running for most of that time. I've never had any issues with it when I run. I ran a half marathon today with no issues. You may need to try different sports bras/tops depending on where your port was placed, they might be too close to your port or rub on it and make things uncomfortable. Once it healed, I haven't felt it at all. You may feel more comfortable if you ask your doctor is there are any signs of trouble you should watch for.

The biggest thing I felt with running was the effects of chemo on my muscles, not the port itself. 

Jenwith4kids

Agreed, the port is a non-issue once it stops being sore from insertion.

HockeyCat

I don't have a port so can't tell if it is an issue. I am Day 19 after my first chemo, and was able to run 3 miles today! I'm getting TC every 3 weeks. I walked several times after, but today I felt well enough to run and so happy! 

Blondb3

Thanks for all the replies! I asked my doc and she said I shouldn't be able to feel it but to just walk a lot more and not overdue it, general advice. I've been out a few times, mostly walking with a little running, and felt okay

Claire_in_Seattle

I didn't run through chemo, but I did cycle every single weekend. This was with dose dense AC + T, six of each. I was much better during Taxol than at the end of AC. In fact, I did a couple of 30+ mile rides, and the short route for one event (walked the hills, but I'm counting the Chilly Hilly for that year).

My medical oncologist would just shake his head. Sometimes he turned pale. But he didn't discourage me.

I am fully aware that not everyone can remain active doing chemo, but I would urge everyone to be as active as possible. I describe it as "dialing things down". Also, post active treatment, the single most important thing we can do for survival is exercise. It's that critical to stay active.

As far as "overdoing things", I have to admit that I did that more than once during chemo. What happened??? I slept!!!! DUH!!!! I even cycled in the rain, and what happened???? I got wet and cold and needed a hot bath. DUH!!!!!

I think it's time to post once a picture taken 4.5 years ago about one month into Taxol. I was doing the Chilly Hilly. So you can print and show this to your MO. - Claire

 

Jenwith4kids

I bought new running shoes today....  three more days of active treatment - started running again during rads - after many false starts during chemo, decided to be kind to myself and do what I could when I wanted.  So far I've been consistently inconsistent - and happy about it.

Aiming for getting back up to three miles before the first snow falls.

Jen