Any helpful advice regarding exercise after surgery

QueenElizabethTheFaux

Hi all,

In appx 2 weeks I'll be having a lumpectomy + some lymph node removal & a chemo port installed (immediately followed by corrective plastic surgery to make both breasts "match" symmetrically.)

Chemo, & then radiation, will follow a few weeks after the surgery is healed. My insurance plan (Humana Medicare Silver Sneakers) covers gym membership at a nearby facility.

Would anyone here be willing to share their advice on the most effective & helpful exercise programs to follow?

I am concerned about lymphoda bcuz one lymph node swelled & has tested positive for cancer. (Several other tests show no signs of tumors or cancer in my organs or bones.)

Also...any advice on when it might be safe to use the indoor pool at the facility?

Thank you in advance : )

ksusan

See if you can get an evaluation by a LE-certified PT or similar. I've found it invaluable.

Meanwhile, please join us at Exercise and well being during chemo and radiation: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topics/833450?page=1 . We're a nice bunch and it's a great place to ask questions, track your exercise or intake, and get support.

Italychick

what I have seen mentioned about lymphedema is get your arms measured before surgery so they have a baseline. I did not do that and have no signs that I know of, but I wish I had gotten the pre surgery measurements, if for nothing but peace of mind.

I went into surgery and chemo with the mindset that I was not going to let the surgery and chemo take away whatever normalcy I could manage, and I exercised throughout everything. Granted I got slower and more feeble, but I still exercised, riding my bike as much as I could. I went back to riding a few days after surgery and my port, and even rode right after infusions some days.

Just stay as active as you can

I spit in cancers face!

QueenElizabethTheFaux

Thank you ksusan. Didn't even realize there was a section here devoted to exercise! (Should have known...this place has everything : )

Italychick, I didn't even think of taking measurements...so Thank you for that advice, too! (P.S. Love your line, "I spit in cancer's face!" Wow, yes...that says it all! : )

BarredOwl

Hi QETheFaux:

I love your name.

Ask your surgeon if they have any materials about gentle exercise, and limitations, for the post-surgery period (first few weeks). If you have any problems, you can request a referral to a physical therapist, preferably one with experience treating breast cancer patients.

This is a good website about lymphedema, with information about the condition, self-care, and precautions for people at risk.

Step-up Main Page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org

Step-up Risk Reduction Page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_l...

(I note that many who are at risk do not wear compression garments. If compression garments are used for risk reduction purposes, it should only be following consultation with and under the care of a lymphedema therapist, with a professional fitting, and related education. I am at risk from sentinel node biopsies, and do not ever wear compression.)

See also here, the section about precautions for people at-risk for developing lymphedema (from page 3 on):

http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnriskreduction.p...

Prior to surgery, I had baseline measurements of my arms taken using a device called a "perometer". It is completely non-invasive and takes about two minutes. As others have recommended, please ask whether you can have such baseline measurements taken before surgery.

You may also wish to request a referral to a qualified lymphedema therapist for a baseline evaluation, measurements and educational information before surgery, if possible. The step-up website also provides information about finding a therapist with appropriate qualifications.

Step-up Finding a Qualified Therapist page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

Once my range of motion was generally back, I used a very gentle DVD exercise program to improve and maintain range of motion and to encourage lymphatic flow. The DVD is available from Amazon (Lebed Method, Focus on Healing Through Therapeutic Exercise and Movement) if you're interested. (Exercises can be done seated or standing holding a chair.) I still do these daily.

BarredOwl

Smurfette26

I saw a physiotherapist twice before I left hospital after my mastectomy.

She gave me an exercise regime to follow. Adding more each day. I was also given a chart to record my arm measurements on.

I would be wary of the infection risk at a public pool while having chemo. Immunity is so low.

Hot water such as baths, heated pools and hot tubs increase the risk of lymphoedema after node removal.

So many things we have to be mindful of now. Sigh.

Good luck with your surgery QueenElizabethTheFaux.

QueenElizabethTheFaux

Thanks SO much barredowl & smurfette26. Lots of great info & I'll be sure to follow your advice!

(Love this website...& all of you :