Distance runner going through withdrawals

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justadirl
justadirl Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

I'm 5 weeks post op bi-lateral mastectomy due to start TCH chemo in January. I'm starting back up running next week, just got the last drain out today after the second lymph node surgery. Looking for some pointers and encouragement from someone who's been there.

I finished my last half marathon October 3rd, last run October 26th, I need some activity BAD!

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2009

    I did not have a bi-lat.  I had a lumpectomy and then the complete axillary dissection followed by chemo and radiation.  I did have one drain in following the dissection.  I was able to run and as my energy weakened from chemo, jog/walk throughout.  Mentally you need to get yourself out there.  Are you walking?  I think you have your established fitness on your side.

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited December 2009

    I had a unilateral without reconstruction, and started running again as soon as my drain was removed.  It felt strange (and developing a seroma didn't help), but it kept me sane; I also ran (or jogged/walked) all through chemo.  I totally agree with bomber410 that being fit at the beginning will help you immensely. 

    And if you didn't have reconstruction, you won't have to worry about running bras!  Post-surgery I wore a front-zip bra on the outside of my running top (thank goodness it was still early spring, so I could put a jacket over THAT fetching ensemble), which kinda worked, but when I started chemo I was never able to find a bra that didn't irritate my port.  So I ran braless and lopsided for five months.  I could get away with it, as I'm not particularly well endowed, but it was still a relief when I was able to go back to my running bras.

    Good luck with both your treatments *and* your running.  I hope you'll keep us posted.  It's fun to see running chatter popping up on this board.

    (Bomber, it's good to "see" you.  How are things going?  Are you racing at all?  I've been plagued by injuries all year, and seem to keep getting slower and slower.)

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2009

    Hi lewing, I am here from time to time.  So much going on.  I guess I must be back to normal after nearly 3 years since diagnosis.  I am racing and doing a lot of trail running.  I did just start to do yoga in ernest  two days a week.  Hoping to get more toned and stronger.  I am running at least 5 days a week. 

    I am sorry to hear you are plagued by injuries.  

    Justadirl, I hope you get back out there.  You don't have to run a 1/2 marathon but just getting out and doing your thing is so therapeutic.  Keep us posted.

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  • justadirl
    justadirl Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009

    Thank you for the encouragement. I've still not been cleared to run much to my dismay. When there is a glimmer of hope something crops up. This week I've got an infection above my right incision and still having issues with too much fluid.

    I've been walking a couple of times, at this point my treadmill is appealing which is so far out of normal for me. My port was supposed to be installed this Wednesday however thanks to the infection it may be postponed. One day, hopefully soon I'll be able to lace up my shoes and run again. I'm looking forward to not having to use those sports bras!

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited December 2009
    justadirl,  hang in there.  Before too long, this will all just be a distant memory.  Hard to believe right now with what you are going through.  Smile
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  • justadirl
    justadirl Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009

    I'm starting to think the whole cancer experience is much like the teenage years with three daughters. Nothing goes as planned and will be more complicated than necessary. Hopefully the chemo portion of my treatment goes more smoothly than the surgical has.

    This too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass!

    Today I woke up to three inches of snow with my Brooks whispering softly from the corner. I think I'll wear them to the dentist today.

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited December 2009

    Oh my gosh, another Brooks wearer!  (I'm experimenting with Asics at the moment, just to see if changing shoes helps break my injury cycle, but Brooks has served me well for many years.)

    BTW - your surgeon will probably tell you to take it easy after they place your port to give it time to "settle in."  They told me something ridiculous like a week; I begged, and managed to negotiate the restriction down to a couple of days.  Smile 

    You will want to take it *very* easy, but with luck, it will feel good and help your frame of mind.

    And you are *so* right: this, too, will pass.

    Linda

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  • justadirl
    justadirl Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009

    Linda,

    I love my Brooks, well the Trance 8 anyway. When it's time for new shoes I always check to see if maybe something else will work better but end up with the same thing. Brooks quite making the Trance 8 so I tried the Trance 9, not good.  Hopefully you have better luck in your search for a new shoe.

     My port surgery has been rescheduled for next week to ensure I'm over this infection at my right incision. Tomorrow I'm throwing caution to the wind and running on my treadmill. I've gained 10 pounds & can't take any more inactivity!

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  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited December 2009

    Heya, you can check my blog I walked/jogged throughout treatment.. was slow but kept me busy.

    HOWEVER.. please do take care of your body like a baby since it is going through a lot of stress/trauma and there is only so much it can handle.

    Listen to your body, your doctors keep moving you'll be fine !

    My blog is at: www.aylin-yeahright.blogspot.com

     I documented all my workouts there from my bilateral mast to the end of chemo.. 

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  • justadirl
    justadirl Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009

    Aylin thank you for the encouragement & advice. It's helpful to hear from people who are runners that have actually gone through this. The doctors, unless they are runners, just don't have a clue what not running does to you physically & psychologically. I've added your blog to my favorites so I can easily find it.

    I saw my primary care physician today for my needle aspiration. I asked the big question and was told as long as I took it easy he saw no reason I couldn't run a couple miles. No need to worry there doc! It was cold, wet, SLOW & hard. I couldn't have run faster than an 11 minute mile if a bear was chasing me downhill. But it sure felt great & I can't wait to get back out there again. Hopefully I can get back up to five miles before the chemo starts to help combat the fatigue and depression, not to mention the weight gain. I'm up 10 pounds and just can't deal with it anymore, nothing fits.

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited December 2009

    Justadirl, that's terrific that you were able to run today.  Yay!   Here's to many more runs before, during and after chemo. 

    I don't know if you log your mileage, but I found that midway through chemo it was helpful to stop thinking in terms of miles and start focusing on time.  I was able to get in a minimum of 30 or 40 minutes a day all through treatment, which made me feel really good.  Of course, at some point I started walking up anything that so much as hinted it might be a hill; I also played little games where I walked on sunny streets and jogged on shady ones.  But whatever - the important thing is that if running is important to you, you can still do it. 

    Linda

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  • HollyC
    HollyC Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2009

    Justadirl,

    Great to read you and to see that you have been able to run already!  I was diagnosed in early 2007, 2 months after running a pr in the Chicago marathon.  I also had a stress fracture, so I wasn't able to run during the intial part of my treatment and that was hard!!  I did some cross training which kept me sane.  Then, as my fracture healed, I ran and jogged through chemo with my fatigue level directing my "training".  I firmly believe it got me through.

    I agree with Linda in that I let go of my "usual" weekly mileage, workouts and time.  I did utilize visualization-saw myself running easily, effortlessly and endlessly-which made the slow pace ok.

    Yoga and light weight lifting helped too-even at the minimal level that I was able to achieve.  I also found inspiration and great information in the book, Cancer Fitness by Anna Schwartz.  In fact, I have decided that I want to assist women (from elite athletes to couch potatoes) to get through cancer treatment with exercise.  ( I am a retired nurse practitioner).  

    Most importantly, I want you to know that, although, it took some time, I am back running at the level I want and have even run a few PR's post cancer.

    Best of luck to you and let us know how you are doing!

    Holly 

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