What bad thing can happen to implants if you do weight training?

Farrah

I'm 3 and half months since bm and 6 weeks since exchange and yesterday I started again with my personal trainer (a competetive bodybuilder) I did some gentle bench presses,, biceps, heaps of squats and today I am sore everywhere! Like I was when I trained pre bc. My pecs are sore but not in a bad way but it freaked me out because I thought 'could the implants shift?' But then I thought 'What about the female bodybuilders who have implants because they lose all their breast fat?' Obviously they are continuing to train and from what I have read, most of them have implants under the muscle because they are less obvious. What is the difference between doing upper body training if you have breast augmentation or if it's reconstruction with implants?

Can anyone clarify this for me? I really want to continue my training and I can't really understand what is going on there now. How secure are the implants? What bad things could happen and why?

Thanks so much,

Farrah 

Anonymous

Farrah,

I'm not really sure about what COULD happen with shifting and all that from lifting, but I can tell you that it is possible to lift with implants without any weird, disfiguring crap happening because I did it.

I lifted four days a week before my bilat w/expanders in Nov 04. Started lifting again in March 05 (just after radiation) shortly after starting to train in karate (where pushups were the name of the game!). Again, I'm not sure what the expert consensus is, but I lifted without incident - save for normal lactic acid soreness - after my bilateral and lived to tell the tail.

All the best to you with it... 

GayleB

My ps had pretty clear restrictions until about 3 mos post-op, then he lifted them.  I started back, slowly two weeks ago.  There is a different "feel" when I do the pectoral exercises, but that is all I have noticed.  I only do strength training and cardio, nothing really body-building.  But, I can certainly tell I spent two hours in the gym yesterday!  I can say, though, that I feel much better now that I am getting back to my regular cardio/weight routine. 

roseg

Many women who have breast augmentation have the implants placed above the muscle. So when they life the muscle isn't stretching over the implant as it contracts.

I think take it easy and work up to heavier weights.  One problem I've had is my side getting sore. If my chest muscles swell a little from soreness then my arm sometimes gets a little funny-numb feeling. That is a little strange.

Once you are healed the implants really aren't going anywhere. 

It's far better to maintain your flexibility and strength with some weight work and deal with whatever happens about your implants than to limit yourself because of what might happen. 

debiker

I am new to this since I am only 2 weeks post op but I asked a lot of questions before I made this decision to get implants. My PS says the implants have to be under the pectoral muscle in order to provide blood supply to the skin. She said I would be able to do everything I did before which for me included swimming competitively in triathlon and doing some light weight work as part of my training. I have mentor silicone implants and I am waiting as long as she says before I do anything. i am currently doing nothing. She asked me to take it easy so later I can do everything I want. 

I also read that the implant will shift when using your pectoral muscles and it will feel weird but it is in a "pocket" and is not going to move. 

Farrah

Thanks so much to everyone for your replies. I feel a bit better about it now. I've had 2 training sessions this week and it seems okay but I come home and check my chest for symmetry! I'm scared that they may move and when I asked my ps if I could go back to weight training he said 'yes, but be sensible'. At the time I thought I knew what 'be sensible' meant but now I'd like something more specific!

As you've all said, it feels really weird and maybe I've just got to get used to that feeling. I notice it mostly with triceps dips, chest press and even heavier lat pulldowns. It feels like the upper part of the pecs are doing everything and the part over the implants just quivers pathetically! Is this the way you all feel it too? Does it regain strength and control eventually? 

I really want to develop shoulder, biceps and triceps strength (I want arms like Madonna :-) ) but I don't feel comfortable doing the exercises I mentioned. I've lost a lot of strength overall from the 3 month break and I hope I'll get most of it back. I did try to do the right thing and followed all post op instructions which was pretty much do nothing for 3 months!

I guess I'm finding it difficult because I knew my body so well before and how it would respond to different exercises now I don't know if I'm expecting too much from it or not.

Thanks again for your input.

