2010 Running Thread

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited August 2010

    Meg, post on the lymphedema section because we have some world class experts there.  Doctors are notorious for downplaying LE.  You really should be evaluated by a certified lymphedema therapist, especially since you will be flying.

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  • ktym
    ktym Member Posts: 2,637
    edited August 2010

    MOTC, love the pic and sunflowergirls I think her advice about seeing a LE therapist is sound

     My muscle strength is finally starting to come back.  I have been able to do short spurts of running intermittently while I'm walking.  Its not what it used to be but it sure feels good to be able to do a little bit

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  • sunflowergirls
    sunflowergirls Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2010

    Thanks so much everyone. I've seen a LE therapist before & she wasn't too helpful, she made me feel like I was being paranoid. I know what I am feeling though. Anyway I'm seeing someone different this Friday. 

    Smile 

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  • yellow78
    yellow78 Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010

    Hi,

    Can I join this group.  I have been a runner for 15 + years.  I am 31 years old and was dx with BC back in May.  I am under going Chemo now.  Just finished my 4 cycle of AC and now I will be doing 3 mos of weekly Taxol.  Before I was Dx I was running 30 + miles a week and training for races.  Now I am lucky if I run 10 miles a week.  This gets me very upset because I too am a health nut always at the gym and now I feel like I am letting myself down because I can't do as much.  So I just wanted to say Hi.  Hope everyone is doing well.  Jenn

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2010

    Hey Jenn! Just the fact that you are doing workouts and running at all during chemo is awesome! I had 6 treatments of TC dose sense and I couldn't run after my 3rd treatment at all. Just remember that chemo is only temporary.  It probably seems like a life sentence right now but you will soon be done and be back to training.  Hang in there!

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2010

    I second what Charley said, Jenn!  I think most of us are on the same boat in this thread!  My mileage is getting a little better now since my surgeries, even with being on chemo.  I still mostly bike ride and do the elliptical at this point, but my mileage is slowly creeping up.  It helps me to keep that marathon I am doing in October in mind.

    I would just keep your butt moving as much as you can to help yourself feel better.  And by "butt moving" it could be just walking -- which is what I was limited to for a few weeks.  Don't be too hard on yourself -- Charley is right; this won't last forever!  Good luck!

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2010

    Hi Jenn,

    I'm 30 years old runner and triathlete with BC and I know exactly how you feel! I'm still recovering from my partial mastectomy (1 1/2 week ago) and waiting for chemo. I'm going from training from 15 hrs a week to just walking. But hey it's not gonna be for long. This will be good for our mentally toughness which will come in handy on those last few miles of the race! Laughing

    10 miles running while you on chemo! that's amazing! some can't even get out of bed!!! You doing really well. I'll let's you know how my running going after the chemo. Take care. 

    Mon 

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2010

    Ok ... I'm back to running! Woohoo!  Third run since my hiatus was this morning.  Ran 3 miles in about 32 minutes.  Is it too optimistic to think I can run RFC which is 29 days away in less than 30 minutes?

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  • nurseronda10
    nurseronda10 Member Posts: 209
    edited September 2010

    I was just diagnosed with IDC ER+ and HER2+.  I am 52 and have a 15 year old daughter.  I don't think I noticed but one person on this thread that is HER2+........I rekindled my love of running back in the spring and just did a 5K four weeks ago (prior to BC diagnosis).   I also just read possible side effects of Herceptin which I assume that is what I will be taking after I heal from left mastectomy.  I have been waiting all day to see when my surgery will be....hopefully next week.  The side effects are very scary since seems like most of them are heart and lung related and I already have asthma.  Have gotten in great shape over the past 2 1/2 years with a mixture of running, cycling and P90X and then I get the dreaded BC diagnosis.   My anxiety level has been out the roof the past 10 days along with no appetite and too jittery too sleep.   Any comments or advice would be helpful.  

    Ronda 

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited September 2010

    Oh, Ronda, I am so sorry about your diagnosis.  I know what a difficult time this is - be good to yourself, and don't assume that you won't be able to keep up with your runnning and working out.  Treatment is likely to slow you down, at least for a while, but if running is something that you love, and if it's a source of calm and stress relief, then I bet you'll find a way to hang onto it.  Or you may decide to take a break, and do something else.  But running will still be there for you, and when you get back to it - you'll never take it for granted again. 

    Charley - there's no doubt in my mind that you'll be able to break 30 minutes at RFC if you're already doing 3 miles in 30 minutes in training.  The adrenaline alone is worth a few minutes off your time!

    Linda

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2010

    Ronda - I have no experience with herceptin but I do know the "getting in the best shape of my life and then getting cancer"! I have been running over the past 5-6 years with the most mileage over the last year ... <sigh>  Take a deep breath and hang in there. And try not to get too side tracked with all the "reported side effects" as they are very individual.  Already being in shape and the "mental toughness" (can I borrow that phrase?) of being a runner will help you more than you know. 

