Running during reconstruction with expander/implant?

Options
DaphneRunOn
DaphneRunOn Member Posts: 35
edited July 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

 Can anyone offer advice or share her own experience with returning to running during expander/implant reconstruction?  I've been power walking 3 to 5 miles almost every day since my surgery and am now 6-weeks post-mastectomy.  I've had two fills to my expander and my PS says I'll probably be topped off in about two more fills.  Other than the expected amount of tightness and some tender areas on my breast and underarm I feel really good.  I'm surprised to find that I love the power walking, but oh I miss my running!  Last week I tried to mix in some running on my power walk and felt like Super-breast-cancer-fitness-woman for the rest of that day.  Unfortunately, at about 2 o'clock that morning my Frankenboob woke me up with lots of soreness.  Back to sleeping on my back. 

I am 48 years old and a triathlete, a runner of 30 years and a former-marathoner.  I'm trying to strike the right balance between challenging myself the teensiest little bit -- and not doing myself any harm.  And also trying to strike the right balance between two-different cup sizes in a sports bra.  My PS is encouraging but hasn't really had any other patients as fitness-oriented as I am, so I feel as if I'm in uncharted waters here.  My worry is that the running will create scar tissue around the expander.  Has anyone else gone through this?  

Thanks for any insights and also thanks for welcoming me to this site.  It's been a fantastic resource for me as I've gone through this experience. 

(NOTE:  (I originally posted this in the Fitness forum.  I'm re-posting it here in hopes of getting more responses.  The Fitness forum doesn't get as much traffic.) 

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited August 2008

    Daphne,  I am also a runner with a few marathons under my belt.  I started walking after my last drains were removed.  Each day I added more minutes.  After about 3 weeks of walking (6 weeks post-op) I started adding a little jog.  Then I started a few minutes of a slow run with some walking.  Each week I would add more minutes of running until I reached 10 minutes of running with 1 min of walking and I also added mileage each week until I reached 9 miles (the 9 mile run was at my 3 month post-op).  My DH told me that I was not  training for a marathon.LOL......It really felt weird when I first started running because my iron bra would tighten up and it still does but I am kinda use to it now.  I am almost 4 months post op (bi-lateral/ lat dorsi flaps/expander placement)  I am waiting for a date for my exchange surgery and I will be back to no running for a while.  I have cut back and my longest run for the week is 6 miles.  I guess I just had to prove to myself that I was OK.  I also bike and do strength training.  I do not use heavy weights for my upper body workout just don't think it is a good idea with with expanders still in.  I have done fine.  Have not experienced any pain during my runs.  So my advice is to take it one step at a time.  If it hurts quit for a while.   I worry about scar tissue because I have a radiated breast.  I just feel like the running would help.  Have not talked to my PS about it.  Just go with your gut.  Maybe someone who is a runner and has had the exchange can tell us more.  Happy running!!!!

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rubytuesday
    rubytuesday Member Posts: 2,248
    edited August 2008

    Wear a sports bra, let your body tell you how much you can do and ENJOY!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Farrah
    Farrah Member Posts: 566
    edited August 2008

    Hi Daphne,

    I'm so pleased that you posted this question because I have wanted to know the same thing. My feeling is that you are indeed in uncharted waters and probably won't get a definite answer from any surgeon.

    As a physical therapist though, I would say that the 1st 6 weeks post surgery are important to let the soft tissue heal. After that it should be okay to do whatever is comfortable.

    I'm 3 weeks post exchange and I haven't done any exercise yet because I want to let the 'pocket' that the implant sits in heal fully so there's less chance of it shifting and my foobs (which are the teardrop shaped ones) becoming asymmetrical.

    I was training toward a short course triathlon before my dx and surgery in May 08 and doing weight training and cardio 4-6 times a week. I plan to go back to it in 3 weeks when I'm at the 6 week mark.

    My ps asks every time I see him "you're not doing any gym training yet are you?" and I'm not but I really want to get back to it ASAP.

    I'm wondering what it will feel like running with these new foobs. Will it feel like I'm wearing the best support bra ever or will it feel like a couple of pieces of wood sliding up and down my chest? I hope it's the former! If not I may have to learn to do the waltz or something instead of running! Smile

    Please keep this thread going because I'd love to get some feedback and ideas from you girls when I start my training again. Maybe we can revive the fitness forum?