Farrah 

sbmolee

PreBC I too was into weight lifting for years.  I am scheduled for exchange surgery next week (YEEHAW).  I do want to do weights for arms, shoulders, back but am wondering if excersing pectorals will cause the muscles to get stronger and flatten out the implants? 

Thoughts/experience with this?

Anonymous

Hi ladies,
I had double mastectomy with implants - had the permanent exchange on Dec. 4th.  I've been released to resume weight training (starting light of course).

I was wondering if any other women can offer their advice that have had mastectomy with implants - in terms of when they could resume push ups, pull ups, and that kind of upper body stuff that reallly works the chest muscles?  Any practical advice/input/experience would be GREATLY appreciated!
THANKS!
Sue

Jorf

I started with wall pushups and quickly progressed to knees and then to regular pushups. I was back up to my usual 2-3 reps of 20-30 by the time of my exchange and was able to get back pretty quick after that.

Doing lots of the resistance exercises (recommended by my goddess/PT) makes some pretty bizarre action on my chest but doesn't permanently change how it looks. I used to be pretty self-conscious about it because I thought it looked so wierd but now (2 years later) (!!) I don't even think about it. If someone wants to stare, fine. No one does. I don't know if that's good or bad  Anyway, I'm stronger than I ever was and 35 pushups is nothing (almost) now.

Anonymous

I used to be fit until the last couple of years while going through menopause.  After my BM, I stretched with a PT during my expansion process but was unable to do any strength training because I had such pain from the fills.  In Sept. I had my exchange surgery, and in late Oct. my PS gave me the green light to "do anything".  Because I had to care for my mother during the next six week period and returned home just in time for the holidays, I didn't resume exercising.  I practiced my stretching exercises, but started having some neck and back pain.  

Just before New Year's, I hooked up with a PT again and she has been helping me slowly get back into shape.  We're working on strengthening my pecs, my back and core.  I've been using bands and a ball.  Last couple of times she had me doing some weight machine exercises.  I was never a fan of the ball or bands, but I really like them now.  I'm able to exercise at home and on days when I don't feel like going to the gym.  

I really like having someone overseeing my return to fitness.  She has been great in making sure I don't overdo and that I focus on specific areas of weakness.  It helps to have someone who knows physiology and exercises that target specific muscles.  At 51, I'm no spring chicken and I'm in it for the long haul.  The PT has said that eventually there is no reason why I can't do everything I ever did.  I actually think the exercises that work to strengthen my pecs make my implants feel like they're held in place better but haven't noticed any flattening.  Oh, and the exercises have been helpful for reducing some mild lymphedema I developed on the side of my chest.  

Anonymous

That's a good thought about working with a physical therapist.  I am just so concerned about not wanting to mess anything up (had exchange 12/4).  I'm afraid of the implants shifting if I do upper body work (push ups, chest work).... but I'm hearing from you Tina 337 and Jorf that I don't have to worry.  I'm 6 1/2 weeks out.

When does your PT say it's safe to go "full boar"?  Should I wait until 12 weeks, or do you think as long as I'm not having bad pain, that "anything goes"?

As you can see, I just feel like I need the reassurance of ladies who have gone before me in the whole exercise thing.

I used to lift heavy weights for upper body (shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, chest flyes, etc...) I so want to get back to those things but afraid to.

Thanks,

Sue

DaphneRunOn

I traded up my expander for a silicone implant 8 weeks ago.  I kept good notes in my workout log, so I can tell you how the weight training has been going for me so far -- with only good results -- but I'm not an expert on this stuff.

For the first 3 weeks post-exchange, I didn't touch a weight, but I walked a lot. 

In week 4, I started adding in spinning along with squats, lunges, bicep curls, lat rows and crunches.  I used 5 pound dumbbells and the only exercise that caused me discomfort was doing crunches, which somehow managed to tug on my pectoral muscles.  I quickly modified the crunches by doing them with my upper body on an incline on a stability ball, which didn't cause that stretching sensation.

