Running during Radiation

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Lmflynn
Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

I am an avid "jogger"  and have run my share of 1/2 and full marathons.  Since my diagnosis -- I've only run a few times and now that surgery is over I am determined to run through radiation.  Would love anyone's thoughts on the subject or anyone who may be in the same boat and want to discuss the ups and downs of "getting back into it" while going through radiation -- I start next week.

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited August 2009

    I did the surgery, chemo, rads route.  The chemo is what dragged my energy down.  I ran/walked all the way through.  Sometimes more walking than running but I did it.  It sounds like you have an established base and your muscle memory will just take a bit of priming but go for it.  You may even want to line up a supportive running buddy to keep you going.  And if you have to walk/run vs. run or run/walk, so be it.  Your brain more than anything will love you for it.  It means you are getting your life back  on track.

    Good luck!

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    I just found your post - I too and am a jogger -  and right in the midst of radiation.  Two weeks ago I completed a 10 mile race (not very fast but I finished).  I have been jogging all along thru lumpectomy and chemo.  I will say that running thru radiation has been a little harder than I thought it would be.  I am tired and in a "my legs feel like led" kind of way.  My other problem is that all the sweating is not good for my sharpie marks - I already had one come off and another one is just about to.  I haven't found any one else to discuss this with so I am very eager to hear how others are making out.

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009
    LoriR -- Impressive!!  10 miles!  I am scheduled to run the Komen 5K October 3rd -- which will be about 70% through the radiation.  I am determined to walk at least 3 miles every day.  My jogging is suffering but I still get out there -- run a mile walk a mile... Embarassed  I had to fight for my tatoos b/c my hospital only uses sharpies but was going to be too stressful for me.  Glad to hear you are dealing with them.  I have to say the sweating feels good every day.... I live in Houston so it doesn't take much.  Would love to hear from others about exercise / running etc through radiation -- I'm registered to run the half marathon in January and even if I have to walk it I'm going to make it my celebration of post-cancer treatments...
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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited September 2009

    I'm interested in hearing about running during radiation too! - especially with regard to whether sore skin has kept anyone from continuing running and/or what they did to help with it.  I'm 3/4 of the way done with chemo and I'm having the "legs like lead" problems so I don't anticipate that it will get better during rads - just trying to keep moving.  After not running because of the heat, I tried to go out on day 7 after T/C tx #3 - went out for a really slow 2.5 miles.  After about 2 miles I had to stop.  Wow, did I feel awful.  Back to walking for me - but I'm thinking I might try the jog a mile/walk a mile idea.  You are inspiring me to get out there and try to do more now that I'm on week 3.

    Great job on the 10 mile race!  And best of luck with the 5K and the half marathon!  Cancer might slow us down temporarily - but it will not stop us!

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    Christct and lmflynn

     Great to hear from both of you!  I just passed the half way mark on rads today and went for a four mile JOG - i emphasize jog because my husband can actually walk beside at the same rate.  In any case you are right it just feels good to still be getting out there and sweating no matter how far or how fast.  I feel like there has to be more than just the three of us "out there" with BC and runners.  It seems like this is an area that is really lacking with all of the support we get otherwise.  I know there seems to be a fund raiser run every weekend but not really too much talk about running DURING the whole treatment.  I just never know how much of what I am doing is good pushing myself or overdoing.  I guess I haven't collasped yet so I must not be overdoing.

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited September 2009

    LoriR - that's great! - a 4 mile jog - I hear you on the "jogging" part - I like to call it running, but I really should call it jogging.  It feels like running to me, but I'm sure to observers, I'm barely moving.  So I tried the running/walking as Lmflynn mentioned.  I probably jogged 2/3 of the 2.5 mile loop I do and walked the rest intermittently.  Then I stopped home briefly and then walked over to the track.  I wasn't able to do too much there - so I jogged a lap and walked a lap for 2 miles. I will probably feel it tomorrow. And man, was the "jogging" hard.  I am not used to it being such a struggle.  But I'm going to try to keep moving.  It's so good that you are able to keep up such good mileage.

