Running during chemo

Felicitytwinkle

I’m currently having chemo and just about to have my third cycle. I’m a keen runner and not since I was diagnosed, but missing it terribly, has anyone else continued to run??

Thank you

Moderators

Hi Felicity, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but we're really glad you found us. You're sure to get some great responses from others here who have continued vigorous exercise throughout their treatment.

In the meantime, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Exercise During and After Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapies for some good advice on this topic.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

Moderators

BUMP for Felicity -- any runners out there that can weigh in??

LeesaD

Felicity - I started back to biking and running during chemo. After each treatment I felt like crap for about a week but then felt good for the next two weeks until next treatment so I felt well enough to exercise. My blood counts were good and my MO said I had no restrictions so I ran and biked. Do what makes you feel good and if it's running thendefinitely run. Just listen to your body and start back slowly. If you ran prior you should be fine. Best of Luck!

l_brain

I walked / hiked all through chemo. My oncologist highly recommended staying active. Even if you can just get out and walk it will make you feel better. Just listen to your body and do what you can.

kayakmom

I'm a skier and volunteer Ski Patroller. I still ski almost everyday and on days I feel strong I pull sleds with patients in them.

I also swim and do Pilates. Running for me is pretty much 1 mile in the indoor track under duress ( but that was pre diagnosis too LOL)

On cycle 3 now. Struggling with taking in enough calories so I'm losing strength a bit but it always feels better to ski than not ski.

My oncologist is very supportive of exercise.

I find outdoor exercise really helps my mental health. And then with patrolling I get to use my emergency care skills and I feel like I'm making a contribution to someone else's well being.

Sheila Chapelle

Runnermum

You ladies keep doing as much as you can. I finished chemo the beginning of Nov. Was able to run, do yoga and work out pretty regularly up until mid October. My pace slowed and I needed walking breaks but keep at it. But I will tell you it was one of the best things I did. For the last 2 chemo sessions, I was pretty wore out so I walked, did yoga and strength work. I I wanted to feel as normal as possible and the days I ran I was able to feel normal. It made me feel like a badass, that I was beating the cancer and I was showing it who was boss! My Oncologist said he believes the reason I had so few side effects from chemo and minimal neuropathy was because of my activity level. I received DD AC and DD Taxol...i had a few down days after each chemo session but otherwise worked fulltime and enjoyed my life the best I could. I am 13 weeks past chemo today and finished radiation last week and I will tell you life is good! My first post chemo run was 2 wks after finishing...3 miles with few walk breaks! I am back to running and working out again and my strength and stamina are increasing. I start my spring half marathon training in a week!! Listen to your body and remember it's ok to slow down! Best of luck!