Running during reconstruction/expander fills?

Anonymous · December 2008

Hi Ladies,

One thing I love about this forum, is that people get to share from their own experience what has helped them. It gives us a variety of perspectives and things to try. Daphne, I know your suggestion re: sports bra and giving specific info. about what brand, has helped many women! For some reason, my TE were aggravated when I wore them... I think your advice about that is helpful to try. It makes sense to keep everything supported. It probably works for the bulk of women.

Daphne, I second your opinion to drink lots of water. Hydration is so important for the total body (helps with skin hydration, mood, joint lubrication, bowel function....you name it) A good goal for water intake is take your weight and divide it in two. That's the number of ounces right for you.

I'm 130 lbs., so I shoot for about 65 oz. (In my case, about eight, 8 0z. glasses of water. I feel so much better when I drink plenty of water. I've gotten to the point where I crave it!)

Keep pressing forward, ladies!!! We're strong. We're on the mend. 2009 WILL be a great year!

"You ain't seen nothin' yet!!!" :-)

God bless,

Sue

DaphneRunOn · December 2008

With a new year just around the corner and this year almost behind us, I started thinking about all of you and wondering how you're doing. How is everyone doing with their reconstruction, etc?

I'm ending the year on a good note, I hope. I'm running in a 4-mile New Years Eve race at 7 o'clock tonight. It's the inaugural race and I could not resist the Nike fleece hoodie and mulled wine for all finishers. Along with light strength training, I started easy running and cycling again a few days ago -- about 5 weeks post-exchange surgery. Things feel good. I haven't done a race since the triathlon I did on Mothers Day and I am exuberant and probably over-excited about it. And believe me, I won't actually be "racing," just running for the love of it. Afterward, I'll zoom home and primp for the two neighborhood parties we're going to. It will be so much easier to get dressed up now that I have two boobs pointing in the same direction. Life is good.

Happy New Year, Everyone! Smile

digger · December 2008

Daphne,

I just want you to know you're my hero and my inspiration! You were so positive and upbeat when I first came on here, looking for information about fitness after bc surgery, and it's so nice to see that there is indeed a whole athletic life to be lived after all of this is said and done. Good luck in your race tonight. I hope you're not on the east coast, where we're being hit by a nasty snowstorm.

I am just about six weeks post-op single mx with a tissue expander. I'm generally in good spirits, although the incision area does have some necrosis, which bums me out because the PS is going to have to remove it. I'm at 240cc now and only want to go to 300cc at most, so maybe I can hold off the removing of the necrosis until my exchange surgery.

Anyway, I finally got myself back to the gym a couple of days ago. I had been walking either outside or on my treadmill, still nervous about being in a public area with, what I perceived, one really weird breast. I changed at home into my workout clothes, then after my routine at the gym, I just went into one of the bathrrom stalls and changed in there. It felt fabulous to be back there, and it's so much healthier for me to exercise with other people around me. I wore a black, loose t-shirt with a good, but not too constricting sport bra, and I felt like no one was staring at the woman with the strange chest. Anyway, baby steps, right? I don't want to run or do anything to jiggle the expander too much because of the wound healing, but wow, it feels so good to be back in the land of the living.

To everyone here, a happy and healthy new year. I know 2009 has got to be better than 2008!!

Anonymous · January 2009

Daphne - how did your run go?!

You're at week 5 post exchange and lifting! When you say light weights, what kind of workout are you doing? I'm going for my 4 week post exchange MD appt tomorrow.... I was going to ask when I am "allowed" to begin lifting again?

does anyone know if it's o.k. to do chest work - like pull ups, pushups, bench presses?! If so - when? I am happy to be done with the switch to permanents and SOOOOOOOOO looking forward to get back fully to total body fitness (run, weights, bike!!!) I was wondering what time frames other's PS gave them after exchange to get back into those types of things. Daphne, it sounds like you've been given the go ahead for just about everything - since you are running again, biking, and lifting.

Digger - good for you going back to the gym! I'm with you - I feel the "synergy" and uplift of spirit when I work out at the gym around other people striving to stay fit and healthy.

I wish all of you wonderful ladies on this post a very happy and healthy 2009!!!

God bless you,

Sue

DaphneRunOn · January 2009

Digger - Awwww. Thanks for your nice comments. When I started out on the whole b/c thing I had no idea what to expect and was lucky enough that it wasn't as bad as I'd feared it would be. I'm glad my experience has helped you. I'm sorry to learn about your necrosis. I hope the procedure to remove it ends up just being a blip in the journey. Sounds as if you'll be topped off on your expander soon.

