Will some exercises increase risk of lynphedema?

Mielli

I am 2 months post lumpectomy and removal of 4 lymph nodes. I also completed accelerated partial breast radiation via SAVI. I started Femara/letrozole 5 days ago. I feel good and am trying to increase my exercise beyond walking. Today, I tried a DVD from a yoga/Pilates class I attended in the past. Now I find I have some pain in the area of the lymph node surgery and a bit into my breast. Will doing these moves that put my body weight onto my right arm increase my chances for lymphedema, does anyone know? Should I work through the pain or avoid exercises that cause pain in the surgical areas? I feel I cannot call my oncologist for every question...

Moderators

Hi Mielli,

Someone will surely be by shortly with some thoughts on this, but we wanted to share with you this page from the main Breastcancer.org site on Lymphedema & Exercise.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

gb2115

I think it could, but I'm not an expert. I know with any sort of physical activity they want you to increase slowly to reduce the risk of lymphedema. I think that probably goes for yoga too. I get pain in my surgical areas when I do too much, a year and a half later. I try to avoid things that make it hurt.

Binney4

Hi, Mielli,

Good for you for questioning this! Since pain draws more lymph fluid to the site, and more lymph fluid can overload your already compromised lymph system, do avoid exercise that causes pain. The guidelines for resuming exercise when you're at risk for lymphedema are to start VERY slowly and work up over time. Here are some specific guidelines for various forms of exercise, including both yoga and Pilates:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Handout%20doc%20for...

And here's a document you can print out for your exercise instructor, to help her/him know how to adapt the exercises to protect you and still give you the best possible workout:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Trainer%20doc%20for...

It's great that you're feeling well and moving forward, and I hope you'll enjoy your chosen exercise option!

Hugs,
Binney

Mielli

Binney4, first of all WOW! I'm overwhelmed once again by people -- like you! -- taking time to share information with, as well as lending support to fellow BC survivors! Thank you so much for your reply, and thank you for the excellent article links you sent! I printed all the info, as it addressed so specifically each of my concerns about swimming, yoga, pilates. I live in the heat of Florida and did not know that my routine rapid-pace walking, with arms sometimes down, is also a concern! I usually walk 3-4 miles at a time; and with the heat, humidity and bright sun, I sometimes feel like I might keel over before I reach home to the pool, AC and/or cold shower. I had no idea that even walking has its risks, with advice to attend to. I have had no signs of lymphedema, but I had 4 nodes removed with my lumpectomy, with painful "cord" formation afterwards. I had to find my own resources to deal with that condition: gentle gradual exercises that really helped! I understand that this "cord" (which is gone now, 2 months postop) CAN put one at more risk for lymphedema, so I'm trying to be careful and inform myself while returning to an active lifestyle. Your articles were spot on. Bless you, thank you, and hugs back to you!

Mielli

Mielli

Binney4, first of all WOW! I'm overwhelmed once again by people -- like you! -- taking time to share information with, as well as lending support to fellow BC survivors! Thank you so much for your reply, and thank you for the excellent article links you sent! I printed all the info, as it addressed so specifically each of my concerns about swimming, yoga, pilates. I live in the heat of Florida and did not know that my routine rapid-pace walking, with arms sometimes down, is also a concern! I usually walk 3-4 miles at a time; and with the heat, humidity and bright sun, I sometimes feel like I might keel over before I reach home to the pool, AC and/or cold shower. I had no idea that even walking has its risks, with advice to attend to. I have had no signs of lymphedema, but I had 4 nodes removed with my lumpectomy, with painful "cord" formation afterwards. I had to find my own resources to deal with that condition: gentle gradual exercises that really helped! I understand that this "cord" (which is gone now, 2 months postop) CAN put one at more risk for lymphedema, so I'm trying to be careful and inform myself while returning to an active lifestyle. Your articles were spot on. Bless you, thank you, and hugs back to you!

Mielli

Mielli

Thank you, Moderators, for direction to the onsite page here discussing lymphedema relating to exercise!

Mielli