    Farrah 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ehall
    ehall Member Posts: 663
    edited August 2008

    I found running painful afterwards...but lots of walking was fine.  I did jog a few times--and opted to double-up my sports bras to minimize the movement.  Now that I've had my exchange (post-12 weeks expander exchange)--jogging if fine.  You'll find that the implants are much lighter and softer than the expanders....thus more comfortable for exercising.  Hang in there--you'll be back to doing what you love soon enough :-) Erin

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited August 2008

    Daphne,

    Like you, I started walking the day after I got home from surgery, and I tried to run two weeks out.  Not a good idea.  But right around six weeks out, you can start picking it up, especially since you are a runner to begin with.  I exercise pretty much every day, but only run about 3 times a week, 3 miles each time.  I think if you start slow, maybe two times a week (3 miles each time) and see how you feel, you'll do fine.  Even though you're in great shape, listen to your body.  But I can so identify with you.  Even during that first walk, I was chomping at the bit to start running.

    Hugs

    Bobbie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DaphneRunOn
    DaphneRunOn Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2008

    Thank you, thank you, Linda, Ruby, Farrah, Erin and Bobbie!  I figured that a long pink line of runners must have preceded me in this experience and I'm reassured to hear your stories.  (I started to write that I was ‘uplifted,' but that word has a whole new meaning for me since I got the expander.)

    Linda - I have to crack up at your 9-mile run and your DH's comment.  I've heard a few remarks like that from my husband too.  I'd love to get him up off the couch to join me, but that just ain't gonna happen.  (Particularly when he is very busy admiring the "athletic abilities" of the Olympic beach volleyball team this week.  PUH-LEEZ!)  Congratulations on your 6-milers and your bike and strength training, you must be feeling really great.  I just tried an easy ride on my bike for the first time on Monday and have been doing some core work and squats and lunges.  No upper body stuff yet for all the reasons you mentioned and also because, well, it is hard and I never liked it anyway.Wink 

    Ruby - I've got the enjoyment down and you are so right, that's the most important part.  As for the sports bras, lord knows I've invested a fortune in them!  I do think if I can find one that keeps both breasts in place, that is half (haha) the battle.  My favorite right now is an UnderArmour that gives great support.  (My original breast is a C cup and the one in progress is currently a B cup).  The only drawback is that it's an over-the-head style, which can be tough to manage post-surgery.  Works for me now, wouldn't have worked just two weeks ago.

    Farrah - It's so good to get a physical therapist's perspective!  I have tremendous respect for your profession following several very positive PT experiences.  What you're saying about letting the soft tissue heal for six weeks makes good sense and seems like a good rule of thumb.  The first time I tried mixing in some running on my walk was at just five weeks post-mastectomy and I definitely jumped the gun.  Might have been okay, but I got slap-happy and ran for too long.  (10 min walk/5 min run/10 min walk/15 min run/5 min walk).  I learned my lesson after that time.  I'm now at six weeks post-surgery and in my latest running attempt, I went out for about a 90-minute walk and decided to run every time I got to an up hill.  I deliberately chose a route with 5 big hills (1 or 2 minutes each) and that worked out great with no pain afterward.  Yay!  Smile Limiting my running to the uphills kept the jiggle factor down, I think.  (I made sure to walk down them.)  Like you, I do weight training and did cardio 4-6 x per week before the surgery.  I hope you'll let us know how the running goes after your exchange.  The implants are supposed to be so much more comfortable than the expander that I bet it will be hard to hold yourself back.  That's a nice problem to have, isn't it?  I like your idea of reviving the fitness forum, since that's the first place I looked.  I might try to post periodic updates here and to the existing thread in fitness, so that anyone else going through this can have a yardstick for their own progress.

    Ehall/Erin - Congratulations on your successful exchange and return to jogging and thanks for your words of encouragement.  I hope to be right there with you, happy with my implant and jogging away in a few months time.  Interesting on the double sports bras.  I considered double-bagging, but my left side is presently considerably smaller than the right (a small-B and a full-C) as I only had a left-side mastectomy.  I just found a great UnderArmour sportsbra that seems to be doing the trick though.  Bombs away!

    Hugs to you too, Bobbie/SpunkyGirl- I think you chose your screen name wisely.  You are spunky, trying to run just two weeks out.  I confess that at about the 3-week mark, I did try to toss in a few yards of running during my power walks, but the fact that I had to hold onto my breast with both hands while running told me it was time to stop.  If I'm ever playing in the NFL, that might be a good move to practice, but it just didn't look right on the streets of northern Virginia.  Too funny!  It sounds as if you've reclaimed your fitness as well as that light at the end of the tunnel.  I also usually run just 3 times per week.  I like to cross-train (bike, swim, walk, yoga, weights, whatever!) to prevent injury and stay fit not just specifically for running but for life in general.  I plan to be in this for the long haul.  Smile

    Phew!  And yes, I am always this long-winded.  That's why I run - keeps me from talking so much.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    I am so happy to have found this thread, even if it's 4 years old!  I was actually dx in 2008, but didn't have my bmx then...I had it 6 weeks ago tomorrow.  I have been running for 8 1/2 years, having done two marathons and six halfs.  I am missing it SO much!  I have had two fills, and am so ready to start running again (have been walking 5-6 miles 5 days/week since the last drain came out at 2 weeks).  I would love to just bust out the front door and head out and try things out, but truthfully, I'm nervous!  I don't want to mess anything up or anything like that!  Any advice from anyone still looking at this thread?  :)

    Erica

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • itsjustme10
    itsjustme10 Member Posts: 796
    edited December 2012

    Erica..there's a whole fitness section on the website, where you'll probably get tons of correct answers...

