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Dawnmrn1
Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness

Hi! I am 6 weeks post mastectomy with tissue expanders inserted.I am almost complely filled.  My PS says that I have no restrictions.  Is there anyone out there who does some type of regular exercise that is not too strenous? I have been walking, and am thinking about taking yoga.  In the past I ran and did aerobics, but right now I don't think jumping around alot would be comfortable. I find that I am very stiff, and need to move!  Please and thanks for your input! Dawn

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  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited November 2008

    Yoga, of course, and Pilates, preferably with a trainer familar with the needs of a post-mastectomy client. It isn't difficult to adapt the core exercises to avoid undue stress on the pecs.You will feel soooooo much better.

    Good luck~~~you are getting there!

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited November 2008

    I recommend swimming if your doctor says it's OK. It's great exercise - no stress to the joints - my LE therapist was very happy to learn that it helps keep lymphedema in check (the water pressure against the skin is very beneficial). Of course it's wonderful for your breathing and heart rate too. Many women who can't swim laps take water aerobics classes - I enjoy listening to the music blasting while I do my laps!

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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited January 2009

    I did all my regular activities once I recovered from the surgery. Also had a series of upper body resistance exercises that my PT had me doing. I got back to my usual number of pushups prior to my exchange. Also rode my horse and did martial arts.

    I'm always encouraging people to find a really good PT so that those chest muscles can learn their new jobs.

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  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 1,085
    edited January 2009

    I walked through my expansion process.  I have stayed out of the pool for fear of risk of infection.  I had nips done 12/4 and the scabs are almost gone and I am back to running and weight lifting.  It feels so good and I am getting my energy back.  Once the scabs are all gone - plan to get in the pool. 

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  • digger
    digger Member Posts: 590
    edited January 2009

    I'm just about where you are:  6 wks post single mx and almost filled.  Unfortunately, I've had a problem with wound healing, so until the last week, I've stuck with brisk walking.  This last week, though, I decided to get back to the gym.  My PS has cleared me for basically everything, but still, I've been nervous because I want this incision to heal already.  I did the treadmill and the elliptical the first few days, then yesterday I did the stair climber.  It was great to sweat again, and I felt okay because I wasn't bouncing anything around.  When I see the PS on Monday, I'm going to ask about gentle weights, probably starting with a physical therapist just to be careful.

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  • sbmolee
    sbmolee Member Posts: 1,085
    edited January 2009

    digger - I was a slow healer after the mastectomy and started taking Whey protein powder a couple times a day.  It really seemed that I healed faster from the exchange and nip surgeries. Loving being back to the gym and sweating too.

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited January 2009

    Hi! Thanks for all of the info!  I've been doing yoga for the past month and found that I am less stiff! I do have to do some modification that I do in class, but I am able to relax and stretch. My exchange surgery is on the 20th, I can't  wait to get the brick out of my chest! Dawn

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  • Alo123
    Alo123 Member Posts: 308
    edited January 2009

    I am six weeks out same as you....I laid off exercise until just now as I was pretty tired from process and the holidays took a toll on me.  I am going to start my walking this week...about 3 miles a day briskly.  I would like to get back to a slow jog. I'm afraid what it's going to feel like!!!

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  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 2,689
    edited January 2009

    Alo123,

    I started getting back into my running about 6 weeks ourt from my bi-lateral mx / LD flaps with TE placement.  It feels tight around the chest but I can tell you that when you start running it feels as if a boa constrictor is tightening up.  It scared me at first but it is OK.  If you are determined to get back to running then you will just have to run through the tightness.  I now have my implants and I still have some tightness but not like I did with those darn expanders.

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