Any runners who've gone through radiation?

I did run, and still do. I ran through much of radiation because I was training for a half marathon, but I also burned severely, despite using every known lotion, potion, etc (because burns happen from the inside out....and I had a very, very aggressive course since mine was for a recurrence...and I also get rashes from the sun, so I was not surprised.). I did reduce the number of days that I run and was very careful to always hold my arm well out to the side (think a bird holding its wing out) so that there was no rubbing. I did buy some cheap camis from Walmart which helped. Ultimately, my burns and wounds healed and I ran my half marathon a few weeks after it finished, despite radiation during my training. It wasn't my fastest, but it was my best F U to cancer, and not let it stealing what I enjoy.

I run once or twice a week, and kept doing it during radiation -but I tend not to burn. In the end I also run with an arm separated from the body, to avoid rubbing. I also swam all the way through radiation without any problems.

It will take some time for the burn/discomfort to kick in, so you can plan on running as normal at the beginning, then make modifications as needed. By the end, if needed, you can build a back up plan made of other activities like swimming, taking cycling classes or other things. I have gone through many different stages of physical ability during my cancer treatments and surgeries, and always kept working out in one way or another, and I actually enjoyed the alternative activities way more than I thought I would.

Edj, Yes, I am also a runner! Sport bras are always a good idea. Wear something comfortable and supportive and do you have any pure aloe? That can help soothe nay burning feeling. I have a couple more weeks to go with radiation, and have not experienced any fatigue yet. (yay!) Just some redness/soreness so far.

I was training for summer cycling events throughout radiation. Though I noticed a dip in energy towards the end, I did two 45 mile events the first and second weekends post radiation. One of these was so rainy and windy that I have no recollection of how my energy level was!

My skin held up just fine. My sunburn from subsequent cycling events has been a lot worse.

Good luck, and hang in there. If it helps at all, I supplemented the other radiation creams with Bag Balm. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I now understand why our cows liked it so much if their teats were chapped. Having used it on my own personal udder, I agree with them.

Enjoy your runs! - Claire 

I did radiation during the summer months and found that I was extremely sensitive to heat during that time and absolutely could not tolerate any sunlight - even walking down a city street was too much. I stuck to working out at home in my air conditioned workout room. I'd been told to avoid the sun - not a problem!

While my skin did very well it was still very hot and sensitive. Fortunately, I'd bought a bunch of Jockey Elance camisoles (sized to be very loose) which were silky, cool and lightweight. I wore them under just about everything that summer, including a sized up running bra that provided support but little compression or friction.

Every woman seems to have a unique experience with radiation so don't be surprised if your experience is quite different. Just do what seems to feel o.k. and be prepared to change strategies as needed. Good luck.