    So the running bra doesn't cause any discomfort on the radiated skin so far?

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  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 1,010
    edited September 2009

    HI girls, just wanted to let you know that I too ran during rads. I would get my tx and then head straight to the gym. I wore a sport bra that was not to tight but still gave me support. I had sharpies as I refused to be tattooed. They put on extra sticky tape for me and that did the trick . They stayed on pretty well during my txs. I found that the more I exercised the less fatigue I had.

    This was my only saving grace to fight off the depression. My recommendations is to set a short term goal and then when you achieve it move to your next goal. I am still running everyday and feel good. Good luck to all you runners out there.

    Remember to be healthy...be happy

    Blackjack

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    So glad that more of us are sharing this experience.  I went out this morning before radiation and could only run 1 mile of 3 ... but hey I did it!  I am having trouble breathing more than "lead legs"  and hoping its more fall pollen than radiation (positive thinking).  

     On the sports bra -- I went out and bought two new ones after the lumpectomy -- I had never had one that snapped as I could not get my current ones over my head... they seem to be fine so far .. but again I'm only on #9 rad.  Motion Comfort is the brand. 

    I agree with Blackjack on the depression -- it helps and I find myself happier and calmer if I just get out there.

    Lets keep talking as I agree there seems to be smaller support groups with our similar interests.

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    Lmflynn - that is great to be getting out - like you said you did it!  did you used to have allergy issues b/f BC- It could be too that the radiation is hitting your lung.  My Rad onc. told me mine would and he said I would be fine unless I planned on running a marathon or something - he was joking and was suprised when I said - well actually I was.

    Blackjack - i agree totally on the best thing for depression - I really think it helps to get "lost" in my head during a run every once in a while 

    Chrisct- I am determined to keep moving during all of this - I don't exactly have a runners body - I was probably 10 lbs overweight before dx and I am bound and determined not to gain weight with all the rest of the hormones, steriods, herceptin, chemopause etc.  I figure the only way to do that is to get out there as I can!!

    As for the sports bra - Danskin is made in my town so the outlet here is -was - (they are going out of business)  great!  I have one that hooks in the back like a reg. bra that is really nice for not rubbing too much and another that zips in the front.  Those two will probably be the only ones I use for the next 3 weeks.  Doc. said I might have to stop running during the last week or so.  He said if the skin actually breaks down that too much sweating won't be good for it.  I am determined to prove him wrong on that one too.

    so glad we connected :)Smile

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  • blackjack
    blackjack Member Posts: 1,010
    edited September 2009

    Hi Girls.. I hope you all are enjoying this lovely weekend. Weather is perfect for a run. I live in Lake Geneva all summer and like to run around the lake. I am a boater and water is my calm. 

    I totally agree with all of you that exercise is the best thing to keep depression at bay. I can tell you that I was very depressed when I started rads...Didn't want to have them and only went 3-4 times a week. I had severe respiratory, skin rashes and burns and asthma issues during rads. I had a shorter version of rads so my complications were magnified. My case was not the norm.

    Rads and I did not agree. lol  But now that I am done I feel human again and run everyday. My suggestion to you is to lather up on cream before running as it keeps your skin soft and wearing a support bra is very good. Not to tight. Find music that makes you happy and start moving. I love the 80-90's music and go for it. So girls get those running shoes on and go. You can do it.!!

    Let's not have bc get us down..we are tough and we are fighters. So let's go running. 

    Have a great weekend.

    Remember to be healthy...be happy.

    blackjack

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Hi again -- Saturday and no rads!  yeah!  Not running today but did go to my yoga class .. and you know how you are wanting one thing and when you realize its not the way you picture it you can get frustrated and disappointed.... well that was how my class was.  I have been going to the same place for 3 years and I love the Sat Yoga instructor.  She wasn't there this morning .. and I almost left ... but decided that I needed Yoga no matter how much I was "fighting" it.  Well it turned out to be great, loved the teacher and I could actually do more than I thought I would.... that's life I guess.  You never know...... unless you try it ... and there are always things that go astray.