Sue - I was really happy with my race. It's the first time I've run a race at night time and I loved the whole festive nature of it. I am on the East Coast (I live in northern Va and work in DC), but we didn't get snow. However it was very cold with brutal winds (40-70 mph) that knocked down power lines right along the race course. I think I borrowed your eagle's wings to get through that run! They ended up changing the course from a 4-mile loop to 4 repeats of a 1-mile loop because of the weather. I didn't hear the official announcement of the change and kept asking the other runners how many times I was supposed to be running in a circle. I was secretly hoping someone would tell me 3 loops, but they all said 4. So I ran 4 and that was the right amount. My best friend also ran it but she only ran 3 loops. She said she lost count of the loops but felt so tired after 3 loops that she figured the race had to be over -- so she ran across the finish line. She said she knew something was wrong in the finishers chute when she was the only female with a butt. She was horrified when she realized what she'd done and emailed the race director to turn herself in. I will never let her live it down -- she finished first in our age group by a long shot. The other funny thing is that I found out that silicone implants get COLD! When I stripped down to shower after the race, my left/fake boob was turning blue! I could not stop laughing at that. In a weird way I was glad the weather was so tough -- I told myself that in 2008 I beat breast cancer and I was going to beat that blustery wind too. I like the feeling of ending hte year feeling strong.

On lifting weights - I just started lifting again about a week ago. I am not pushing it at all, mostly just working on range of motion and feeling a little bit challenged. I found that I have to go slightly lighter than before on most exercises for my back and biceps, but I have to go REALLY light for chest work. I am doing chest presses and pec flyes with 5 pound weights. I also figured out that I can do a modified pushup by resting my hips on a stability ball. As I get stronger, I will let the ball take less of my weight by placing it under my thighs, then knees, then calves instead. (OK this is all theoretical, for all I know I'll be happy with that ball holding my full weight for the rest of my life! Smile ) When I 'm doing upper body work, I mostly go by how it feels. If it feels as if it's anything more than a very gentle pull, I either don't do the exercise at all or I try it without any weights. Even some ab work (bicycle crunches for example) and back work (pullovers) stretch the muscle uncomfortably so I don't do them. I remember going through this same healing process after the mx and making progress in leaps and bounds each week, so this all seems familiar to me. My ps never really gave me any strict guidelines on any of this: she said I seem to have really good judgement about my capabilities and she trusts me. Fooled her!

Happy 2009, everyone. I wish you all wonderful things this year.

rockwell_girl · January 2009

My 1st PS told me to wait 2 month before I started running again

But my new one said I could give it a try after 1 month, to just listen to my body

I had my 2nd exchange and lift and expandable implant Dec 11

This last Monday and Tues was the 1st I have gotten out for a walk

But did a good one, 7 miles both days

I hope to get out again tomorrow

Funny thing last night I also noticed my silicone implant was really cold

I've heard that doesn't happen with saline implants because it's easier for our body to heat the saline up

Good job at getting out and doing the run : -)

rockwell_girl · January 2009

Digger this is what I wore with my expander to try and look normal in a sports bra (they might be called water push up pads)

I found these at Target and K-Mart both and the great thing is they cost less than $6.00. The ones that came from Target were in a pink box. The name brand is Lingerie Solutions. They come in size A/B or B/C. The ones I found at K-Mart came in a black box but was made my the same co. Before I picked these up I took out all the liners out of my swim suits and used those to help some also. I even used the liners with the poofy thing so no one would see the line 3/4 of the way up my bra. Most swim suits have an opening for a liner. I did have one that didn't and I just cut a small hole between the material so I could put my puffy thing in. Well here are what they look like:

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digger · January 2009

Thanks, rockwellgirl, I'll swing by Target to pick up some of those. They look perfect! I wonder if anyone else even notices if I'm uneven or if I'm being oversensitive. I've never been so obsessed with boobs since this darn diagnosis. Ever since I found out about the bc, I can't help but look at everyone else's breasts in the locker room. I'm so jealous of those women who just let it all hang out when they're changing and drying their hair. Does that sound weird? I had to stop going to my exercise classes just before the mastectomy because I would just spend the whole class looking at everyone else's chests and mourning the impending loss of mine. Oh well, enough whining.

Rockwell, I'm also curious that it was two weeks between your exchange/lift surgery and when you were able to get out for a walk. I was able to get outside about a week after the mx surgery, so I'm wondering if the exchange/lift is a harder surgery? I'm having the exact same thing, and I guess I'm already starting to obsess about the lack of exercise.

rockwell_girl · January 2009

I must say when I had my 1st exchange Oct 1 it was a breeze

But when I had the 2nd one to get a different implant with a lift and implant on my healthy side Dec 11th it wasn't as bad as the mastectomy but worse than just a regular exchange.