In week 5, I kept walking and spinning, added in a couple of runs and more weight training.  (I didn't plan on running as much or as soon as I did, but surprisingly, when I tried it nothing hurt, so I kept going, which was a nice surprise.)  I lifted weights twice:  lower body exercises like walking lunges, deadlifts and squats and different exercises for all the upper body muscle groups.  I was able to use medium dumbbells for back/biceps work, very gingerly introduced exercises for the chest, shoulders and triceps.  For ch/sh/tri's, I stayed with 3 and 5# dumbbells and if anything felt wrong, I lowered the weight or just went through the range of motion with no weight at all.  I didn't use bands, because I find those harder than dumbbells.

In week 6, I kept up the walking/running/spinning and went back to doing complete upper body strength training and lower body training. I started using close to my old weights on back and bi's, heavied up by one increment on shoulders and tri's, still stayed light on chest presses and flyes.  For push-ups, I started doing them with my hips resting on a stability ball.  I like how this lets me control the movement and slowly progress.  Also, I can mix in some core training this way (lift one hip off ball for core work when doing "up" part of push-up.) 

In week 7 and now in week 8, I've started a workout DVD strength-training program called ChaLean Extreme (CLX) that is based on heavy weights, low reps, compound exercises and a very controlled speed. I assumed I'd have to modify it quite a bit, but so far I can do all the workouts as designed, just staying light (5#s) on the chest press and chest flyes and doing the push-ups on the ball.  I'm already lifting heavier than last week. 

Side note:  I love this workout program because the workouts are very tough, innovative and great timesavers at 36 mins each.  If anyone is interested, I'll post more info about it.  I'm not affiliated with the program in any way.  I belong to a gym, but I often use workout DVDs at home for the sake of convenience and I have a collection of (blushing) at least 100.  And have given away probably 100 others, LOL!  This -- and my poor feet from pounding the pavement so much -- may explain why my son told me a few days ago, "Mom, pretty soon you are going to have Bunions of Steel."  True that!

Sorry because I am always longwinded, but it feels so good to be getting some muscle back in my upper arms that I wanted to share the joy and hopefully encourage some others that improvements happen pretty quickly once you're healed enough to start back at it.  Onward and upward!

DaphneRunOn

Sue --

Just read your post in greater detail and I want to encourage you to try the weights, just take baby steps.  Start with light weights and add on a little bit every workout.  If you're like me, you'll be able to feel right away if and when you need to back off.  (My pec has no gray area -- it either feels right or it feels wrong.)  I'm still using light weights for chest exercises, but for other muscle groups, I've worked up to almost my old weights already.  Knowing you and your "eagle's wings," you'll fly past me in no time. 

-- Daphne

Anonymous

DaphneRunOn - Oh THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for taking the time to outline everything so clearly, in terms of when and what you've done.  That gives me a framework to work within, knowing that it hasn't caused you any complications!

I'm happy to say that I did a wonderful full body workout today.  Like you, Daphne, I went really light on the chest stuff.  It feels so good to work my shoulders, back, bi's and tri's!!!  I was surprised at how good I felt.  There really was not any problems with any of the movements.  I did start out lighter than usual of course.

Another question, if anyone knows.... I had bil. mastectomy with sentinel node biopsies.  They took 4 nodes on each side.  Is there any concern with lymphadema?  My surgeon's nurse assistant said that I didn't have to use any lymphadema precautions with sentinel node, because I still have plenty to do the work of draining lymph fluid.

Has anyone else been told similarly?

THANKS!!!!

Sue

Binney4

Hi, Sue, there are so many of us here with lymphedema after sentinel node biopsy. Even after prophylactic mastectomy. We are all at risk, and since you are bilateral, you have a risk on both sides.

Because you value the freedom to use your body freely, I can only urge you to get a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist soon. S/he can do baseline measurements for future reference, give you tips for reducing your lymphdema risk as you return to full activity, teach you a gentle lymphatic massage you can use prophylactically, and fit you for compression sleeves and gloves to use when exercising, traveling, or for any strenuous activity. Here's a page for helping you find a well-qualified therapist near you:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

And here's one about ways to reduce your risk:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

Sue, you're really smart to be asking these questions, because there are ways you can protect yourself, and you sure deserve to know what they are so you can make your own decisions about them.

