Running during reconstruction/expander fills?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2009

    It's so easy to overdo it. I made the mistake of going powerwalking five days after my surgery, just after I'd gotten 2 of my 3 drains out, and ended up with a seroma on the right side, where the drains had been.  Whoops!  I had so little pain that it was really easy to do too much, too soon.  

    My surgeon said it was better to wait a few days after the drains come out before exercising, just to make sure.  Did I listen the first time?  No, of course not. 

    Anyway, with the left side drain, I followed his advice and stayed mellow for a few days and so far, no seroma!   My last drain just came out on Wednesday and I'm going to risk it and head outside for a 2 mile walk today.  YIPPEE!!! 

    Read the advice on the jogbras and I'm going to the Title Nine website today and getting myself something fabulous.

    Thanks GRRRRLS.  You're the best.

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  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 285
    edited May 2009

    Hey Daphnerunon!  I was not up to your standards probably.  I do a lot of 5 and 8 K's no marathons- I am 44 and was training for my first sprint (april 4th) when I got sidelined.  

    My DX was Feb 13th (yes it was a Friday) - double Mastectomy March 17th.  I am going into 9 weeks post op and last week I ran for 3/10th's of a mile (used to run about 5 every other day or so) my pecs hurt sooo bad- but it felt soooo good at the time- a bit of normalcy ya know!  

    I have 500 cc's now so it hurt!!!  I only wear a bra I found at walmart- snaps in the front- my regular job bras (under armor) I don't think would be tight enough (I was a dd) I was weak much longer than you so you are lucky.  I have it down to a pattern.  I am now using my log book for walking miles :( grrrrrr...and just like when I am training I have a certain mileage to maintain yo!  So I keep it to what I had been running between 20 and 25- this week I did 23.  I take my GPS and do everything like if I were running.  For some reason it makes me think of training for a race again and somewhat normal! 

    The endorphins are not the same and I think I eat more junk because I have stress and I guess I am a stress eater (who knew?) I have gained 10 pounds in 9 weeks!!!  So my advice would be be careful of stress eating and walk you tail feathers girl! :) 

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2009

    Ladies,

     I was sooo happy to find this thread - was intending to start my own if I could not find one with runners with BC.....I've not read all of the pages here yet but intend to do so tomorrow...too late to stay up now!!!!

    I'm 44, used to running regularly with hubby before dx - training and racing - we ran a 15k in Jan, my dx was in early Feb, things have stalled since then.  We're back to running but I am having big problems with regaining stamina/distance running....I don't know if it is the lingering effects of multiple surgeries (3), the effects of tamoxifen (started 2 1/2 months ago), or the results of losing weight/aka muscle (10 lbs since dx) - I think it is a combination of all.

    I am just now starting to look for new races for my hubby and me to run but will have to start over again with distance - we will be looking for a 5k to start with....sad in some ways if I look back to what I used to be able to do but sooooo wonderful if I think of the alternative...what I could not do at all a couple of months ago....

    I am confident that positive thinking, my running partner and my I-pod (yah, with some new songs) will help get me through this slump....looking forward to signing up for that next race!!!!

    Julie 

        

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2009

    Wait, i forgot to say that one of the things that I first saw on this thread that made me go yay was the Melissa Etheridge song....I run for life....

    Part of my story - have seen Melissa in concert 2X - both before dx - awesome concert both times at the wonderful Nokia theatre in Grand Prairie, Tx.  The first time - great enough to get us back there the next time she came to town.  Second time - amazing - and I heard two songs that touched me - I Run For Life and I Need to Wake Up - both for some reason made me think about cancer (her's, my dad's at the time). 

    I went home that night and bought both songs for my IPod and they quickly became new inspirations on my runs....wasn't sure why at the time but it wasn't too much longer that I was diagnosed myself and the songs that I already knew had meaning for me became that much more  inspirational....

    Hanging in and looking forward to the next time Melissa comes to town....

    Julie 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2009

    Glad you found this thread, Julie.  Before you know it, you will be back in full form!

    I had my switch to permanent implants on Dec. 4th (after TE's for Bil. mastectomies) I am happily training for a 1/2 marathon.  I feel so good now.  I am back to full weightlifting - including pull ups, push-ups, etc....and feel just as strong as pre-cancer.  

    I'm 47, and thankful for a new lease on life.  Went really slow and easy with the return to running.

    Have just begun my "formal" 1/2 marathon training plan for an October 11th marathon.  

    I'm celebrating LIFE!!!!

    Happy running!  Glad you joined the runner's thread!

    Sue 

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2009

    Sue,

    Thanks for the response!

