There are plenty of benefits to physical activity after breast cancer treatment, both physically and mentally. For Darlaine, swimming helped her adjust to changes in her body and find peace of mind. Darlaine tells us about the benefits of swimming after breast cancer, and how she started to get active after her treatment.
Tell us about your breast cancer diagnosis
I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in 2016. I had a mastectomy, followed by .
How did you feel after your treatment?
After my surgery, I wanted to start getting active so I could adjust to changes in my body.
I wanted to gently test how my body would feel after my surgery. I started swimming to loosen the muscles around my breasts, and I created my own set of water exercises based on Tai Chi.
Social media is full of fabulous people running marathons, but for a long time I was scared my stitches might burst open. So, doing gentle moves in the water helped me enormously at the beginning.
What was it like to start swimming after breast cancer treatment?
I felt worried about my body at first. On my first visit, I took a T-shirt so I could wear it over my swimming costume. In the end, I didn’t use it. My fear was mostly of the unknown. Once you get to the pool, no one is really looking.
At the beginning, I would just take my time gently doing exercises in the water, and I’d stop if I felt any twinges. It’s important to listen to your body. Even just paddling around was helpful. At first, I picked a time when less people were around, but I soon stopped worrying about it.
Why do you like to swim?
The benefits of swimming are enormous. I find a lot of peace while swimming. I have my own headspace, even if it’s only for 20 minutes. That time is mine alone.
The water is so supportive. I loved feeling my body gradually start to get back to normal, as well as being able to expand my chest at my own pace. Feeling the weight of your body supported in the water is very freeing.
What would you say to other women who are thinking about swimming after treatment?
I’ve spoken to many women who said they felt self-conscious about how their body looks after breast cancer. Body confidence is so personal, especially when you’re wearing a swimsuit. I’d suggest seeing if there are any local breast cancer groups where people can meet and go swimming together.
There is strength in numbers. We can all help each other, and if you see someone who’s having trouble moving, or struggling with body confidence, you can show them they’re not alone. I offer to go swimming with people who feel less confident.
One of the best things to come out of having breast cancer is the people you meet who just ‘get it’. When you have a similar experience, it forges a connection. I’d love to see local pools advertising sessions specifically for people who’ve had breast cancer. It would be great if there was somewhere people could go to get used to their body after breast cancer, while knowing those around them were doing the same.
Our partnership with Zoggs
Zoggs are passionate about highlighting the benefits of exercise for people affected by breast cancer. They're donating £25,000 to fund our vital research and services. To mark International Women’s Day, Zoggs will make a £10 donation from each womens' swimwear sale from 8 to 10 March.