Be well!
Binney

Anonymous

THank you Binney4 for those excellent recommendations and links.  I will do that.  That will give me peace of mind that I was responsible and informed, and will know exactly what I should do to avoid problems, or deal with them aggressively whould any arise.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Sue

Sharon03102010

Hi Ladies,

I think you are all awesome lgals and such inspirations to each other and me.  THANK YOU for all the super HELPFUL information and advice you all gave of yourselves and the time to post to help others.  God is smiling down on you all.  I now have great information to go on as you usually don't get detailed information like this from your dr. (i do love my drs. so no offense - they are beautiful brilliant women drs) but whom have not have gone through this procedure themselves.  This is my first post/question here though I have spent many hours/months reading all i could since multicentric dcis diagnosis.  I had a left bm 11 days ago with tissue expander and plan to have a gummi bear implant.  Felicia (or anyone into martial arts that had reconstruction with implants), I read on your post that you started karate.  Before being diagnoses with bc i had just received my first degree red belt in tae kwan do (I am 48).  I am afraid of returning to martial arts because i'm afraid of being kicked/punched in my eventually reconstructed breast even though we do wear chest protectors.  So my question is have you been kicked or punched in your reconstructed breasts during sparring?  And what happened if anything; hurt more than normal, hope won't break,shift, etc.

 Glad to hear push ups are okay as we had to do those too (at this point i can't even fathom the thought on trying even one right now).  I also was told to expect loss of strength on left side arm - chutes, but glad to hear from many of you gals that weight lifting is doable, as that was also something that i enjoyed doing b4 bc.  Loved being a semi-fierce women.  Since this whole ordeal started in 10/09 I have been in the dumps and have not stayed fit.  And will try to be strong like the rest of you and get back onto the treadmill and slowly lift with light weights when dr okays it.  although first visit to ps past fri, nurse said not to get my heart rate elevated (husband than joked that he better not let me see him naked then lol).  Hopefully, first fill will be in two weeks.  Recently found out that I won't be needing chemo/rad so my outlook now is so much more positive and grateful!!!  Slowly, but surely i guess will be key.  Any input, comments, experiences would be greatly appreciated especially about the sparring aspect of martial arts from anyone whose been there, done that.  Thank You!  And best wishes, speedy recoveries and hugs and love to all you kind caring girls.  Sincerely, Sharon

Anonymous

 Hello Sharon.  I just wanted to share a progress pic, to show that strength and lifting is possible after breast cancer. 

 I do not have experience with martial arts, but do have experience with fitness endeavors.  I am 47 (soon to be 48 in april)   I had a double mastectomy about 1 1/2 years ago.  I went with the Temporary expanders.  I had DCIS, so I only had the sentinel nodes taken out on both sides.  I Had my switch to permanent saline Dec. 08.  Was cleared by my plastic surgeon to begin lifting weights again 1/23/09.  I began with lighter weights.  About 6 months out, I was back to lifting pretty heavy.  I can do all chest work again. Push ups, pull ups, bench press (I only do incline presses now, because flat presses pull a little too much across my implants.). I am on par with my weight training from pre-cancer.  I have not lost one iota of strength.  (All praise to God!!!)

I ran a half marathon to celebrate my one year anniversary from my double mastecomy.

I am GRATEFUL to say that I am back and stronger than ever.  It's so wonderful to know that you can live a fit and healthy lifestyle, even after double mastectomy.  Again, I did not require chemo, and I did not have more than sentinel nodes taken...so that obviously has factored in on my recovery.