    I went out and looked up race opportunities locally and my hubby and I will be signing up for a 5K and 10k in October....I think it will help me to have a specific date/goal in mind....cannot wait to get started with training but will have to take a break again in early August with the recon surgery...still need to talk with my PC about how long that needs to be for, etc...

    Julie 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Sue and Julie and all the runners - I am 52 and a 9 time marathoner but having knee problems due to the Arimidex side effects.  I also walked like a nut when I coulnd't do anything else.  Now I spin like a fool and do boot camp but hoping to get in running form soon - spinning helps!  There is a BC 5K in October near my town and I'd love to be able to get ready for that.  Wish there were more gals here on the running forum - I'd like to know if anyone has had Arimidex or Tamoxifen SE's that are joint problematic.  Good luck to all with your training.  I did run after exchange surgery but once the chemo was over and I started the Arimidex it came to a screeching halt :o(

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2009

    Bobcat - Sorry to hear your running is on a hiatus.  Wow, 9 marathons...you go girl!

    I don't have any input about the oral chemo agents and joint affects....I did not require any oral chemo after Bil. mastect. since my cancers were DCIS.

    I appreciate your can do, flexible, and adaptable attitude re: switching to other forms of exercise.

    That's inspirational to me, because sometimes I get locked in mentally that "I won't be satisfied if I can't run" -- I'm realizing I just need to be grateful for life and health, and find whatever options I can to stay in shape, and remain active.  Health is the key - not one particular form of exercise.

    I guess I'm "blogging" because i realize how obsessive I can become with running.  

    Glad to hear you are remaining active.  I hope you will be able to participate in the 5k you mentioned in October, if that is in your heart to do.

     p.s. Blondie - best wishes on your training, and on the recon surgery.  

    Let's  Keep pressing forward ladies! 

     Best wishes to you both!

    Sue 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Sue - thanks for the good wishes!  I know about that running mentality Surprised it can make you crazy!!  Having to find another form of exercise that gives me the runner's high was tough but I'll tell you with spinning, I get it every time.  My spin coach is motivational and inspirational - I spun all through TE's and chemo it just helped tremendously with my 'head'.

    Hugs to all - Bobbi

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    Bobbi and Sue -

     Wow, 9 marathons!  Very impressive!  I used to have a goal to run one but not so sure anymore - the 15k seemed like a long enough distance for me even before the BC side-tracking.

    I am also very happy to hear about an alternative exercise that gives the same sort of feeling afterward as running - had heard spinning was a great source of exercise but it is great to hear from a fellow runner about similar challenges/feelings.  My husband and I have been talking about starting a gym routine together and I am going to look into spinning classes at our gym....

    I finally took my head out of the clouds and started to look at recovery times for reconstruction - mine seems fairly "minor" comparatively, am doing just implants but still thinking it will be several weeks before I can even think about starting to run again.  Please let me know what others experienced with regard to this....thinking I may need to put off the 10k and just focus on a 5k by October.

    Also, husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in Maine at a yoga retreat in September.  Have never tried that either (yoga), he has, looking forward to a spiritual retreat with another new exercise opportunity....any of you all tried yoga before and, if so, thoughts?

    Julie 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Julie - I couldn't run during TE's.  Are you having TE's before implants?  That's how I got so far into spinning because I couldn't do any upper body during expansion.  My SO and I spin together at our local Y.  It's nice to be able to workout together as he had to give up running  couple of years ago and we always ran together.  Yoga retreat sounds interesting Smile  When is your surgery?

    Bobbi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2009

    Julie - I didn't run during my TE's either.  Had my switch to permanents on Dec. 4, 2008 and was solidly back to weight lifting and cardio (elliptical, bike) by week eight.  I got back into running in May.  I probably could have begun sooner, but prior to cancer had injured my iliotibial band pretty bad, so I was really tentative about the running again.  In May I got back to running very gradually, and have steadily increased the length of runs.  My longest run now is 5 miles.  I will be progressing the long runs over the next few months in preparation to run a 1/2 in October.   It will be kind've my one year (actually slighty over a year - my Bil. mastectomy surgery was Sep. 11) anniversary celebration of totally removing the cancer from my body.  So I am looking forward to my celebration run!  woo-hoo. 

    I don't know about you ladies, but I'm just so happy to be moving, exercising, in whatever form I can get it!

    Yoga sounds cool to try.  Never have really gotten into that, but my sister highly recommends it.

    :-)

    Sue 

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    Bobbi and Sue,

    Thanks for the responses, I appreciate every bit of feedback I can get!

