Swimming

[Kiera49]

Does anyone with Mets in lungs go swimming, I'm thinking about it and whether I need to talk to my onc first. Many thanks

[Barbteeth]

Hi there

Before I was diagnosed with mbc I went swimming a few times and really struggled to breathe so gave up...turned out I had a pleural effusion but not mets in the actual lung

I’ve improved since then and swim 1-3 times a week now

I think it’s a question for your oncologist though...if you get the ok then it may help with your breathing?

I have a lot of painful bone mets so getting in the pool is pure bliss....the pain goes away and I feel so free and able to stretch and move with no discomfort

Sorry I’m no help

Barb xx

[Kiera49 in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi barbteeth that is helpful I will speak to her when I next see her, I wanted to do firewalk but cant do that, I thought swimming once a week would help my lungs. Thanks for replying

[Barbteeth in reply to Kiera49]

I’m bemused!!.. what’s firewall??

Barb xx

[Kiera49 in reply to Barbteeth]

Firewalk when you walk barefoot over hot coals

[Barbteeth in reply to Kiera49]

Eeek

Barb xx

[USIrishcolleen in reply to Kiera49]

What is firewalk?

[Hidden]

Hi Kiera49,

I don't have lung mets, but my sister does (well, intermittently...twice she's had them surgically removed, i.e. a "wedge") and she "runs" about 10 hours a week. The quotes are because it's like a fast, "joggy" walk. She actually completed the NYC marathon last year (or year before? I can't remember) just 4 weeks after a lung surgery!

She is convinced that the running is beneficial to her lungs for reasons that I imagine would apply to swimming, too, e.g. expanding lung capacity. They measure hers pre- and post-surgery and it is still well above average. I would think that you would want to expand your capacity to potentially offset the effects of mets and/or possible surgery. Plus, exercise is great for all sorts of reasons (I write this as a spectator!) .

Be well,

Lynn

[Kiera49 in reply to Hidden]

Hi yes that's what I thought more lung capacity, they told me there were too many mets on my lungs to remove so surgery wasnt an option, although now some have gone away and others are smaller I am now able to walk 2 miles now but have to take oxygen machine with me, but already am seeing the benefit from having to have oxygen 24/7 to now only needing on walks and can now walk without it for 3 quarters of a mile

[Hidden in reply to Kiera49]

Kiera! Wow! What a great improvement you've had with the walking! That's just amazing and inspiring! Thanks for sharing, I almost want to suggest that you share this as a post (vs. reply) so that others can see what sort of improvement can be made! Best, Lynn

[Kiera49 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot Lynn, for that I lit the pastoral candle at church as I didnt have my oxygen. All the best for 2020

[Andersl]

I have mets in lungs and i love swimming. Ive asked the question of my oncologist "can i go swimming" and was told "3 weeks after final chemo ends". After chemo i continued on pertruzamab, tratuzamab, bone strengthener and letrozole. I havent been able to go swimming yet as i have a sinus infection but once its gone im in that pool!!!

I'll go early in the morning when its likely to be cleaner and quieter

Hope that helps xx

[Kiera49 in reply to Andersl]

Hi Anders, yes that does thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Keira,

I don't have lung metastases, but I was also interested in swimming after my diagnosis. I asked my GP about suitable exercise (I have bone metastases in my spine) and she suggested swimming or cycling. I went swimming, but it left me exhausted afterwards. I just think it was too much at the time. I should have allowed my body time to adjust to the treatment before throwing myself straight in like that.

I read an article recently about how newly diagnosed cancer patients are being encouraged to take part in an exercise programme to help improve the efficacy of treatment. It makes sense when you think about it.

I would discuss your thoughts and concerns with your GP or oncologist.

Sophie 💓

[Kiera49]

Hi Sophie, I have gone from not being able to walk to end of short street to being able to do just over 2 miles, hoping to get to 3 so I can do race for life. So hopefully fit enough for a tiny bit of swimming in baby pool. My onc told me exercise is good as your body is able to cope with cancer easier. I am at hospital for treatment on Tues and ask then. No confidence in gp as 3 different ones at my surgery said there was nothing wrong with me and nurse practitioner said symptoms were all in my head . Thanks Tracey

[Sunnydrinking]

Hi

I swim weekly with widespread mets to bone, liver & lung. I feel it really helps me.

My Oncologist seemed reluctant to recommend exercise I could & couldn’t do so I took it upon myself to give things ago and see how I got on.

I also walk my dog every day come rain or shine.

Jo xx

[Kiera49 in reply to Sunnydrinking]

Hi well done that's great. All the best for 2020

[Staysha]

I have Mets only to the lungs but I wouldn’t know it except for a ache in my back every now and then. I swim often. I even went “scalloping” this summer which is basically snorkeling for 7 days in a row. I’m not real athletic either. I didn’t have any issues. Hope this helps.

Warm hugs,

Stacy

[Kiera49]

Hi Stacy, wow you have done well that's fantastic, thats inspiring. I have mets in lungs and bones, going to give swimming a go.

Many thanks Tracey

[Albert23]

I am on Ibrance and have been told I can do most exercise but not swimming due to infection. If you can find a private pool without children I’m sure it will be fine. By the way I have Lung and Bone mets.

[Kiera49]

My onc have given the go ahead on swimming as I'm on ibrance and not chemo