    Blackjack - so glad to hear you were fighting rads too ... I keep thinking I'm going to quit and struggling every time.  But I keep going.... how long after did you start to feel "normal"  I would be interested to know .. sounds like you came through it all very postiitvely.  Also, love Lake Geneva -- my girlfriend has a house there .. I'm spent my 20's working in Chicago.

     Running tomorrow am with my running partner -- going to try for 3 miles... she's really good about letting me walk when I need to.

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Oh LoriR  - I did and do have allergies ... but this seems to be different.  I wheeze and dry cough.  They think that it is hitting my lungs (even though radonc says very little) and inflaming tissue .. but that it shoudln't get worse.... maybe its a mixture rads and allergies... they swear it is really early (I'm on #9 of 33) to be having symptoms -- but then I'm not sure many people try to keep up the exercise to a higher level...

    But I'm going to try!!

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  • BarbAnne41
    BarbAnne41 Member Posts: 380
    edited September 2009

    Hi Ladies-

      I just finished 35 treatments of radiation, on August 28, (I am on a furlough before chemo) I did hard/fast three mile walks every night during radiation. Although it isn't "running" I just thought I would give you a couple of things that helped me out. I always folded some soft Kleenex into my sports bra because towards the end when I was getting my boosts the skin was really raw and I needed a barrier between the seams and my skin. It also helped keep the markings in place. I had 5 tattoos and plenty of sharpie. 

     Also I used plenty of Eucerin lotion and drank loads of ice water, it really helped my skin come through with flying colors. 

    I don't know if any of you had this issue but I wasn't allowed to wear deodorant during radiation but I could use cornstarch powder. So I would keep a bag with little powder applicators from the makeup isle and rubbing that on before and after a walk helped.

    I did work part time during all this an even though there were nights I didn't feel like it-the walks were what kept me sane.

    Take Care and Good Luck!

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Hi everyone -- #10 today.  Starting to see some skin effects but I felt really good today.  I ran this morning for 2 miles and walked another 1 or 2.  I'm using aloe and calendula gel for my skin.  I keep hearing that it will "hit" me in the next week or so and I'll be exhausted.  I'm tired but not terribly exhausted.... I wonder if the exercise helps -- I think it must and also the attitude that no matter what I'm going to "move" through all this.

     Oh yes -- not sure if anyone else is into yoga.  But I went to a class on Sat and Mon -- this seemed to help me a ton as well (more mental than physical) because I spent much of the class in childs pose (basically not moving and resting).  But the movement helped my loosen up.

    Everyone -- keep it up -- I have 20 more rads ....1/3 of the way through..... Laughing  How is everyone else doing??

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    Hello all-

    Lmflynn- hey congrats on being 1/3 of the the way thru. I have 35 total and just finished #21 today so I am 2/3 done.  I used to do Yoga but haven't done it in awhile and do miss it.  I think it really does help.  For me it was mostly a mental boost!  I use the calendula also and for the last couple of nights I am taking a bendryl before bed - I haven't been sleeping at all so it really helps with that plus it knocks out the the itching.  I jogged for 55 minutes tonight so I was really happy with that - I run really slow so I figure it was close 4 1/2 - 5 miles.   My skin is holding up ok It is starting to get pretty soar underneath but other than that not too bad.  At this point I just want to be DONE!

    BarbAnne41- thank you for the words of encouragement and for the perspective from someone that is done - it is good to know that we can continue all the way thru

    everyone keep on moving! good luck everyone

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited September 2009

    Great job ladies!  I just had my 4th and final chemo tx (T/C) yesterday, so I thought it best that I didn't try to run at all...  Congrats on being 1/3 and 2/3 of the way through rads!  I need to call my rad onc to get going on that now that chemo is done.  You ladies will probably be done before I even start!  But I'll be following your accomplishments as you finish up.  It is motivating to read about others as they keep running through treatment. 