    I had a modified radical masectomy on my right side in March with TE put in at that time.  Am having that replaced with the implant as well as an impant on my left side next Wednesday.  I've been able to exercise with the TE fine, I only got it filled twice - looking to stay small - so exercise , even upper body, was manageable after the recovery from the masectomy.

    I'll let you all know about the yoga as soon as I get a chance to try it...I am thinking I will really like it and the timing of our trip works well with my recovery....

    Sue, I totally agree - I appreciate so much more than I ever did before BC any bit of exercise I can get...so I will be out there at least walking sometime next weekend I am sure!!!

    Julie 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Julie

    Good thoughts for the exchange next week.  How exciting.  I used to do yoga but kind of interfered with that "runners" thing - LOL.  But, I agree with Sue that any exercise at all is a blessing during and now after it's all over - I completely appreciate the ability to just get out there and take a good, powerful walk.  It's kept me sane and my anniversary of double MX is next Thursday.  I'm feeling a little ferklempt about that but will have a workout that morning and get on with it.  Keep us posted.

    hugs, Bobbi

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Julie - forgot to ask or didn't look - are you having/had chemo or rads?

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    Bobbi,

     Thanks for the well wishes and hugs!

    No, no rads (wasn't recommended after my masectomy) and no chemo either (I ultimately decided not to though it certainly was an option - long story).  

    I can totally identify with the "anniversary" as a mixed bag of emotions. I don't even know what to say to you other than "hugs on that day, I will be thinking about you"!!!!  

    Be strong, I know from our brief correspondance that you already are!!!!! 

     Julie

      

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    Had my last run this am before replacement/implant surgery.  Surgery coming up on Wed!!!

    Mixed emotions...ran 5 miles, longest since my last surgery, but lots of stops along the way...:(

    Not my best run and not my worst, just happy to be out there at 7:30 AM experiencing the feeling of pushing limits I had not in a while....

    This afternoon, had a couples massage with my hubby - talk about pure bliss....going to bed now at about 10PM....we spoiled ourselves too much today!!!!

    Hope all of you all are well!!!! 

    Julie

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  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 1,710
    edited August 2009

    hi ladies I hope everyone is doing well

    I was lucky and felt fine to train during my TE phase

    I didn't run for about 6 weeks after my main surgery and after my exchange surgeries

    I take Tamoxifen and haven't noticed any side effect

    prior to BC I used to have some knee pain but now take some things from www.hammernutrition.com recoverite after runs and when I had surgery a teammate gave me tissue rejevenator which I still take.  I should have a way I could get people to get a 15% discount if your interested I will have to see how to do that and get back to you...just pm me about it...

    Julie it sounds like you had a great day...

    I'm sure everything will turn out just fine Wed.  I'm thinking your PS will want you to take 4-6 weeks off from running

    at least that's what mine said

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Julie - a couples massage!  That's sounds heavenly.  I am due for a massage, for sure.  Will be thinking of you this week and glad you got your 5 miles run in.  Let us know how it all goes.

    Sandy - I would love the name of that tissue rejuvenator.  I'd try anything to be able to run a little.

    Have a good day all!

    Bobbi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2009

    Julie - will be thinking about you on Wednesday, and believe you will sail right through that exchange surgery and have a smooth recovery.  Great job on that 5 miler!  

    Bobbi,  am sending hugs for your one year anniversary this Thursday.

    I, too, celebrate my one year on this month - on August 21 (removed the two spots of cancer from right breast that day - had left done in Sep. - no cancer in that breast.  My surgery to remove cancer was on my 15th anniversary with my husband.  Was actually quite symbolic of our marriage vows - in sickness and in health -- so seemed quite fitting.) 

    Anyway - press on dear ladies.  Proud to be a part of this gang of strong overcomers!!!

    p.s. please say a little prayer for me.  I have developed a pea sized "lump" a few centimeters above my right mastectomy scar (the side that had cancer) -- am having it checked out this Wednesday.

    God bless you wonderful ladies!

    Sue 

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009


    Sue,

    Nothing but positive thoughts and prayers sent your way this week!!!!  

    I've been scared to even touch my one remaining breast for fear of "finding something"...it sounds like you're being very proactive and that's a very good thing...let us know how things go on Wed.

    Prayers and hugs, 

    Julie 

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Sue and Julie - I will be praying for you both this Wednesday.   Be strong, running ladies!

    Bobbi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2009

    Julie - looking forward to hearing how your surgery went..........

     update on dr. appt:  I am scheduled for surgical removal of the 1 cm "mass" on August 25th.  Doctor does not think it's likely to be recurrence (most likely fat necrosis or granuloma, he said), but wants to get it out and make sure.