 Stay strong ladies.  Enjoy your lives.  Take it slow, but believe for MORE than you dream possible!

xo,

Sue

Sue

TNgolfer

What an incredible find!  Had bilat Mx on 1/28 with immediate placement of TE's.  Also had axillary node dissection (rt side only) and removal of sentinal node and 3 axillary nodes.  Started stretching exercises day after AND surgery and regained normal range of motion after a month.  Had no ROM problems after the bilat Mx.  Did not have to have chemo (thanks to Oncotype Dx assay) and was put on Arimidex (am post menopausal and 62 years old).  Am an avid golfer and found I can still play!!!  Had to alter the swing because the TE's are cumbersome and larger than my normal breasts were.  Have 2 last fills scheduled in the next 5 weeks.  Not sure when exchange surgery will take place, BUT

Because one of the side effects of Arimidex is bone loss, weight-bearing and strength training was recommended.  I also would like arms like Michelle Obama (wouldn't we all?).  Also believe regular exercise and training is a great psychological boost.  The PS has okay'd me for exercise and my first appointment at the gym is today at 1:00.  I will be meeting with one of their personal trainers, a woman who specializes in fitness for the over-50 age group.  I have printed out these posts and will bring them to her for added information.  The lymphodema issue has me slightly concerned. 

Just thought I'd let you all know what a blessing finding this thread was, and oh so timely!  I'll keep watching your posts and let you know how this appointment goes. THANKS!!

Anonymous

Yes, TNgolfer - let us know how your appointment goes!

p.s. It is a WORLD of difference when you get the permanent implants in.  Like night and day.

I know this is lengthy, but here is some info. on weightlifting and Lymphadema (source is sited at end of article):

Lifting Weights Reduces Lymphedema Symptoms Following Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer survivors who lift weights are less likely than their non-weightlifting peers to experience worsening symptoms of lymphedema, the arm- and hand-swelling condition that plagues many women following surgery for their disease, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The findings challenge the advice commonly given to lymphedema sufferers, who may worry that weight training or even carrying children or bags of groceries will exacerbate their symptoms.

"Our study challenges the historical medical recommendations for women who get lymphedema after breast cancer, and is another example of well-meaning medical advice turning out to be misguided," says lead author Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a member of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center. "For instance, we used to tell those who had back pain to rest, but we know now that in many cases, inactivity can actually make a bad back worse. Too many women have missed out on the health and fitness benefits that weight lifting provides, including building bone density. Our study shows that breast cancer survivors can safely participate in slowly progressive weight lifting and gain those benefits without any increase in their lymphedema symptoms. In fact, this type of exercise may actually help them feel better."

In the largest study to date to examine the impact of weight training on this condition, Schmitz's team enrolled 141 breast cancer survivors with a current diagnosis of lymphedema. Half were assigned to a weight-lifting group that participated in small- group, twice-weekly, 90-minute exercise classes for 13 weeks. During that time, with guidance from trained fitness instructors in community fitness centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, the women worked up to greater resistance and more sets of weightlifting exercise. For the next 39 weeks, the women continued twice-weekly unsupervised exercise, with trainers calling to check in on women who missed more than one session per week. The women wore a custom-fitted compression garment on their affected arm during their workouts, and each week were asked about changes in symptoms. Their arms were measured monthly to ensure any changes were noted as soon as they occurred. The 70 control group participants, meanwhile, were asked not to change their exercise level during study participation.

During the course of the study, women in the weightlifting group experienced fewer exacerbations of their condition, and a reduction in symptoms compared to the women who did not lift weights. There were 19 women in the control group who experienced lymphedema exacerbations that required treatment from a physical therapist, compared to 9 in the treatment group. The proportion of women who experienced an increase of five percent or more in their limb swelling was similar in both groups - 11 percent of the weight-lifting group and 12 percent in the control group. The researchers theorize that a controlled weightlifting program may have protective benefits, by boosting strength in affected limbs enough to ward off injuries from everyday activities that can aggravate lymphedema symptoms.

"Our study shows that participating in a safe, structured weight-lifting routine can help women with lymphedema take control of their symptoms and reap the many rewards that resistance training has on their overall health as they begin life as a cancer survivor," Schmitz says. "We did the intervention in community fitness centers deliberately, in the hope that positive results seen in our study would continue to be available to breast cancer survivors long beyond the end of the research study."

