Exercise after surgery

Cmo65

Anyone have advice as to exercising after lumpectomy and SNB?

inks

If you mean the range of motion exercises then most can start them 1-2 weeks after surgery, but you do need your surgeons clearance. But if you mean walking/running or exercising the lower body then I was told as tolerated. You can walk run and do lower body stuff to your hearts content as long it does not cause pain at your surgery site.

Cmo65

Thank you, inks.

tgtg

Since I was a regular at the gym before surgery, my surgeon (whom I often saw there working out himself) said I could return after the lumpectomy as soon as I felt up to it--BUT just legs and back work--I had to hold off on arm resistance of all kinds until he gave me clearance. (Pumping with the arms while walking and doing the elliptical were fine, just no arm weights for about 3 weeks, and then I had to ease back in gently.) So I was back at the gym on Wed. morning, with surgery two days behind me Since I had needed no pain meds at all, awareness was also not an issue on the machines. As for range of motion post lumpectomy and SNB, he told me to use my right arm normally from the git-go--to brush and wash my hair, reach upwards, etc.--just not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for two weeks. But each surgeon has his/her own guidelines and each patient has her/his own limitations too. TG

ninjamary

I just started lifting weights again. I had my lumpectomy on February 6th (with lymph node removal). My doctor's stressed for me not to lift weights because of the lymph nodes healing. I could get hurt and set recovery back a long time. It wasn't worth it in my book. I had to wait a few more weeks because I had a power port inserted for chemotherapy. I'm nowhere near the strength I used to be, but I'm happy to be feeling a bit strong (mind and body) again.

mdg

I went back to teaching aerobics about 10 days after my lumpectomy and SNB. I could not do everything with my arms but I did what I could.  I did also focus on easy stretching after my workouts to work towards range of motion.  I would say in about a month's time I was feeling a lot better and not really sore but then I had BMX and had to start all over again.

Cmo65

Thanks, ladies. I want to get back to working out. Sounds like I can focus on the bottom half now and wait a bit for the top.

Leighrh

I had a lumpectomy with SNB on Feb 19th.  I waited 2 weeks then with clearance of the surgeon went back to gym(crossfit).  I lift heavy but cut way back on the strict arm movements for about a week.  It's my 2nd week and I am almost back to where I was before, even swinging from a bar for pull ups ....... but port goes in Thurs and I will have to sit out another 10 days.   I think as long as you listen to your body and do what is comfortable you will be fine!

Cmo65

thank you, Leigh. That is so encouraging!

Hopeful82014

Great advice, Leigh - and way to go!

Anyone out here using kettlebells? I'd be curious to hear your experience post lx.

Penzance

Hi,

I have 2 really stupid questions, I apologise in advance.

I like doing aerobics and step, my local gym runs classes several times a week (unfortunately too early in the evening ), and the instructor is lovely (not the shouting sergeant type). I also do 'body building', especially planks and assisted pull-ups. And I use the crosstrainer.

I have been wondering whether the aerobic classes and the assisted pull-ups might be 'dangerous' for me, in that they do encourage lymphatic draining (all that waving my arms around or contracting my biceps etc.). Could they make the cancer cells move out of my breast and into the lymphatic nodes.

Also, my physio told me it was easier for surgeons to operate (removal of nodes etc.) on women with thin arms (like me) than with women with big arms: is that correct? I am worried that it could be the opposite: in the past, some dentists have complained my mouth was too small, and I am frightened of having nerves or muscles permanently injured (I love playing the violin, and need my arms, and hands, for this).

Sorry again if my questions are daft. Seeing the surgeon on Friday and worrying like hell...

inks

Penzance - surgery is always easier on thinner and fit people. Less fat to work around and push aside, better visibility. I don't know what type surgery you had but the only slight problem with being fit may rise if you do implant based reconstruction, it may be a little harder to place tissue expanders if your chest muscles are tight. I am sure your surgeon will explain what risks and side effects come with the type of surgery you will be having. I did very well with ALND and I am sure you will too just do the exercises for the arms after surgery.

I have never heard about the theory you mention about exercise possibly moving cancer cells into the lymph nodes. According to your theory sitting on ones butt would be preventing advanced cancer??????? Exercise is very beneficial to people with cancer.

If your dentist complains about the size of your mouth you could always try to find one with smaller hands.

Penzance

Thanks inks. Haven't had surg yet, but will probably have single or double mastectomy. Not sure whether I'll have reconstruction, might get for the flat-chested look: after all, I was flat-chested until I was 9 years old (I had to start wearing bras that young). Online, I found pics of women who had had tattoos done, instead of or on top of reconstruction: it hides the scars really well. I may opt for that if my doctors agree.

That 'theory' about the cancer travelling up from the breasts to the axilla is just one of my frights. I know it is probably stupid, but now I am worried everything I do might make it worse: last weekend I was using mould remover on my wooden window frames, and I started wondering whether it could be dangerous for me...

I did change dentists

NATSGSG

Here is a link with pictures too...

http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeaftertreatment/ss/arm_exercises_tutorial.htm

Some of it differs from what physiotherapist told me, but they have the same results.

All the best.