Hi lovely ladies, has anyone swam during their radiotherapy. I have been reading about the advice given, and it seems very varied. My Rad Onc has advised against, but I haven't been in a pool for 6 months, due to chemo, surgery and am holding out to get back in the water, something very therapeutic about getting back in the water after this long haul of cancer shit!!!The advice seems to vary a lot, and some places say you can swim, but wash off the chlorine, some say don't, etc I suppose it also depends on how my skin react too, but interested if any one did swim, and got away with it.

I haven't asked because I'm using the Mepitel film and you can't get it too wet. However, I would think that chlorine would be very harsh. (I did swim sometimes during chemo - my onc was very happy for me to do so)

@Spillsy unfortunately I'd listen to your RO on this 1. We usually let our whole breast (no mepitel) patients swim in the beginning of treatment if they can find a low chlorinated non heated pool and shower straight after (i could ask my swimmer colleagues where they recommend on Monday if you like) or even better an ocean swim (but not this time of year brrrr). As you are chest wall and likely to have bolus too I'm sorry to say your skin reaction will more than likely come on quite early (hopefully not though). Try to get some swims in before you start? X

@Josephine66 that doesn't sound quite right. The mepitel is best left on for the whole time. Showering with your back to the water. I'd say it's not adhering properly because your taking it off and getting it wet. Sometimes your skin also isn't suitable if its humid or oily. I'd have another chat to the nurses or therapists and maybe suggest to them that you want to leave it on or at least get it changed weekly, it is important that they put it on as it can actually change your tattoo positions and breast shape.

@Josephine66 ask for some Solugel and keep it in the fridge, that should help with itching

@Sister Have you enquired about this?

Anyone swam while undergoing radiotherapy!

11 Replies

Josephine66
Member
7 years ago
@JoeyLiz thanks i will
JoeyLiz
Member
7 years ago
@Josephine66 ask for some Solugel and keep it in the fridge, that should help with itching
Josephine66
Member
7 years ago
Thanks, i will see nurses again on monday. The advice i was given was to remove when showering and sleeping and if need be wash under tap to extend life of film. Seems contradictive? I got the feeling it was new to nurses who saw me. Ive only had 5 radiation hits and tonight my skin is driving me mad. Itchy and burning. Slapped on another layer of moogoo, hoping that will help.
JoeyLiz
Member
7 years ago
@Josephine66 that doesn't sound quite right. The mepitel is best left on for the whole time. Showering with your back to the water. I'd say it's not adhering properly because your taking it off and getting it wet. Sometimes your skin also isn't suitable if its humid or oily.
I'd have another chat to the nurses or therapists and maybe suggest to them that you want to leave it on or at least get it changed weekly, it is important that they put it on as it can actually change your tattoo positions and breast shape.
JoeyLiz
Member
7 years ago
@Spillsy unfortunately I'd listen to your RO on this 1. We usually let our whole breast (no mepitel) patients swim in the beginning of treatment if they can find a low chlorinated non heated pool and shower straight after (i could ask my swimmer colleagues where they recommend on Monday if you like) or even better an ocean swim (but not this time of year brrrr). As you are chest wall and likely to have bolus too I'm sorry to say your skin reaction will more than likely come on quite early (hopefully not though). Try to get some swims in before you start? X
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I only had it put on on Thursday. Have you had to put it on yourself? If so, that doesn't sound right. It would be almost impossible to get it on properly. I have been told to leave it on and maybe take it off on the weekend, and to try to keep the water off it in the shower. I do believe that it can be a bit problematic in humid conditions. @joeyliz can you help @Josephine66 with advice?
Josephine66
Member
7 years ago
@Sister how are you finding mepitel film? Ive been given a sheet of film and told to use all the time for next 5 weeks. Removing to shower and wash film under tap. Is this same for you or do you get new dressings and if so how often?
Im finding it rolls up and moves within an hour of wearing.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I haven't asked because I'm using the Mepitel film and you can't get it too wet. However, I would think that chlorine would be very harsh. (I did swim sometimes during chemo - my onc was very happy for me to do so)
Romla
Member
7 years ago
Chlorine is a corrosive agent - think what it does to bathers - I wouldn’t swim in a chlorinated pool until my radiated breast calmed down. Re the sea - UV and heat both activated my radiated breast so I’d wear a rashie in the sun and avoid heated pools like hydrotherapy pools which are quite hot.Sea water whilst cleansing and disinfecting may irritate as the salt may add to the burn - guess it depends really on how badly your skin copes.
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Spillsy. I was told no chlorine pools but that sea water was ok as long as it didn't irritate your skin. I really don't like swimming so didn't but that's what was said at the time.

xoxo