Getting back to running/swimming after surgery

accentmj

I am 3 weeks post bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. I have been given the go ahead to start swimming again, but slowly. Surgeon advises 6 weeks before running but PT thought I could start sooner. What has everyone’s experience been? I still do not know about chemo/radiation as I am still waiting on Oncotype score and consultations. How might that effect me?

gb2115

If you get radiation, swimming might be off the table. I don't think I could have tolerated putting my radiated skin into a chlorinated pool!! I also had open areas of irritation that were best kept away from pool germs. I feel like others have gone swimming though, so perhaps it's individual.

accentmj

Thanks for the info. I will keep it in mind.

Runrcrb

my surgeon oked my request to swim about three weeks post mastectomy. Fortunately i saw my oncologist (a woman) the same day and she said no swimming until all surgical sites fully healed. I stayed out of the pool until about 6 weeks after surgery. I began walking soon after mastectomy with some running at about 4 weeks. As to running let how you feel be your guide. It will probably take you longer to get back to where you were than you want. I know many women who ran through chemo. I did not. I walked a 15 min mile during chemo and swam. During radiation swimming is off the table; i ran and walked. I worked through both treatments

accentmj

thanks for sharing your experience. I am really hoping to avoid chemo and radiation but will have to see how it goes. It is good to hear that you were able to continue a routine and work during treatment.