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Hi ladies -- how is everyone doing?  I am so excited for the weekend and to have two days off.  I am so immpressed with Lori R -- 55 minutes of jogging!!!  Wish I could say that and so far along in your treatment.  But I am keeping up the walking / jogging some routine everyday....

    Chrisct - congrats on finishing chemo!!  Sounds as if you weathered with great strength.  My sister was diagnosed 3 months before me and she finished her TC in late August.  She is doing very well and actually made it through without too many bumps.... she's excited to see hair again. 

     As a celebration for surviving this journey -- we have treated ourselves (3 sisters in the family) to Las Vegas and Cher concert ( does that tell my age?/) We are so excited and going in November.

    Chrisct -- also I am in the Sept Rads group on this site and it is helpful if you haven't found these yet once you get started...

     Enjoy the weekend all!

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    Hey all

    I had #27 today so the last full breast rad will be done at 8:30 tomorrow! Yeah!!! then the 7 boosts - like I keep saying October 5th can't come soon enough.  I looked at a calender and it is exactly 222 days from the date I was diagnosed until my last radiation - think that is a good number to play in the daily lottery on the 5th?  I had my simulation for rads yesterday- it was on the table for ever it seemed - it took probably 45 minutes and by the time I was done I couldn't even bring my arms down because they were asleep!

    take care and stay strong we are almost there. - still need to do herceptin for the next 7 months but I consider that just preventive maintenance and not a big deal compared to the two surgeries, chemos and now rads! 

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Lori R - Yeah!  Cool You are done with your regular rads!  I have 8 more to go then 5 boosts.  Yes, play the lottery!  People that I met and talked to mentioned it taking a year -- to get through eveything and back to "new normal".  You are proof -- 222 days.... You are almost at the end -- excellent!

     How is the jogging going?  Weather has FINALLY gotten cooler here so been better.

    Anyone else out there wanting to share their exercise / running through radiation experience?

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    lmflynn

    Thank you - yes I am almost at the end - had herceptin yesterday also so I took off from running but went  out tonight and did 45 minutes.  My sister and I decided we are going to do the donna deagan half marathon in florida in February - there is a full marathon too but I doubt I will be ready for that.  Kiss

    take care - how is your skin holding up? mine is just about ready to break but so far so good

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Lori R -- Good Luck on the half -- great goal.   Still so impressed -- 45 minutes -- I did this too but had to walk half of it!!  Let me know how your boosts are going?  And if your skin heals as fast as they say it does.

    Thanks for asking -- I am on the verge and in fact have bled a bit where the bumps itch so bad that I scratch them off.  And I looked red and burnt but really all in all OK -- and taking a 3 day weekend for myself.  My 21 month old twin nephews are visiting me so I think I need the extra engergy.

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    Can not wait to be done with rads! - only 6 more.  I am so tired everyday but once I run I usually feel better - it is just a matter of getting my butt out there. I took off Friday and Saturday and only did 30 minutes today - I had the legs like led syndrome today.  Had my first boosts on Friday - it wasn't bad.  Still 3 zapps but from different directions and not as long. 

    lymlynn - hope your skin holds up - and hope you had fun with your nephews.  My 16 year old had her homecoming this past weekend. 

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    LoriR - I'm going to take your thoughts and try to run tonight.  I usually get up and go then go to rads but just couldn't today.  I'm tired and feeling a little useless.  Can't wait to say "6 left"  good for you.  this time next week you'll be done!  Hope you stay on and tell me how quickly you start to feel like your energy is returning.  I'm scared I'm permanently "tired" and achy. 

     Hope the homecoming was fun.  My nephews were a blast and exhausting!  They left yesterday and the house seems very quiet.  Wish I had their energy! 

    Hope you hold up through the boosts. 

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2009

    lmflynn

    thank you - today is going to be a rest day. I am just too tired - it mainly is just that my eyes are tired and burn more than anything.

     glad you had fun with your nephews!  my daughter had a great time at homecoming - hard to believe she is a junior already.  

