Breast cancer survivors

[Biosteres]

Hi. I was a rower in college and bought my own rower three years ago. It has been a key element for staying in shape, and especially getting back into shape after pregnancy.

Things have changed. In the last month I have had two surgeries for breast cancer - first a bilateral mastectomy and then my axillary lymph nodes removed on one side.

They give you lots of warnings after the lymph node surgery, but few are based on any scientific data. I am confident I will be able to continue to row without problems, but I thought it would be nice to know if there is anyone else out there rowing after this surgery, and what your experience has been.

I did my half marathon on April 30 (1hr 38 min), the day after I was diagnosed. Today I just got back on and did 1250 m in 7 minutes. It's going to be a long haul but I am going to do my best to keep rowing throughout chemo as best I can - I start in July.

Cheers.

[MomofJBN]

My mother had a mastectomy. I don't remember if she had any lymph nodes removed - this was in 1985. She wasn't an erger at the time, but has taken it up the last few years. I don't think she's had any issues with erging related to the mastectomy. She rows with a We Can Row group http://www.rowasone.org/pro_wecanrow.html which is specifically for breast cancer survivors.

I'll be sending prayers for your full recovery.

Schenley

[msjoe]

I had blateral mastectomies 12 years ago and have not had any problems rowing--either on the water or on the Concept2 since. I love being active and don't intend to slow down before I have to......because of my work schedule, I'm limited in free time and need to get fit -- again -- since I opened a new office and have been too busy at work to keep up with fitness lately....

All my best to those others who've had similar surgery.....[color=darkblue][/color]