Radiation and exercising

I ran through the first two weeks of rads, then came down with bronchitis so did nothing for the next week or so .   Still was coughing too much after that to run for yet another week, but did go back to long (45 minutes or so) walks with the dogs.  By then, which was the last two weeks of rads, my breast did get really swollen to the point where even with double sports bras running was just too uncomfortable.   I went for my first post-rads run over this past weekend, which was 2 weeks out from finishing.  

I did have a fair amount of fatigue, but have found that exercise doesn't really make it any worse as long as you keep doing what you are used to (as opposed to trying to up your speed or mileage).   Either way I remained fatigued.   For me it was mostly the bronchitis that derailed me as I could have kept running for at least the first 4 weeks or so of rads without that.   The swelling was an issue though, but that doesn't happen to everyone.   On the flip side though, I never got any skin irritation so I guess it's always something.

I will say that despite not running at all for about 6 weeks, it really wasn't bad getting back into it - I think if the weather holds up and I can get back into a regular routine, I should be back to my regular mileage (12-16) in a week or two, so if you do end up needing a break, don't worry - this too will pass!    Just do what you can, even if it is just walking.

I went to the gym throughout the deal!

it helped my head .....did stay out of the pool as the chlorine was drying to the skin...ok so I snuck in once~~

for me it helped to keep me busy

also, first thing after rads, I signed up with a personal trainer!  best thing I did, keep you head up girlfriend

oh yeah, did not do spin during treatment, took it easier on myself

Hi y'all



I've been walking for an hour each day & my cancer center offers exercise classes. Just got my referral approved so will enjoy strength training and movement classes...rad 6/30. Want to ease back into gym life without causing any problems for myself. Definitely miss swimming and kayaking but was told no...in time.

Plan on checking with this trainer to determine when I can get back to my routines...from my precancer old life trainer.

I continued going to the gym during both chemo and radiation. I think it made all the difference in the world (for the better) in controlling fatigue. My weight remained consistent through the entire treatment.  

Ladyboss you are in NRH? We lived the for 5 years prior to moving back to AZ.

Small world!

I ran through rads as well.  I backed off the number of miles by about 20%, but overall, I just got out every day, just like before.  I agree with Belinda977, I was a little tired, but I just sort of did as much as I could.  My fatigue came more in "waves" - and most of the time I could just push through.

Best wishes to you. Take care of yourself.  I did increase my protein intake, I think it helped a lot.