Time frame for exercising after Bmx/chemo

peb

Can anyone tell me the weekly time frame for different types of exercise after surgery? I am having surgery this month-Bmx/expanders . Then chemo in dec. When is walking allowed , going in heated pool for stretching, and other types of exercise ? Can I attempt any type of exercise during chemo ,if i feel up to it, or is any kind of exercise of limits for months because of Bmx/expanders/chemo?

SpecialK

I can only speak from my own experience and you should check with your respective physicians (breast surgeon/plastic surgeon/medical oncologist) and see what they say.  A lot depends on what your level of exercise was prior to diagnosis.  If you have been active I am guessing all your docs will recommend that exercise, beyond the initial healing period from BMX which is probably 3-4 weeks, is a good thing.  Certainly exercise during chemo, to the best of your ability, is beneficial.  The only restriction I can potentially see in your post is swimming and water exposure too soon after BMX because incisions do not heal well and are subject to infection if they are too wet.  I had expanders for a long time and had no exercise restrictions specifically due to them.  I would recommend asking your surgeon about a physical therapy referral for after BMX - they can show you in just a few appointments the most beneficial stretching and movement post-surgically.  Good luck!

mdg

I exercised through chemo and as much as I could after surgeries.  I had BMX with TE's and was not able to exercise at the gym for 4 weeks post OP though my PS did allow me to walk.  I started walking at the mall (slowly) about 2-3 weeks post OP.  I started back at the gym at 4 weeks post OP.  At the gym I did the elliptical without my arms at first and then slowly added arms in for a few minutes and built the time up slowly with arms.  I was at the gym 5 days a week.  When chemo started, I continued to exercise 5 days a week at whatever level I could.  I typically did the elliptical for an hour. I did also start doing some light weights for upper body around that time.  I could not do everything, but I could do biceps, triceps, shoulders.  I avoided chest except for the physical therapy exercises I was given.  I do recommend asking for a physical therapy referral from your surgeon.  I am a very active person (fitness professional) and I did not want to lose range of motion from surgery.  I started with a PT about 1 month post OP and went a few days a week for a few months.  It really helped.  I think all patients should go to PT post BMX but that's just my opinion.  If you do go to PT, find one with MX experience.  If you have any questions, PM me.  Oh and my breast center gave me a booklet of post OP exercises/stretches to do daily.  I started those about a week after surgery.  Ask your doctors for them. If you don't have any, I can email you a copy of what I was given but I suggest you talk to your doc's to make sure it's ok for you to do.  Good luck!

Anonymous

I am four weeks post-op, with expanders. I have been walking, as it was the only thing that made me feel good and normal - and helped with the back pain. I started doing some stretch exercises last week that I found on the web.  That is particularly because I sit in an office chair and new I needed to be proactive.  My PS didn't provide any exercises, but did refer me to a PT and advised that I can now ease into easy cardio and work my way up, but to just avoid things like push-ups and such that would be hard on the chest muscles.  They say just to listen to your body.  I'm very anxious to get back into yoga and have been trying to locate a class that works specifically with breast cancer patients.  Was also told that as long as I am having chemo with the expanders I will have to avoid hot tubs, pools and saunas.  Very sad because it is winter and I would love nothing more than to sit in my hot tub and chill on these cold nights.

I agree with mdg and feel that PT will be very beneficial. I broke my wrist last month and it is the PT that was able to provide the right level and type of exercises to do to gain my strength and range of motion back.  Some people advise that you can get a routine from the PT and then continue it on your own.  However, I found that as you progress the PT is able to push your limits and provide additional exercises that are appropriate for your increased ability level.  That is not something that you will gain in just the first 2 or 3 visits.

I haven't started chemo, but spending a lot of time on discussion boards. What I've heard is that you can certainly workout during chemo, but only if your body feels up to it. What I am most disappointed with is that the surgery takes the steam out of you, and there isn't enough time to gain the momentum back before chemo in order to be up to one's full potential.  And, the only other thing to keep in mind is the germ factor of a gym. I am hoping to stay physically active, even if it means just walking every day.  But my MO stressed that no matter how bad chemo might make me feel, that I MUST walk every single day.

NatsFan

If you have any lymph nodes removed, be sure to talk to your surgeon about lymphedema risk reduction measures you can take.  Ideally you'll want to get a consult with a certified lymphedema therapist who will do baseline measurements and teach you what you need to know to reduce your chances of getting lymphedema.  Depending on your circumstances, the CLT may also fit you for a compression sleeve and gauntlet to wear on your affected arm.  Sadly too many surgeons are in denial about lymphedema and do not adequately discuss it with their patients. 

I was on physical restrictions for 6 weeks after each of my surgeries, but after that I was cleared to do what I wanted.  As for chemo, I did exercise through chemo as best as I could; however for me the effects were cumulative and by the end it was all I could do to drag myself to work and back (I worked full time during chemo).  Any exercise you can do, even if all you can manage on any particular day is a walk to the corner and back, will help you get through chemo and help you recover once chemo is done.