I am about to get the 5 days radiotherapy course post lumpectomy and im wondering if anyone has had difficulty resuming sports afterwards. Im a keen cyclist and swimmer and a bit worried about potential effects on my lung function. Any Thoughts ?
I had chemo, then 20 doses of radiotherapy and was on my skis with 2 weeks. I was a bit more weary than usually, but still did full days. I would say just do what you feel like.
1 Like
I ran and carried on lifting ( light) weights during radiotherapy . I didn’t experience too much fatigue ( was only 5 sessions ).
1 Like
Hi Klara1,
The radio team assess where they need to target based around where the bc was found. As part of the process they will work out how best to get radio beams to that location whilst avoiding the lungs as much as possible for each individual.
That’s why they are so careful to ensure you are in exactly the same position for each radio session, so it’s very precise.
I had a few concerns when I had radio for bc 10 years ago (it was 20 sessions I had back then) and the radiographer/radiologist asked me if I’d like to see an image showing how much radio my boob/bc lump area would receive - it looked a bit like contour lines, highest intensity where the lump had been, in reducing amounts moving outwards from that location. I found it quite reassuring!
You may find your skin is a bit sensitive during radio and for awhile after - if so let your radio team know - there are a number of creams they can provide which help.
Hoping your treatment goes as well as possible.
Seabreeze
1 Like
I was a bit impatient - tried to restart cold water swimming too soon after lumpectomy then after radiotherapy I was at my Yin Yoga class which was online at that time and I overstretched the affected side . I didn’t realise at the time but felt it the next day - this despite having done the phat - op exercises religiously . There’s still a little tightness there compared to the other side so I would start off gently with the swimming as it will be good to stretch that side but build up slowly. I have asthma and haven’t noticed any change in my lung capacity following radiotherapy 2 years ago though I’m far from being a serious athlete . Xx
1 Like
I found I was a little more tired during/after radiotherapy but still managed two different orienteering events, an afternoon of Morris dancing and a couple of Parkruns (well, fast shuffle rather than run). I wore a decent sports bra and didn’t notice any problems.
1 Like
Thanks everyone. This is all very reassuring. I think there is a lot of loss with a bc diagnosis and so im hanging onto being able to return to some form of my previously very active self. Xxxx Onward and Upward !
2 Likes
I also got a rotator cuff injury to my opposite side and it took some time but I’ve been cold water swimming on a regular basis and am back to doing a strong Vinyasa Flow Yoga class as well as Yin and Hatha . I’ve been to festivals and gigs and danced like I’m 18 again and not an overweight fifty odd year old with medical problems and it was joyful - even if I could barely walk the next day. You will get there xx
1 Like