Calling all runners doing radiation

I've not been running but I've been doing high impact zumba. I found I definitely need a really tight sport bra during exercise & I wish I'd remembered to stick to ones which are really smooth on the inside. One of mine has more of a ribbed fabric lining and that is not ideal. The weakest spot imo is the nipple. That's the only place where so far I've had real issues. The skin is different, and I think generally, even in a tight bra the nipple is the part that might have fabric actually moving past it, causing abrasion. Sooner or later your body and breast move while the bra stays put and just the tiniest movement will cause problems on already weak skin.

So at first sign of irritation I think in future I'd add hydrogel dressings to protect the nipple (Medela makes them for nursing mothers. They can stay on for 24h.) Fortunately for me, my sore nipple got really bad just before the long weekend when I had a 3 day break from rads so I got a chance to heal up a bit during that time. Unless things get bad again, I think I'm going to manage without the dressings.

Otherwise I'd say just be very careful washing, rinse and pat dry gently, watch for any irritation in the armpit where bras can chafe, and lotion like crazy. I've been putting on lotion about every 4h during the day and other than the tiny nipple issue, I'm holding up fine.

NJ - I'm alternating between two creams (sometimes using them both at the same time, about 5 min apart). I have a generic (my local drugstore brand) of Glaxal Base Cream https://glaxalbase.ca/moisturizing-cream/ (water based)

& the Triderma Radiation Recovery https://www.amazon.com/Triderma-Radiation-Skin-Rel... (aloe based)

Fwiw, my radiation center recommend essentially any water based (water has to be first ingredient) unscented lotion, and said there was no evidence aloe provided any benefit over water based. I'm not sure the triderma is any better but I figure this way I'm covering both the aloe & water bases LOL My experience has been that frequency of application is what's making the difference. There were some days this week when I was not able to put on lotion as frequently & I definitely had more redness and itchiness.

I've done 18/20 - only 2 more boosts to go! I have read several times on this board that it's important to keep on lotioning and being careful with abrasion for several weeks after as the radiation effects continue even after you finish so keep that in mind as well.

Happy exercising! Keep those endorphins going

NJMom2boys,

I slathered aquaphor on twice a day. Bought the big tub and used it all from day 1 until the last of the dead skin sloughed off. When the skin got really red, I added aloe vera. I never had "skin break down" - oozing or open wounds. My RO (as well as a fellow runner) advised placing a soft cotton hankerchief between my skin and my sports bra. I never did but it's something for you to consider. I was not running far or fast having stopped running during chemo - just building up during radiation.