    Hugs, Charley

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2010

    I have a question for those that are running after exchange.  How long did your doctor tell you to wait before running again.  I had my exchange almost 4 weeks ago and have been walking and stair climbing, and just got the okay to run, but with a good supportive bra.  I was so excited to get the green light and take the girls for a run!  Got on the treadmill and although I was running at a really slow pace, it hurts.  Feels like I have weights in my chest and I have to hold on to them, even with a really tight supportive bra.  Does this get any better and how long if so did it take.  I am so discouraged right now because I was in great shape with the expanders and although they were uncomfortable I was able to do everything that I wanted.  Please tell me this is short term!!!

     Thanks so much!!

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited September 2010

    Hi Heroinme,

    My a bit different from your, but just want to share the recovery experience. I'm having a partial MX in Aug 13th. My first question to my surgeon is "when can I start running again" (I'm training for Auckland Marathon in 31st Oct)  He said 2 wks. So I went back to the gym on Fri 20th just did an easy ride on the bike. It's feel great so the next day I went back and ride again and add 30 mins walking on the treadmill (incl 8-12 just to get the heart rate going). I'm also doing yoga too (just the DVD at home to start with as you can choose which pose you can and can't do)

    I'm also love weight training!! I'm start that on Sun 29 Aug much lighter weight than I normally do. On Monday 30th I went for my first 5k run, I worn 3 bras and running much slow than my usual 5 k pace. It's feel amazing!!! I had a good cry while I'm doing this Smile. It's hurt a little bit but as a runner you get use to the pain.  Back home and check the damage, not bad at all! the nipple a bit sore (I blame that on the sentinel node biopsy Yell) but it worth it!!! Have a rest on Tue and went and do it all again on Wed! Laughing

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2010

    Heroinme - My ps said 4 weeks as well and I just recently started running again.  I have had the same pain but it subsides quickly.  I find that same pain when I wake up in the morning (sleeping on my side) but that goes away as well.  I never got really in shape with the expanders since I was doing chemo ... Sorry I can't give you any insight but feeling the same way!

    Hugs, Charley

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2010

    Thanks Mightymom and Charley!  I think I will try with two sports bras this morning and see what happens.  I am so anxious to get back to running!! :)

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2010

    Charley, thanks for thinking about me.  I was bad, and didn't go out for a week...  yesterday was SO HARD...   I'm getting ready to go out... waited til it got HOT...   stupid stupid ME!

    Last week, we went a different route, and I think I did 3 + miles.... so far that is the longest I've done...   and the race is NEXT WEEK, on Oct. 2nd!!!   It's only a 5K, but I am still not sure I can do it.....    

    So, I am supposed to taper off...  I will go out today, but I think I'll skip one day and go out maybe Sunday...  then I guess I should not go as much next week....   YIKES  

    Oh, it's the RUN FOR THE TA TAS!!    The women go out 1st, and then 3 minutes later, the MEN go out....    I don't know about this....    sometimes having my dh run with me is a hindrance, but the day OF the race, I want him with me.

    Harley

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited September 2010

    You go, Harley!!! You can do it!!!

    Julie

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2010

    You can do it Harley!  You've run the 5k in training so race day will be a breeze. And you will have so many running buddies that day other than dh..

    I race RFC yesterday.  My goal was to finish in less than 30 and I ran it in 27:54 and then I walked the 5k with my walking team.  Ouch!  I am sore.  Should have stretched a little more.

    Next race is Tulsa Run.  I normally do the 15k but its too late to properly train and I don't want to injure myself\ so I'm aiming for the 5k.

    English Tea - How are you doing?

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2010

    Charley,  WOW!!  You ROCK!!

    I had a talk with my dh today and we decided that it may be best for me if I don't do this race.  I am going to keep 'training' til I can do a 5K without having to stop and walk.  I guess I just am NOT a runner, or just the pressure of doing a formal race is too much for me.   I did that other 5K race 5 years ago, and I did fine, even finished before some other regular runners, so I KNOW I CAN DO IT....  

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2010

    Harley --- Do you know how many people stop and walk? Tons! You are a runner!! You obviously haven't done enough of these 5ks.  Trust me ... some people just walk these things so you will be fine.  It's all in your head!  But then isn't it all??

    Hugs, Charley

    You can do it! 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited September 2010

    Thanks...    My dh said :   If I couldn't run the whole 5K, then I wouldn't sign up...  he figures I should keep training and only go when I am 'fit' enough to run the WHOLE 5K.   

    I am not sure I agree, but ...   whatever.....   

    THANKS!

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited September 2010

    I am doing great actually!  I just did a triathlon this past weekend (500 meters swim; 20 mile bike; 4.4 mile run) and finished!  I did a half-marathon two days before that -- I will say that I am feeling more winded than usual for me and I was pretty wiped out after both events.  I am guessing that this is the chemo "talking."  But so far, I think that staying active is helped me a lot.  I have another half-marathon this upcoming weekend and then the Nike Women's Marathon on Oct 17.  I am not sure I can do the whole marathon (which would be my 16th if I finish) but I figure if I am not feeling 100% then I will just stop at the half-marathon marker.  I am just at the halfway mark for CMF chemo and am hoping that I continue to have more good days than bad days.  Hope you are all well too!  Happy running!