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/58

    I wish I could help, but running is one sport that I've never been able to get into...I know that after my BMX, my plastic surgeon kept a tight leash on my going back to the gym, because he didn't want me sweating until I had healed enough to not have a problem.  It had to be at least 8 weeks or more until he finally relented.  I'm not sure exactly, though...

    My  thinking is that a quick phone call to your plastic surgeon's office could remove all guesswork!! :)  Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber_1616
    kimber_1616 Member Posts: 99
    edited December 2012

    I started running about six weeks after my implant surgery. PS was concerned about jiggling so I double bag the boobies! Not much movement and I started running on the treadmill that has a little give versus pavement and ground. I would be interested in the TE running because I may have to have one with a failed implant on the left. I think for the most part if you listen to your body, you will be fine as long as you leave enough time for soft tissue to heal. That is what concerns me with a TE because it is stretching skin every time you fill.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Colcol
    Colcol Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2012

    my bmx was 7 weeks ago. i returned to they gym 4 weeks after my surgery and was doing the elliptical and my PT exercises. i  tried a slow jog on the treadmill today and it was very uncomfortable. i only last two minutes at a slow pace when i usuallly could do an 8 min mile. i also have TE and I had a lats dorsi flap. when i started running i felt my chest tighten up and my upper back started to feel weird. also, i couldn't seem to swing my arms when i tried to run. i will stick to elliptical for now and ask my PS about all of this at my appt next week.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2012

    Funny, I was diagnosed in 2009, with a mastectomy and a lat flap recon.  I am a triathlete as well.  I tried to keep running during chemo (if only for 3 miles at a time - and slowly) but it helped. I still could bike, but no swimming for almost a year. Between surgeries and chemo there was no way!  Anyway, I think you know your body if you have been running that long. Just listen to it and do what you think feels good!  The one thing I was introduced to was yoga! It makes all the difference in the world and to think I used to make fun of it(and girls with fake boobs)!  Do you do yoga?  If not, you should really try it.  Just run small, slow jogs until your body works up to it.  Hope all goes well for you - Let us know how you do.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    I am so glad to see replies here!  I did email my PS on Sunday to ask her about running and her two word reply was "Go run!"  I was so excited!  And a little nervous.  But Sunday afternoon I hit the treadmill for a walk/run, just to test things out and see how it felt.  Verdict?  It was awesome!  I did a little over 5.25 miles in a little over an hour!  Since everything went well on Sunday, I decided to test things out outside on Monday (which is my 6-week post-op day) and I ran a little over 6 miles in an hour.  I have run a few miles everyday, alternating between the treadmill and outside.  My "boobs" feel good, I'm not sore-well, except my quads, and everything looks and feels the same.  So far so good!

    jennsdogs, I do yoga occasionally.  I like some of the yoga podcasts I found on Yoga Download, like the Yoga for Runners.  Do you have other suggestions for downloads or DVDs?  I don't have access to a class.  We live in a VERY rural area!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited December 2012

    I ran with expanders during radiation (after chemo) with no issues. I would not recommended running during chemo if blood counts are low. I rode my spin bike during chemo and had serious issues with my implant bleeding inside the breast capsule. Once my blood counts went back up I healed up and was fine. I had a fill today for the first time since April and I'm happy as a clam. It was one long wait!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2012

    I did some yoga off of netflix but we no longer have the subscription so don't know if they are still any good or if they still have them. I have been to that site too. Great job on running!  Believe me I know how excited you are to get out and move the way you "used" to move, if that makes any sense at all.  I swear all this mess makes you even stronger.   I have another question for you... I see that you had ovarian removal too.  Once I looked at your profile, we seem to have had the same treatments as well, but you were staged higher than me. Do you still have periods, by any chance?  I had an oopherectomy in August 2011 and am still have regular periods and didn't know if anyone else was having the same issues.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill47
    jill47 Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2012

    Hi girls, I have't made a post here yet as running has been so on/off since nsbmx in July. Recon has been more painful that I ever thought but I have no regrets. I'm 35 cc's away from my final size of 500 cc's - all my fills have felt great but the last one was a killer at 50cc, my chest is so stretched and my lungs are so compressed when I run and my breathing is labored. So hell I'm going out for another 20 mile mountain run this morningTongue Out my g'friends are long running with me at all my fav places before I go under the knife again in Jan. for my exchange as running will be halted yet again for at least a month. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    jennsdogs, I don't have periods anymore.  I had a complete hysterectomy, so overies, uterus, cervix, tubes, everything is gone.  And yes, it feels so good to move.  It feels so good, in fact, that I'm having to stop myself from doing too much! 

