Running with a port

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lewing
lewing Member Posts: 1,288
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness
Running with a port

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited May 2008

    I've had my port for less than 2 weeks, and I'm sure with time, it'll seem like a regular part of my body.  For the time being, though, it's a tender, vulnerable, alien bump that just happens to reside directly under the strap of every running bra I own.  Any tips on how to protect it from chafing?  Will regular sports lube protect the skin there enough?

    So far I've tried doing nothing (and wound up with a nasty abrasion that scabbed over), then gone to the other extreme by taping gauze over it before heading out (which seems increasingly ridiculous).  There must be some middle ground.

    (I don't know which frightens me more: getting a skin infection in that area, or having the chemo nurse yell at me for being an idiot.  Thank goodness the scab from my first running misadventure has finally fallen off.)

    Linda

  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited May 2008

    I ran with the port in.  I had to find the right fitting bra where the straps did not touch the port hump.  I also wore both a bra and a Barely There camisole.  The added compression from the cami help keep my bounce down which also kept the port from getting irritated.

    My main concern was when running trails.  I was afraid to trip and fall.  But I never really did.  

    As for taping gauze, there are these sheets of clear plastic adhesive you can tape over a wide area.  That might help. 

    Good luck with your running!

    Debbie 

  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited May 2008

    Debbie, belated thanks for your response.  I haven't been able to find a bra that doesn't touch the port . . . though admittedly, I haven't spent a whole lot of time looking.  So, I've been sticking with the gauze-and-paper-tape routine, and it's become exactly that: a routine, like putting on my running clothes, lacing up my shoes, etc.  Perhaps it's excessive, but it's working.  (Much better than being 3 miles from home and discovering that the bra I thought was OK is actually sawing against the side of my port bump . . . yuck.)

    The running is going great - it's a huge boost to my spirits, and I really think it's helping me handle the physical effects of the chemo.

    Hoping to hear some updates on your own running on the "fitness goals" thread!

    Linda

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