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited September 2010

    Harley, I agree with Charley, you ARE a runner....if you are out there doing it no matter for how long or for how many days regularly or even sporadically you qualify as a runner in my book....and a BC survivor runner, so much the better....Laughing

    Please keep plugging away...running is all about that...and the race - do what you feel comfortable with but YOU CAN DO a 5k and walking some is definately ok....finishing the race is a milestone, however you do it...

    I am pulling for you!

    Julie

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2010

    Wow! English Tea! I am so happy that you are able to keep up with your running and strength through all of this.  A half?  I am thinking about running a 4 mile run tomorrow!! I am embarassed. Not long ... but longer than I have run in about 6 months.  You are doing great. Keep it up girl!  You are an inspiration!  I know chemo is tough but you are doing awesome!

    ((hugs))

    Charley

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2010

    WOW!

    You ladies ROCK!!    

    English Tea, running a MARATHON, while doing chemo??   WOW!!  You are AMAZING!  So even a 1/2 Marathon is awesome!!


    Blondie,   THANKS!!

    Charley  FOUR MILES IS TREMENDOUS!!!   WHOOHOO!!

    Harley

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  • TreadSoftly
    TreadSoftly Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2010

    Hi ladies, great to hear about all the running!! 

    English teacher - WOW!! You are amazing to be running so much during chemo - majorly impressive!!

    Harley - I second what the others have said, SO many people walk a little/run a little during those races that it really doesnt matter if you have to walk...You are a runner!!

    My running is going quite well too.  I was diagnosed this time last year while training for the Dublin marathon and had to pull out because of the stress, operations etc...  This year, I WILL run my FIRST marathon in Dublin in just over 2 weeks time...! Im getting really excited! The training has gone pretty well, I have done my long runs, and did 20 miles last weekend in just over 3 hours so Im on my 'tapering' now pre the big day....I have remained injury free, touch wood, so hopefully all will go well on the day!!  Any tips from any marathon veterns would be greatly appreciated!! 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2010

    Thanks everyone.  I know I will do another 5K in the near future, but after re considering this Run for the Ta Tas, I decided against it, mainly cause the registration fee was TOO MUCH for me...

    I am doing the STRIDES walk next week, Oct. 16th....

    See you all later....

    Harley

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2010

    I haven't checked in awhile -- so this is a late "Thank You!" to you all for your kind comments!  My husband thinks I am crazy for doing all the running that I am still doing but I have cut it down a lot -- I AM listening to my body and lots of days I don't feel like running at all.  I did another half marathon this past weekend and I finished an hour later than I usually do!  But I finished! 

    I am a bit nervous about the marathon this next weekend.  I just had chemo this past Thursday (CMF) and I am in my "bad" week right now but I should be feeling better in a couple of days, I hope!  I just double-checked the time limit for the marathon and it's 6 and a half hours.  Usually I run them in about 4 hours but now I hope I will be able to finish in the time alloted!  As a plus, I am meeting some fabulous people in the "back of the pack" -- I think the most wonderful people are the folks who are on their feet the longest!

    Good luck to all our runners!   You all rock! (runners are just that cool, right?!)

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited October 2010

    TreadSoftly -- I have run 15 marathons so far so I guess that makes me a Veteran!

    One huge piece of advice -- don't start off too fast -- that was always my mistake!  I would be so excited and the crowd moves so fast once you are past the chute (everyone is dying to go, esp. if you are further back in the crowd and have been waiting in a corral for awhile!).  But don't fight the crowds -- don't waste the energy!  You will be moving by all those people later when they lose all their energy!

    I use Gu starting at about mile 8 or 9 and then every 30 minutes after.  I hate the stuff personally but it makes a huge impact on my ability to avoid that dreaded "wall"!

    But mostly have fun!  There will be lots of other marathons!  You already know you can do 26.2 miles, esp. if your long runs have been about 20 (that is usually my  longest run as well, by the way!).  And have fun at the expo when you pick up your race number and swag.  I love checking out all the new stuff vendors are selling! 

    You are welcome to email me if you have any other specific questions!  Dianna.Shank@swic.edu

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  • christa0329
    christa0329 Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2010

    So glad I found this thread.  I have been running off and on for a few years but consistantly since February 2010, when I signed up for a half marathon relay for April.  It went so well that I convinced 2 of my girlfriends to sign up for a half marathon in october.  In August they found reoccurance of my mets to my femar and shoulder and put me on chemo (Xeloda).  I was happily on Arimidex for about 18 months.  I've never been a fast runner but the Xeloda has slowed me way down.  I completed the training, tho was much slower and completed the half marathon in under 3 hours, my previous  goal had been 2.5 hours but when my regular 5k's were taking 34 minutes I knew I had to change.

    When my oncologist told me the cancer had spread to my femur, one of my first questions thru the tears was "Can I still run the half marathon?".  He assured me I could still run, that it was partly for my own sanitySmile

    The week since the half I've walked everyday and ran slowly 2 miles one day.  It certainly helps with my sanity.

    Christa

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