The 1st week I was just so tired but maybe that's because I've been put under 3 times in 1 year and it took a little more to get out of my system.

I should have tried to get out for a walk sooner but sorry to say was just to busy to take me time and do that, Plus the Iowa weather didn't help any

I have an expandable implant on my lift side which I'm glad because at my 1st visit I had her take out 20cc, than 10 and just another 10cc this last Wed to try and get me to look even. It has a port that they are able to do that. Once I'm sure where I want to be they will remove the port than the implant will seal. I'm going to wait till I'm active a while because I think I actually gained a little fat in my breast since Oct 1st. So that's why the expandable implant is great. Before I found out I was getting that I was trying to diet and get out for a few runs to loose weight.

Looking at others boobs Embarassed

I must say I'm guilty also

I think it's a very normal thing to do

On a happy note I'm glad to tell you I can't even see a scar around my nipple

When I went to look for a new PS the 1st one I met tried to talk me out of the lift and said you could see my scar from 12 feet away

I would love to send him my pix lol

I did post my pix 1 day after surgery and plan to again to let everyone see how well everything has healed

Ladyredlocks · January 2009

May I suggest trying a SmartWool camisole or top to keep your implants warm while playing outdoors this winter. I have used smartwool socks for years to keep my feet warm - and went in search of what they had to offer to keep my core warm since my surgery/reconstruction in October. I just LOVE the cami and long sleeve crew combo to stay warm. No more cold foobs.

bobcat · January 2009

Thanks for the tip ladyred! I have been walking outside(will try running this week) and they do get cold in there. Funny story about your race Daphneand GOOD FOR YOU. I am still spinning at the Y but not going into the fitness room because I have no hair. Not that I mind the look but it just feels odd so I am working out at home with the stability ball and light weights. Also bought a biggest loser workout tape that was suggested and may try that today when my SO goes out of town. I find that pushups are still a challenge and my foobs just feel so odd when I'm working the upper body and I don't want to do anything to cause damage or stress. Oh, well. 3rd TC treatment this Friday and doing as much as I can to stay fit and healthy. Thanks for all the support and tips on the this thread - I hadn't been posting for a while because I've been following the chemo SE sight but I've got to stay in shape through this!

Bobbi

bobcat · January 2009

I ran 4 1/2 miles today(first time since surgery in August) with a trusted friend in 20 degree weather and feel like a rock star. Downside is I'm wiped out tonite but at least I can chalk it up to the run instead of the F@$%*g chemo. I will sleep well and ready for 3rd treatment on Friday. Hugs to all,

Bobbi

DaphneRunOn · January 2009

Lady Redlocks - Thanks for reminding me of the wonders of smartwool. I used to have a lot of smartwool socks ... must go and find them.

Bobbi - Hey Rockstar, that is PHENOMENONAL! No kidding, I am grinning ear-to-ear. I even looked up how to spell phenomenonal in honor of your accomplishment. Not an easy task, but it is compared to your run. I ran 4 miles this morning in northern Virginia. It was a "laundry basket" run -- so many layers, you fill the whole laundry basket.

bobcat · January 2009

Daphne - so true - wore three shirts, tight bra, fleece vest and shell - all were soaked and well worth it!! Got to stay motivated and not overdo but it sure felt good with all that fresh air and sunshine! Thanks for the encouragement.

B

Mickie · January 2009

Hi ladies! I just read this entire thread and am inspired by all of you! Congrats, good luck, God Bless and Happy New Year to you all!!

First things first, I'm cancer free and there is nothing I'm more grateful for other than my husband and children (and Mom of course! she too is a survivor!)

Second, I'm inspired to know that there is running after reconstruction!! There is nothing more that I look forward too (besides my 5 year anniversary of course!) I'm a veteran half marathoner (about 8 events a year) for the last 7 years. I'm currently training for the Surf City Half Marathon on Superbowl Sunday in Huntington Beach, CA. Unfortunately, I can't say I'm running this time. I will be power walking.

Third, here is my dilema (and I've yet to hear anyone on this thread who has had this condition): I had bi-lat mx with tissue expanders/Alloderm on 12/9, seven weeks ago. Since week one, I've been miserable. I have a condition called capsular contracture (extensive scar tissue binding the expanders to the chest) on both sides. My expanders are completely sucked into my chest and I have double armpits. One armpit I was born with, and a second created by the expanders being so tight. I am in pain all day, not to mention when I received my first to fills. Due to this condition, I was not able to receive the full cc fill the last time I went. I am now scheduled for a capsulectomy on 2/3 (2 days after my race!) I am left with no choice to continue expanding and will be receiving my silicone exchanges that day. No running for me.