    I'll keep you posted.

    Take care ladies,

    Sue 

      

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Sue -

    That is good news and glad your doctor is being pro-active.

    Julie - anxious to hear how it went...

    My one year anniversary of double mast today -  I did a double spin class.  So there, BC!!!

    hugs to all,

    Bobbi

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  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 285
    edited August 2009

    congrats bobcat!!! Can't wait for mine.  I was training for a sprint tri when diagnosed.  I will be training again and the first race I am gonna do is that tri!!!  It's about 2 weeks from my one year anniversary date in March I haven't run or swam since diagnosed but I have been cycling a lot.  After this surgery for the exchange my husband and I are buying some very nice bikes to celebrate!!! :)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2009

    Hey Bobbi, so you made it through your anniversary date.  Mine is next Friday.  I have been feeling really blue lately.  Guess it's kind've coming around again all that has transpired in this past year.  Now with the new lump on top of it.  I want to get my positive fighting spirit back.... feelings are so fickle - for some reason I just feel like the wind has been knocked out of my sail.

    Glad to hear you did that double spin class to celebrate yours.  You kicked that BC in the butt and you're strong and healthy now!  I'll have to think of something special to do that day.

    Cheri - what a nice reward you're planning after your exchange - some new bikes.  Awesome!

    I hope Julie get's online soon to let us know how her surgery went.

    On a positive note - I ran 6 miles this morning.  Longest I've run since the whole BC thing.  woo-hoo! 

    :-)

    Sue 

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    All,

    Thanks so much for all of the positive thoughts!  My surgery went well, was home the day of by 10, saw my PS the next day and he says all looks good.  Said I can start jogging again if I feel up to it in 3 weeks - that was a lot sooner than I thought he'd say but recovering well so far so we will see how I feel by then.  Almost entirely off the pain meds, drove for the first time today and will return to work on Monday.  Was off line for several days as I was in the process of replacing my 10+ year old PC....a new laptop, so exciting!

    Sue, I'm glad to hear also that your doctor is being pro-active - will be thinking of you on the 25th - as scary as I am sure it is to wait until then, at least you will have an answer soon and I hope that it is good news.  Congrats on the 6 miler!!!!  That's awesome.

    Bobbi - really cool way to mark your anniversary - you go, girl!  I still intend to sign up for one of those spinning classes - that seems like a good alternative to the sometimes challenging time I have here in Texas in getting outside to pound the pavement in this heat...

    Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!!

    Julie

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Well. I am up checking the boards because SO is out of town and I don't sleep well the first couple of nights when he's gone.  Cats are chasing each other and I just had a nightmare that I was in that 5 mile race coming in October and couldn't find the route.  Got lost, couldn't find my running buddies - it was just awful and I woke up crying.  I know it's only a dream.....

    I hope everyone is doing well this week and getting on with it.  I did have a run on Saturday at the beach and I'm paying for it this week but it was well worth it!

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  • bobcat
    bobcat Member Posts: 681
    edited August 2009

    Just re-read my post - sorry for feeling sorry for myself.  I too am feeling a little blue lately with all the anniversary dates this summer and fall.  I know people look at me now and think it's all over and I'm cured but I am still dealing with loss and new foobs and SE's and mixed emotions and still no eyebrows....

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited August 2009

    Bobbi,

    You don't ever have to apologize here for feeling sad or down or anything else.  That's the beauty of this forum - I think we can all pretty well identify with the roller coaster of emotions...think we are all riding that same ride, though thankfully we're not all going up and down at the same time!  That's one of the things that I love about coming here - if I'm having a bad day or week, I can always come here and someone else is doing better, has something positive to say or share and I end up feeling a little better as a result.  

    It's rough sometimes in the world outside of this forum - caring friends and family just want us to be well and cancer-free forevermore and the sooner the better - they mean well but it is hard for them to understand how this diagnosis and all of the treatments that come after with all of their various SE's affect you and affect you for a long time to come, far beyond when you appear to be cured.

    There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about cancer.  I used to feel invincible and now a lot of the time I just feel plain scared.  This isn't something I share with my friends outside of this forum and is something I hope to overcome or at least put further and further in the back of my mind as time goes by and my body and mind get stronger.

    Stay strong!  There is NO WAY that 5 miler is going to kick your butt, think of how strong your legs must be from all of that spinning...!

    You have cats - me too...two of them...Harley and Tiger - they've been my "best bed buddies" during the recoveries after the surgeries - one thing about cats, they will never give you a hard time about napping all day, they'll join you and love every luxurious moment of it!!!

    Take Care All,

     Julie

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