It is recommended that women start with a slowly progressive program, supervised by a certified fitness professional, in order to learn how to do these types of exercises properly. Women with lymphedema should also wear a well-fitting compression garment during all exercise sessions. The new research was conducted in partnership with YMCAs in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania and in Burlington County in New Jersey, as well as Sisters-In-Shape Fitness in Philadelphia. Staff at the Edison-Metuchen YMCA in New Jersey have also been trained to deliver this intervention.

SOURCES: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/361/7/664

New England Journal of Medicine, August 13, 2009
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/

 Best wishes!

Sue

lava

I am soooo happy to find this post!  My PA at Duke was horrified when I mentioned that I like to lift weights.  She implied that it was a bad idea with much too high risk of lymphedema.  (I only had sentinel node biopsy with 1 node removed.)  She offered no help such as PT or referral to lymphedema expert.  I'm thinking, "What did they save my life for if I can't DO anything anymore!?)  I mean, Duke?!  One of the top cancer centers in the US?  And I was feeling too sick at the time to challenge her.  She made me feel stupid.  AND, nobody ever mentioned to me that I was even at risk for lymphedema!!!  I was shocked.  She caught me offguard.  Now, I've printed this info and will take to next appointment.  Thanks!!

TNgolfer

Dear OnEaglesWings,

Great article....I'm going to save it along with all the other theories gone bad like "feed the baby skim milk instead of whole milk, lay the baby on their back instead of their stomach....It's amazing my children survived and thrived! 

My appointment went great!  My personal trainer is a certified lifestyle and weight management counselor as well as a certified personal fitness trainer.  We started our session with a relaxing conversation.  She brings nutrition into every appointment and we discussed some basic nutrition as well as some specific cancer-prevention nutrition (elimination of sugar in the diet).  She said she has worked with several women who have implants (submuscular).  Today, we just did the treadmill and she said we will start Thursday with weight training.  She had some pretty sound advice.  She said my routine should include some days of weight training and some days of aerobics and that we would ramp things up slowly.  I like her.  She is enthusiastic and unlike the conventional medical community (and I had great physicians), she isn't trying to get rid of something bad in my body, she wants to put good things into it!  I am excited.

Thanks for the info....Did you all use a compression sleeve while exercising?

Marianne

Anonymous

Marianne,

Glad your appt. went well with the fitness/wellness coach.  Excellent!

To answer your question about a compression sleeve -- the nurse practitioner in the breast surgeon's office said that was not required, especially since I only had sentinel node biopsy (I had 4 nodes taken from each side).  I also had a previous history of weight lifting, so it was nothing new I was doing.  I did take my arm measurements, and have been told what to look for (increased measurement, swelling, "bogginess" in the tissues).  I am diligent about warm ups and gradual cool downs, and just am alert to watch for any issues that might crop up.

I had another Bil. Mastectomy friend tell me that she was not going to put her life on hold.  She would be wise, but she would also just go ahead and do the physical things she was capable of doing.  She did not want to become a prisoner of fear and/or "what if's".  That really resonated with me.

If you have any questions re: the compression sleeve, I would run that by your doctor who is familiar with your total medical history.

Just sharing what I feel comfortable with.  Other women with sentinel nodes only just feel more comfortable going ahead and wearing a sleeve....

I'd love to have updates on your work with the trainer.  I'm curious as to how they approach working with post mastectomy clients.

