How soon after single mx can I start walking?

digger

I had a left mx with expander on 11/20.  I started taking a couple of slow walks a day about a week later.  Today, 10 days later, I was able to do a half hour on the treadmill in the a.m. and another half hour in the p.m.  I'm still going a little slow, but each day I seem to get a bit stronger. 

The PS said I could start walking, but how much is too much?  I guess I am really getting tired of just sitting around and kind of nervous about any potential weight gain, even though I also find that I've got basically no appetite.  Before my diagnosis, I just really loved to sweat.  Anytime I was stressed out or depressed, I just knew getting my muscles moving would make me feel better.  

What do other people do to stay in shape right after mastectomies/expander? 

car

I'd check w/your PS but also listen to your body. I started walking slowly w/a treadmill w/rails that I could get if I wobbled as soon as he would let me (about 3 weeks postop, so it sounds like you're doing great). I felt that I was in great shape before the mx/expander and couldn't wait to get out there again. Walking seemed to be the best before I also picked up the elliptical and finally Pilates. But do check w/your PS for recommendations.

I completely understand about lack of exercise and concerns about stress reduction. I think I'd also check back w/the PS about lack of appetite.

lisasayers

I also agree with checking with your doctor.  I went back to teaching Zumba three weeks past my bilateral with expanders.  But everybody is different.

DaphneRunOn

Hi Digger -- Sounds as if you're doing great.  Everyone recovers at their own pace, but I was walking 3 to 5 miles per day as soon as I got my drain removed about 7 days post-unilteral mastectomy.  I actually started taking short walks (15-20 minutes) about 2 days post-op.  I always felt better after a walk.  For the first few days after surgery, I walked very slowly -- it probably took me 17-18 minutes to walk a mile -- but I got a little faster every week and was walking at a very fast clip within a couple of weeks.  Now is not the time to push your pace, just get out there and stay in motion and the rest will follow.  Remember to hydrate well, eat your protein, fruit, fiber and veggies.  I think good nutrition is really helpful.  I am now 7 days post-op (just got my expander exchanged for a silicone implant) and trying to practice what I preach!  Best of luck, it gets easier every day.

Daphne

Jorf

I went for a two mile walk the day after my mx/expander. But I'd been walking that (at least) every day leading up to it....