I'm curious about what my PS has instructed compared to all of you. I was told absolutely not to massage these from the beginning. I was also told that the exercise and lifting could cause this condition, so of course, I've stayed away. Now I'm wondering if they were incorrect. If I was so careful, why did this happen to me? It appears you all were doing those things, yet none of you mention the concern of capsular contracture.

Signed,

What happened to me? And why?

bobcat · January 2009

Mickie -

I am sorry you are having problems with your expanders. They are a pain even without problems. I was told not to run or lift while I was in the expansion phase so I only used my lower body spinning and walking. I was never told to massage them either. They were quite uncomfortable but I didn't have the binding problem you mention. I hope that after you have your silicone exchange that things will get better for you. I had to wait 2 weeks after the exchange before I got the ok to run but now I run regularly without problems. I am heading into my 4th round of TC next week and will have my final nipple recon sometime in March. The only thing I notice is that I have to wear a good running bra and the silicone feels a little strange jostling around in there. Also, they are very sensitive to heat and cold so be aware of that. Ask your PS if you should massage after the exchange - I do massage and it just seems to make me more comfortable especially now that I can lift and use my upper body. Don't know if any of this information helped. Everyone on here has gotten different advice from their drs. Good luck in the race!! I hope to do my 10th marathon next year. And, good luck with the exchange - let me know how it goes.

Bobbi

sunshine0000000000000000000000 · February 2009

Hi I'm new this is my second battle with breast cancer and I had reconstruction on both breast-with tummy fat. I am having a tough time sleeping on my sides or exercising. I am going on 21/2 mths recovery. I do 30 min. of walking and hurt. Is this normal and do I suck it up and try doing more exercise each day. How long will it take until I am not hitting a brick wall by 7 pm. ?

bobcat · February 2009

Hi Sunshine - I hit the brick wall everynight by 7. I always ask my SO if anything important was discussed after dark that I need to remember - lol. But he understands and fills me in on what I miss or forget. As for sleeping - many of us did the dying queen position for a long time and I still go there when all else is umcomfortable, I also wear an old running bra to bed. I had silicone implants for recon and they kind slide around in there so the bra makes me feel more secure. As for the walking - I walked for months and months before I started running. Also, I found spinning/biking to be beneficial and less painful. Are you having chemo or radiation? They all take a lot out of you. Best wishes and keep posting.

Bobbi

sunshine0000000000000000000000 · February 2009

Hello Bobbi,

Thanks for writing back. I didn't reallize how important this site is. I have gotten a lot of info. from reading here. I see you have hit a brick wall by 7 also. When does it stop. I seem to have more issue with my stomach then my breast. My stomach hurts more then my breast if I stay on my side to long i hurt. I have been told the more I stretch and exercise. The quicker the recovery. (suck it up). I am going to try lifting and walking twice a day and see if I can handle that. My Dr. says, on my disability papers I can return to work if I am only to lift 20lbs. Heck, I work UPS they will never let me come back until 70lbs. God only know how long that will take. Do you have any idea? Dr. says I could be ready by the end of may to go back to work. I have a lot o work to do if this is going to happened. (There is a God) anything is possible. I had a lumpectomy 9 yrs age and went through chemo and radiation. I opt for my breast both removed and restored with my tummy. The Dr. said, this was to best way to go. If you have in info on this recovery I would appreciate it. How are you with your recovery? Best wishes. Sunshine

bobcat · February 2009

Hi Sunshine -

Not sure about the 20 lbs. I am only up to 10 lbs - you might want peruse the other boards on here although this is the only board I found about working out/running/lifting. There is a gal on my other board that is teaching and taking Zumba classes regularly and has been quite an inspiration to me. Do you have YMCA or community center near you for workouts?