 :-)

Sue

ktym

Onegleswings: love the pic.  Happened to read this thread right after finishing my weight lifting for the day.  Count me as someone post implant recon WITH lymphedema who continues to weight lift. I'm careful, smart about my progress and wear my sleeve and do my massage, but I am lifting

Binney4

Sue, I just wanted to clarify that the study by Kathryn Schmitz mentioned in that article you posted has been seriously misinterpreted in the media. Dr. Schmitz was alarmed enough about it to publish an article on the National Lymphedema Network website (and in various print media as well) to clear up the misperceptions about what her study involved. Here's a page from the NLN with links to Dr. Schmitz's clarifications AND the study protocols for trainers to use in helping us exercise safely:

http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/weightliftingLE.htm

If, based on this researcher's actual recommendations, you decide to use compression garments when weight lifting, it's important to be sure they fit well. Here's a page about making sure the fit is correct:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_lymphedema_garments.htm

Be well!
Binney

ktym

Binney, as usual, your advice and knowledge is very much appreciated.  I know my LE therapist is really careful about how my garments fit

Anonymous

Binney  - THANK YOU for the clarification.  I have saved that article to my file.  That info. is very helpful!!!!

Thanks again,

Sue

Sharon03102010

Hi OnEagleWings,

First off, thank you for your response.  Wow, no matter how much i trained b4 bc i never ever even came close to what you achieved!  Thank you so much for your details on your post bilatM/implant training; it gives me so much hope and insight on how to procede with my furture fitness life.  I was also concerned since chest muscle would now be above breast implant that it would somehow affect strength and weight lifting or hurt (and you do pull ups - my nemises - you go girl) - hearing that you are strong as ever is so so encouraging and your picture tells the story!  Like I mentioned, in my earlier post that i just had one side done with 5 nodes taken - so don't really know much about the lymphodema stuff, and saw the dr only once since surgery - hoping it won't be a factor for me either, but need be there's so much help on this site.

Also, congratulations on that 13 mile run on your 1st anniversary!  You are awesome!  We are only 4 months apart in age and a motto of mine has sorta been if she can do it than i should be able to too (if around same age frame - think it's a mid-life crisis thing); don't know about the 13 mile thing though - 5 maybe tops.  I sat for 2 years watching my son at his tae kwan do training, until a gal a few years older than me joined and progressed along.  That finally pushed me to join.  That motto also made me take a motorcycle riders course last summer and get my license after seeing older women bikers.  And at this site - all you ladies are inspirations/survivors that have endured tests, anticipation of results, hard decisions, tears and fears, surgery, various treatments, etc., and here you are.  When my turn came up i, i thought of my motto and said look at all these women who went before me; they did it, survived it, then so can i!  Let's all get stronger together!  Thank you all!   gotta admit though that this was the scariest one for me - hope, faith and love!

Sorry for being so long winded.  With utmost gratitude for everyone's generous helpful contributions!  Hopefully, I too can be of some help to women in our shoes in the future.  Much love and God Bless, Sharon 

Binney4

Sharon, your enthusiasm and "can-do" spirit is already a help and an inspiration. Thank you!
Binney

Anonymous

Sharon,

I agree with Binney.  You are awesome!  (as are ALL the beautiful, strong women on this site).

God bless you all,

Sue

TeresaD

Hello all of you!

I am soooooo happy I found this thread. I am in a real dilemna and I would be so very grateful for anything you strong women would care to share.

On March 15 I had lumpectomy for a 2.8cm IDC Estrogen Receptive, and while they were in there they also found an IS site and took that out (I guess they were pretty close together). Anyway, the treatment plan was Radiation then arimadex. Fine. 

I went to the first consultation with the Radiation Oncologist on Friday. Wonderful doctor (aren't they just amazing?). But when I told her I practiced full contact karate she said I would pretty much have to stop following radiation due to the increased brittleness of the ribs under the area of radiation and the sternum.

This was almost as bad news to me as hearing about the BC in the first place. Karate is what I do. I've done it for many many years and it IS my sport, my chance at camaraderie. I explained this to her, and she said the only alternative would be a mastectomy.

I actually don't have a big problem with getting a mastectomy and I am thinking a bilateral mastectomy with the nipple conserving process and implants.  Has anyone practiced a contact sport after radiation? I am hoping some of you out there understand how important this is to me and don't think I'm nuts to prefer a mastectomy over stopping my sport.

Thanks,

Teresa