I used to follow a rigorous exercise regimen almost up to the day I had my lumpectomy. I used to run 8K/day plus weight training 5 times a week. I was advised to gradually go back to excercising 6 weeks after my surgery. However my surgeon and my fitness trainer they both insisted that I should not start running until I’ve completed the radiation therapy. This is because running and radiation have the same catabolic effect on the entire body - even though radiation is limited to the breast area.
I did not listen to them and thoguht I should give running a try. I was OK running 3K or even 5K. Once I reached my usual 8K (going slower though) the next day I felt I simply had no energy. I felt fatigued and so sapped of energy even though I’m eating and sleeping well.
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Your body has been through a lot and takes effort and time to recover so don’t be too hard on it. I was very active before treatment as well and try not to look at the loss of muscle tone too much. My dr has told me to chill out and enjoy a rest after all the treatment and give my body chance to recover. I’ve had mx, chemo and now rads. I have managed short cycle rides (no jaring) and I plan to start with kettlercise when I have more stamina. I was told the side effects would peak 2 weeks after rads, but to take it slowly for 6 weeks. I’m holding onto remembering the high from working out and what a hit it will be when I can exercise properly again and enjoy watching the muscles transform. A little patience now for long term gain.
I second swirly’s comments. We’ve been through so much you’ve got to build back slowly. I was a gym bunny before all this and have resorted to yoga 4-5 times a week since 3 weeks post mx. Still got 9 weeks of chemo to go before recon and radio but intend to keep it up. Have also done a bit of swimming and even aqua aerobics for some low impact aerobic exercise!!!