TNBC - port and Pilates

Hi. You say not new to bc, has it come back? 

I do not have a port so can’t advise on that but I have also been doing reformer Pilates every week during chemo and I would say continue with all your normal stuff whilst you can, it will do you the world of good. 

Hey Sparkle498uk!

Aye, I was first diagnosed in 2021 with right breast cancer (encysted papillary carcinoma, non-invasive). I had a right mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy (nodes clear) and have been on annual MRI surveillance since.

This TNBC is a new type of cancer, awaiting genetic testing results, no family history

Got 24 weeks of chemcock, mastectomy then 6 more weeks after surgery. My life till the end of the year, I want to stay as fit & healthy as possible for as long as I can!

I love that you’re doing reformer, I feel so alive after I work out, I think it will keep me sane.

I had a port in my chest and continued doing F45 workouts during 5 months of chemo. I was advised by my oncologist to do more strength classes than cardio and to not push myself too hard. I made sure my coaches were aware and everyone was very supportive. It felt a bit weird at first with the port (more so due to my sports bra rubbing on my port), but then I got used to it and never had any issues. The effect of doing sport helped me in so many ways, I could start feeling fatigued but then end up feeling energised after a workout! I tried to go to classes at quieter times to avoid as many germs. Out of curiosity, where is your port if it's not in your chest, I didn't know you could get them elsewhere!

PS, I also follow Tim Spector (love the Zoe podcast!) and love dogs haha :)

Hi Rose222,

Thank you so much for your reply! I’m happy to hear you still worked out, especially F45, go on girl. Pilates, dog walking and Tim’s recipe book will help my long journey ahead!

When I went to get my port fitted they mentioned either chest or right arm. It’s been a week now and healing nicely although I get a little weirded out when I do pushups and lifting weights. I think I freaked out as I was told no downward dog till the port is in me as it might dislodge. 

Thanks again for your reply, sending cuddles from my little doggy and I hope you’re WELL on your way to recovery.

Hi MissLeeB

i just stumbled on your thread whilst looking for advice on Pilates with a chest port (in my case). My surgeon said just carry on doing what you want but I can’t help feeling that does not seem great advice.  Were you told to wait til it healed before doing Pilates?

I have just bought a Tim Spector book which I’m reading while sat next to my dogs.  Spooky, huh?

how are you getting on?

I have had a port for 3 years (metastatic TNBC). Mine is a chest port, not an arm port, but I can do whatever I want. Yours will similarly be under the skin so it shouldn’t be easily disrupted or dislodged, assuming it is healed.  

Hi MooMoo716,

now my port has healed I’m pretty much doing what I used to, staying away from downward dog as it may dislodge the port, doing some modified stretches.

added weights too and feeling strong. The hair is starting to go coming up to week 4

give doggo a huge hug from me, they definitely help me through this process. Enjoy Tim

Three years?? Wow, really pleased to hear it doesn’t get in your way. Mine is nearly healed, a little tender but all good.

sending hugs