Don't know when the 7pm brick ends - I'm up tonight because I'm taking the steroids since this AM in anticipation of TC #4 tomorrow and they don't let me sleep. I will probably break out the sleep aids tonight so I get at least 5 hours before getting up at 6 to be at the hospital by 9:30. What is your current treatment plan? That will give you a good idea of when you will start to feel stronger.

hugs, Bobbi

sunshine0000000000000000000000 · February 2009

Hi Bobbi,

When my Dr. removed my breast she said, I was clean. I was told my chance of cancer returning is none. (Thank you God) So I have no treatment plan, other then to physically get back into shape so I can go back to work. This has become a little of a challenge. I did pushed a little harder exercising last night and I didn't hit the brick wall as hard as the last time. So I am hoping this is light at the end of the tunnel for a while. I know what you are going through with your sleeping habits. When I was doing treatment 9 yrs ago. I had a heck of a time sleeping. I still at times can't sleep and break out the sleep aids. Good luck on your treatment and let me know how you are doing. Your in my prayers, Sunshine

brooke · April 2009

rockwell_girl I'm so glad to find another runner/biker. I'm looking reconstruction in June. I can't do expanders because of radiation. SO it is any of the following DIEP, SIEA, tram flap, or latissimus dorai flap. Anyone have any of these reconstructions done. I had a mast in the left and having the right breast removed as preventive measures. Also where did you have yours done. Sioux Falls offers some of these choices, not all. I'm from Luverne, MN so it is either Sioux Falls or Mayo CIinc. Want to hear pros and cons. Thanks

rockwell_girl · April 2009

Brooke I visit the exchange city & the Oct thread a lot. One of the gals that goes their a lot also is Linda54 I beleive she had the LD flap done and is a very active person & a runner also and had good successs. She's a sweet heart that I'm sure if you'd want to PM her she would give you lots of info that might be helpful.

I had most my surgeries done in Iowa City but than my PS moved to CA so I actually found one in Dubuque Iowa to do my lift and small implant on my healthy breast. Just last Thur I had my nipple done. I'm feeling good and itching to get back on my bike. Especially with the weather being so nice.

rockwell_girl · April 2009

I just noticed Linda made some comment on page one on this thread

if you click on her name at the top to the right it should offer a spot to send her a private message

Click on that and send her a note

I'm sure she would be happy to give you some info

DaphneRunOn · April 2009

Hi Brooke -- I don't have any personal experience with LD flaps or perforator-flap surgeries like DIEP, so can't offer any advice about a return to fitness afterward. I live in northern VA/suburban DC. My neighbor went to the New Orleans Breast Center and had the flap surgery that involves moving tissue from your booty to your chest and has been thrilled with her results. She was a thin woman to start with, but had a lot of trouble with the concept of putting something artificial in her body. (I was the opposite; more comfortable with an implant than a long surgery, I'm so grateful we have so many options) She's been very physically active with gardening, dancing and gym workouts since her surgery, but she wasn't a runner before the surgery and has no plans to become one now. I think the LD flap sounds like a much simpler recovery than transferring gluteal tissue, but honestly ... I'm talking out of my ass, pardon the pun. Hopefully Linda54 can offer some good practical advice.

Rockwell Girl - I love your top in that picture. How did your nipple surgery go? I'm scheduled for mine in a couple of weeks. My PS grosses me out when she talks about it. She makes it sound as if I'm going to have a nipple as long as a firehose for a while. I don't know how to behave with something like that. Do I need a sling for it or something? Ah, but it'll be good to put the last step behind me.

rockwell_girl · April 2009

Daphne my PS did the cv flap nipple which doesn't take any skin graft so it was a super easy surgery. I hardly had any pain at all

Dealing with the cold I go the day before has been the worst part.

I did post my pix on the pix forum and I also bumped up JetJ thread...she had the skate flap nipple and had very good results. My PS didn't do that style so I had to take what I could get.

I think the skate flap would be a little more uncomfortable since that does take a skin graft.

sometimes from the thighs or stomach area

mine are wider than I expected but not as long as I expected

she used AlloDerm so hopefully it won't shrink as much

rockwell_girl · May 2009

bumbing up for Cheri : - )

Cheri2 · May 2009

I found you!!! Thanks I love these articles!

Cheri2 · May 2009

OK- I have been walking about 5 miles a day (I don't get to go every day)...I am 8 weeks post op and have a bilateral mastectomy with TE and today on the treadmill I actually tried to run!!! I went about 3/10th of a mile and it hurt so bad (but felt sooooo good) My pecs were killing me the rest of the day. I almost took valuim for the pain but resisted and pushed through on just aleve, I can't imagine ever being able to run with these things in??? I was wearing a sports bra. Any thoughts????

Oh- I am also going to PT regularly and have very little range of motion issues. No biking yet (haven't tried) and I swam once and did end up taking a valium that night because my pecs hurt so bad. (But it was almost worth it- I felt so free!!!)

bobcat · May 2009

Cheri -

I wasn't able to run with my TE's at all but I did bike and spin. My PS limited upper body exercise during that time. Now since exchange in November I am running, lifting, kayaking, swimming - just about whatever I want. Valium does come in handy when I overdo it though.

Good luck.

Running during reconstruction/expander fills?

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