Exercise after mastectomy

Lizzy1981

I'm curious how long others have been unable to exercise after surgery (mastectomy) with reconstruction (tissue expanders). My exercise is probably considered pretty strenuous. Normally I do one hour on the stair machine plus thirty minutes of weights. I'm really sad that I'm not going to be able to do it for a while. I'm hoping I can at least start up the stairs after 10 days even if it's a slower pace than normal. I know weights may take longer. Any insight is appreciated. I'm relatively young (35) so hopefully that helps my recovery.

Meadow

Lizzy, I see in your bio line that your surgery is soon...I am sure you will do great. You are fit, and healthy, this will help so much in your recovery. As to your exercise questions, have you asked your team when you can return to vigorous exercise? I know you will feel pretty sore for the first few days, but quickly start feeling better. You will have drains in for a week to 2 weeks, and it seems like they did not want me doing a whole lot till they were removed. For me this was 10 days. then your range of motion will be something you will have to work on at first, there are exercises for that, you should get instruction on when and what to do for that. Do not overdo at first, as this will not be good for your recovery. Hopefully others will respond soon with more suggestions. My best to you always! Please update us when you can!

LisaAlissa

You will want to check the Lymphedema board for information about the (limited) healing time for lymphatic vessels, and how that affects return to exercise.

As I recall, you should not be raising your arms above your armpits for two to three weeks post-surgery. Apparently any healing/reconnection of lymphatic vessels will occur during that limited time period, and you don't want to disturb that healing during that period.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Bexstar55

Lizzy1981, I feel your pain........

I have been an active gym-goer for many years and felt a little lost when diagnosed in August 2015. I did not let it stop me though, I found going to the gym was my relief. I had a bilateral mastectomy also in the August 2015 and expanders fitted. After the initial recovery period ( I was back walking/light weights within a few weeks), other than the weird sensation of them moving I still found I was quite able to continue my training and back to regular weights around week 4.

I had the expanders removed and implants fitted 3 weeks ago - I struggled not being active in the first week although my mind says GO, but the body says NO. I am back in the gym now, only doing light cardio and bodyweight for legs. I feel the 6 weeks post surgery break has given me time to reassess things and take things back to basics. I definitely put how well I have recovered both mental and physically down to my determination in getting back to the gym and being active before and during treatment.

I hope things go well for you and you get back to the gym in good time.

Mckaylaleigh

I hope your surgery went well

I did not have recon/expanders but I had my BMX four weeks ago. I started back on the treadmill at about day 10, but only walking 3mph and I have slowly worked up to 4mph.  This week I started back with my pilates/yoga/strength training but I modified it. No push ups and only very light 2 and 5 lb weights. I also am using rubber bands my PT gave me. The biggest thing I am struggling with is getting my energy and strength back. I am just still not there. I haven't even attempted to jog yet. I definitely would say to just take it slow nd don't rush it. Focus on recovery and only do slow/light workouts for quite awhile. I thought I would go crazy but I found that even doing a light workout was therapeutic and felt better than doing nothing.

okbecca

I'm 4 weeks out from my bmx. I did not opt for reconstruction, but I think the things I'm doing would apply (with adjustments) for any post-mastectomy person.

I'm a lot better, but do not have my energy/strength back. That's normal for a surgery this aggressive. My energy is still going to healing, with not much left over. It will improve in time.

My doc sent out an occupational therapist about a week after my surgery. He gave me some very gentle arm exercises and told me to walk around the house (or out of doors, if I wanted) for about 5 minutes a couple of times/day. He emphasized that I should not overdo at this point.

I had my first physical therapy appt yesterday. She told me to track my steps each day and add 10% to that figure each week. I am riding my recumbent bike 15 minutes per day, and she wants me to add a 15-minute walk (any pace, so long as it's not too fast) every other day. Next week, she's going to begin working with me with 1/2 pound weights. I'm also going to start doing the elliptical (very gently and for just a minute or two at first.)

My goals after 6 weeks are to be able to walk 1.5 miles every other day and ride my recumbent bike or elliptical for 30 minutes each day. Also, I will begin water aerobics 3/week, beginning with 15 minutes and working up to a full hour workout, each time. Then, I start the Live Strong program at the Y. (It's free where I live.)

I'm a member of an all-woman gym called Mademoiselle. That's where I'll do the water aerobics. The pt is going to prescribe a resistance-training program with them (they have a lot of equipment) when I leave physical therapy. (I'm set for 6 weeks physical therapy, 2 x week. If I achieve my goals in 6 weeks, I'll move forward to the next thing. If not, we'll do more. I hope to achieve my goals.)

I'm supposed to begin something called care coordination on April 20. This is evidently nutrition and other kinds of counseling and help. My local hospital has a 12 week program on nutrition and other cancer survivor helps which begins in ... I think ... August. It runs for 17 weeks. I'm enrolled in that, as well. It also is free.

If your surgeon hasn't arranged for these things for you, ask him/her. My insurance (medicare + supplement) is paying for everything but the free stuff. It really makes a difference, having someone who specializes in mastectomy rehab plan things out for me. I don't worry about doing too much and injuring myself.

Also, the pt gave me a LOT of information about lymphedema. Advised me strongly to continue wearing the pressure bra my doc prescribed, as I had probs with a swollen pectoral muscle. She said any swelling is worrisome for future lymphedema problems.

Lunderwood

Thanks for all of the good advice! I am currently in neoadjuvant HT but will have surgery in early July. I am very active running, pilates, and lifting weights. I too wondered how long it would be until I could resume my activities. One other question... would you suggest additional stretching and maybe yoga before surgery to help with the range of motion exercises after surgery. I am not very flexible right now but would have time to improve my flexibility before surgery.

okbecca

I don't see how getting in better shape before surgery could be anything but helpful, even if it doesn't spare you the soreness and limitations, it might shorten them.

At the same time, I think the best things you can do to speed your recovery are those things that will ensure that you have the time, environment and support you need to get adequate rest, good food and plenty of sleep for the first three or four weeks after your surgery.

Try to line up friends to clean your house, bring you food, run your errands, etc. Pay all your bills in advance or put them on automatic pay. Set up your bed so that you can sleep. Lay in a supply of entertainment -- movies, books, etc. If it's possible to get people on your job to donate sick leave, see if you can do that. Otherwise, try to whittle down your expenses to allow yourself as much time off work as possible.

Plan on sleeping as much as possible the first few days. Just ... rest ... and let your body do its magic.

Do everything you can to give your body what it needs to heal itself. That's the best way to get back on your feet.

Wabbitt1

Good Morning

I had my bil mast on March 25th, all 4 drains removed on March 30th and I'm feeling great!  Dr says I can start to golf next week. I was in good physical condition going into this surg and I'm sure that help.  Also my plastic surg worked side by side with the conolg surg and it was a great surg.  Did not cut any of my muscle.  I will do phase 2 final reconstruction in 4 months.  You'll do great.

rsabatini7

Oh wow, how encouraging to hear that you were able to play golf so soon after your bil mast.

I had my mast 5 days ago, and my single drain will come out tomorrow. I love golf, and I am very

Anxious to get back out there. I am also having reconstruction in 4-5 months. I went for a 3 mile walk

Yesterday, and I am resting today. I know your post is from 2 years ago, but any additional feedback

Would be much appreciated. My plan is to have DIEP flap and other mast in October.

This is my 3rd occurrence, so both of my breast have had radiation.

Thanks!