    jill47, I'm kind of nervous about the pain/pressure that I'm sure will build as I get closer to capacity on my expanders.  I have 400cc expanders and currently have 260cc in each.  I've had two fills, and I'll get 60cc each time, as long as I tolerate it ok.  And a 20 mile mountain run?!  Go you!!!  I'm excited for you!  Maybe getting some of your endorphins?!  Have a great run!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill47
    jill47 Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2012

    Runnermom:  I'm wiped out, 5:15 for 20.2 miles; running purely on muscle memory and desire to be like I use to be pre-dx but unfortunately, it's not happening.  Two more surgeries to go, I'm dreading my PS appt on Monday for my last fill and surgery date selection and planning.  I'm getting nervous.  But you...enjoy your comeback to running post bmx.  It does feel great to get back into it again!  Keep at it and enjoy all the healing properties that running brings.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited December 2012

    Runnermom, your body will know when to stop, just listen to it!  Keep up the feeling good - it helps mentally as well as physically!  Luckily, I didn't have to do any of the "fillers" because I went smaller than what I originally was. They were kind of in my way, plus, I have small bones and didn't want to go too big.  At least they don't sag - haha  I had the TEs for about a year and a half and then went to implants.  Good luck and keep us informed.

    Jill47:  Holy cow on your 20+ miles in the mountains.  I am sure it feels great, I live in flat land (beach) so going to mountain runs would wipe me at first!  I bet it was beautiful though.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jill47
    jill47 Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2012

    Hey Jennsdogs,  that 20 miler kicked my butt and I caught a nasty sinus infection that went to my lungs.  I got my last TE fill on Monday, I'm overfilled by 15cc and at 515cc; my exchange surgery has been set for Jan. 16. I had trouble sleeping Monday and Tuesday nights, chest/sides hurt and then I get sick. I'm a wreak today. I'm a stubborn ultrarunner (mountain running is my love) and haven't succumbed to the fact that it may be a really long time (if ever) before I will run carefree like I use to before dx.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SharonS
    SharonS Member Posts: 326
    edited December 2012

    I will be 4 weeks out tomorrow.  Was allowed to sweat after drains were out at 2 weeks and 2 days.  Went with stationary cycling and walking first, but really didn't feel like running.  PS said to wait for running til 6 weeks out.  I have been doing the Tru Stride...without the arms.  It has always been my favorite indoor activity and I think a little closer to running than the elliptical.

    Good luck to everyone and 2 more weeks and I will be back to running I hope!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jennsdogs
    jennsdogs Member Posts: 56
    edited February 2013

    Jill47: How did your exchange in January go for you?  I can't find time to get on BC.org very often but I was thinking of you and wondered.  Hope you are doing well.  How is the running? Are you feeling better?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Runnerforlife
    Runnerforlife Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2015

    So so glad I found this thread and thank goodness it's still up after all these years!

    Nice to see there are fellow running addicts like me even through BC!! Such an encouragement to me

    I had been power walking 7 miles just fine, a week post op. I just don't swing my arms. I keep them very steady.

    Looking forward to the Disney half soon, even if i have to do a 15 minute mile pace. At least I'll do it. I know that during this reconstruction I'm not out to break any records. I want to be safe too.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Penzance
    Penzance Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2015

    How about using a crosstrainer or doing step aerobics (low impact)?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DaphneRunOn
    DaphneRunOn Member Posts: 35
    edited July 2015

    Hi Runnerforlife -- I forgot all about this thread, which I started 7 years ago! If you've been power walking 7 miles already, you'll do just fine at Disney -- fast walk, slow run, whatever, it's all about the joy of forward progress I guess.

    It's been a long time now, but as far as I can remember, once I started running steady in the weeks leading up to the exchange surgery, I had no setbacks. Of course it was back to square one and power walking after the exchange surgery but, at least for me, it was a much easier surgery to recover from both mentally and physically than the original mastectomy + expander surgery.

    And hey, it's seven years later and I'm still running!

    You didn't ask, but I'll pass along that I've had my best luck with the Moving Comfort sports bras. I like (1) an open back bra because my upper back is tight post-implant and the racer back bras feel like too much pressure on my traps; and (2) padded cups, because I'll always be a little lopsided (1 implant, 1 original boob); and (3) I like adjustable straps and adjustable back. I'm a 38C and like the Vero C/D bra, with 2nd choice the Juno.

    Good luck! I really can't believe it's been seven years already ...


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories