Anyone swim during/after radiation?

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GabbyCal
GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I just wrapped up 8 weeks of rads. I gave up swimming for the duration and followed the doc's orders so nothing other than Dove, Aloe Vera and Aquaphor has touched the royal skin surface in that time.

My RO gave me the OK to start swimming again the day after my last treatment if I want. I want, but I'm a bit nervous that the chlorine in the pool is going to setback the healing of my radiation rash. 

I'd really appreciate hearing from any of you who have experience swimming in pools during/after your radiation treatments. Thanks! 

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited June 2011

    Why not wait till your radiation rash goes away? (That's what I'd do....)

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited June 2011

    Thanks Lena - My common sense side is telling me to wait until the rash goes away. (And that's probably what I'll do). Since I posted this query, I've noticed that the skin with the rash is still pretty sensitive to having anything touch it.

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  • BARYAN
    BARYAN Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2011

    Yes, I swam throughout my 7 weeks of treatment.  I never used the greasy Aquaphor but instead coated my radiated breast frequently with aloe vera gel, which was cooling and dissolved quickly.   Since I elected not to accept the tattoos, the techs took a dim view of my insistence on going to the pool, but the tape stayed in place and they refreshed the markings each week.  If the chlorine is irritating your delicate skin, then take some time to let it heal.  I found swimming to be very helpful for my sense of well-being.  A half-mile 3 times a week did me a world of good in terms of lifting my spirits at a very worrisome time.  I also made sure the inside lining of every bra was smooth (lace was irritating).  You'll know when it's right to begin swimming again.  Good luck in your recovery and stay fit!

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited June 2011

    Thanks Baryan - I'm amazed you were able to swim all through treatment. Good for you! I was back in the pool 2 weeks after each of my two surgeries and I think it really helped me recover. I didn't swim at all during radiation so I won't consider myself "done" with that until I can get back in the pool. The rash gets better every day, so I'm thinking that should be a week after my last treatment. 

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited June 2011

    I was going to try to swim through radiation. I know someone who did. Hopefully.....

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited June 2011

    coraleiz - I know some people have done this. It's all about minimizing your skin's reaction. My RO's nurse said the official line is no because of the chlorine, but that I could probably get away with swimming during the first 2 weeks. I decided to be conservative so gave up swimming from the start. I had my last treatment 5 days ago and the rash is pretty much all gone now so I'm hoping to be back in the pool tomorrow - 6 days after completion.

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited June 2011

    Just to close the loop in case someone comes across this thread in the future -

    I took the plunge 5 days after my last boost treatment (15 days after the last whole breast radiation).

    The rash wasn't completely gone, but well on it's way to being cleared up. The chlorine didn't seem to aggravate it or slow down the healing. 

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  • Rudyb
    Rudyb Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2011

    I just finished rads last week. I'm a masters swimmer and have continued to swim through radiation. Swam about 2 x a week. The chlorine did not bother me and actually the cool water felt good on angry breast

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited August 2011

    Rudyb - Good for you! Glad you were able to keep swimming through radiation. I expect it also helped keep up your spirits. Did you get the radiation rash? Wouldn't it be something if in the end chlorine helped your skin?

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  • Spinnerpom
    Spinnerpom Member Posts: 106
    edited January 2012

    I'm really glad I found this thread.  I have been waiting for my lumpectomy/sentinel node incisions to heal so I can get back in the pool, and have been looking forward to the idea that cool water during radiation will be nice.  I am sure my doc will tell me not to swim, as he has a reputation for being conservative, but I'm going to use my own judgement. As long as my skin tolerates it and I have no open blisters, I'm going for it!  I'm a triathlete, and bored of just training on the bike all the time. I need to get back to running and swimming!

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited January 2012

    Good for you. Several docs have told me swimming is particularly good to help minimize risk of LE and also regaining range of motion after sentinel node surgery and radiation therapy. Best of luck. I can't speak personally about swimming during radiation as I took a 3 month break during that time of my treatment.

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  • lauriebeth
    lauriebeth Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2012

    I was told no chlorine swimming. But was given differing answers about ocean or freshwater swimming which I live for all summer. I have had only my first treatment so far so no skin issues yet. My plan is to be very careful about caring for my skin so I can keep swimming. I hope I don't get to the point where I need to stop swimming. Anyone else swimming in ponds lakes or ocean? This was disappointing to realize that i might not be able to swim. On the other hand radiation seems much friendlier than chemo. I am almost 5 weeks since finishing chemo  and feel like myself again.

    Laurie

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  • bekkij1016
    bekkij1016 Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2012

    I finished yesterday and my doctor said to keep "it" out of chlorinated water for another 4 weeks. I have no skin issues at all from the treatments but, in his accented words he said (I quote) "Avoid chlorinated water for another 4 weeks or you will have a very sore "neeple." I had to bite my lip so I wouldn't laugh!

    I've been in our pool daily either up to my waist or on a float. I've also made sure to cover the radiated area.

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  • Jodycat
    Jodycat Member Posts: 123
    edited July 2012

    You can get a reasonably priced wet suit on line.

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited July 2012

    ha ha ha ... we all need to take very good care of our "neeples".

    I did not swim, but I ran all they way through radiation (~50 miles/week) - I feel that staying in shape helps so much more than the discomfort of any short term SE's  ... My "neeple" was sore regardless ... as long as it doesn't fall off, I am ok.  Seriously, the last week of rads my neeple was grey/black and I told my husband, "I am going to wear a t-shirt to bed because if my nipple falls off I don't want to have to sort through the bedsheets to find it" ;-). 

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  • bekkij1016
    bekkij1016 Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2012

    BLinthedesert..........I can't stop laughing! I mean I'm sorry for your soreness but picturing someone frantically searching for a missing "neeple" is hilarious! Thank you for the humor!Smile

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  • lauriebeth
    lauriebeth Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2012

    thanks so much for your replies to my swimming questions. Just had #3 of 34 treatments today. So far so good, my "neeple" still doing fine. I too enjoyed the chuckle from the "neeple" comments. I did get another chuckle form a differnt post that referred to being tempted to walk from the changing room through the hallway into the treatment room bare breasted as what does it matter at this point, I take off the johnny, remove my scarf or hat and lie there each day, not to mention the photos they took before treatment started. Were they suppose to do that or was my tech just selling my photo online for extra cash :) hahahahah

    Laurie

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited July 2012

    lauriebeth -- I know what you mean, I have not had this many people interested in my breast since middle school ;-)

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