     I am down to 4 to go!  How many do you have? maybe about 10??  I can't remember - Hang in there! 

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited September 2009

    Ran today and felt so much better -- only did about 30 minutes but the weather was gorgeous and did not feel nearly as tired.  Was supposed to have my sim for the boosts today but the machine was broken so will do no Friday.  10 more for me!!  5 regular and 5 boosts.   Hoping that tomorrow is as good as today but if not willl take today!

    Think that this is the way with rads -- up and down, tired and OK.. skin is really buggin me but the end is near and only 2 more until the rest during the weekend.  Komen race is Saturday -- will see how I do!

    Lori R -- hope you are feeling better today and able to get outside for a bit and walk-run. 3 to go if you have already gone today -- does that mean you have last one on Monday -- awesome!

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited October 2009

    lmflynn

    I was able to get out yesterday and today run.  It does make me feel better - now just a cold to deal with - UGH!  Yes I am done on Monday - Yeah - when is your last one?  How are you holding up?  Keep on getting out there...

     take care

    Lor

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited October 2009

    Lmflynn - best of luck at the Komen race!  I hope you do great!

    LoriR - You're done on Monday!  That's great!  Congrats!  Hope you shake that cold asap.

    I'm way behind you guys.  I went for my markings yesterday.  Dr wants me to wait 4 weeks from chemo to start rads - so I start on or after 10/14.  I hope you will still post how your end of rads/recovery goes.  I've been lazy and now have a cold myself.  But I feel better today, so I think I might have to make myself get out there and see what I can do. 

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  • Lmflynn
    Lmflynn Member Posts: 373
    edited October 2009

    Ran the Komen in Houston.  Amazing how many people were out -- 35,000 --- largest ever for Houston.  So crowded was almost impossible to "run" it, but finished in 38 minutes .. tears all the way around.  You realize how many people and affected by breast cancer -- saw very few people without a "In Celebration"or "In Memory" pinned to their backs.  I felt great all day.

    Fighting asthma from the rads... really bad today ... mixture of the race I think and the end of my treatment.  3 more regular and 5 boosts.  Am going to go walk with my friend tonight -- don't think I can jog.  But always feel better after I go!

    LoriR -- SO excited for you to be done tomorrow!

    Chrisct -- I'll be happy to stay on and let you know how recovery goes especially with regard to exercise and running.  Good luck getting started!  Most I've heard say rads are easy compared to chemo -- so hopefully this will be the same for you!

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  • LoriR
    LoriR Member Posts: 131
    edited October 2009

    lmflynn

    congrats!  that is awesome!  I am sure it was very emotional - you should be very proud of yourself. 

    Chris

    I will definately stay on the thread once I am done.  I know one word that I have hated ever since dx is the word "doable"  If I hear one more person tell me something was doable I swear I will punch them but... radiation is way more doable compared to chemo so I am sure you will manage fine during it.

    My cold is better, thankfully it didn't last but a couple of days.  I don't know if it is because I am at the end of treatment or my cold but I didn't run Fri, Sat or Sunday - but gotta get out there tomorrow for sure.   I am so excited for my last rad tomorrow.  I made italian cookies for the rads techs.  They have all been wonderful   - The Italian cookies are called Love knots and they are like a sugar cookie that you ice but they have anise extract in them.  I don't usually do the pink thing but I did ice them pink.  I hope they like them. 

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  • chrisct
    chrisct Member Posts: 2,662
    edited November 2009

    Hi ladies - I trust you are still running.   I unintentionally took a little break, just didn't get out there, but I've been out a few times lately - not as much as I would like.  But I was able to do a slow 5 miles last week and I was so happy!  My legs were so bad after chemo I felt like I'd never go that far again.  But I stretched well beforehand and took it slow.  I'm only 14 tx's into rads so I'm hoping the cumulative effect of rads doesn't set me back again. 

    How are you ladies doing now that rads are done for you? 

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