P90X and Bilateral Mastectomy

C,  I lift free weights a few days a week - but went down in the weight. Only 8 lbs max - and honestly, while I used to do heavier weights I'm kind of leery of doing so now. I'd hate like heck to get a prob with an implant.  Also, I jump rope and run too. No problems. I'm in awe of anyone who does the P90X.

Caite - I see by your sig that you had 21 nodes removed.  That means that unfortunately you are at increased risk for lymphedema.  You need to start very slowly and work up slowly - and I mean with one pound weights and limited reps.  Do not work the arm to the point of muscle fatigue.  You may want to check out the Lymphedema thread for more info about beginning an exercise program when you are at increased risk of LE.  Plus here's an excellent website about LE and precautions you can take to minimize your risk of getting it:  http://www.stepup-speakout.org/

Here's the page on risk reduction, including info about exercise:  http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

Don't make the mistake I did.  I also was cleared by surgeons for exercise.  I used to routinely use 10-12 pound free hand weights, and like you had lost a lot of muscle tone during active treatment.  So I jumped right in, taking few LE precautions in my eagerness to build up my muscle strength again, and sure enough, eventually I developed LE.  For some reason many surgeons seem to think that LE is rare or non-existant, and they just don't think to advise patients to take LE precautions when they give the "all clear". 

You may want to get a referral to a qualified LE therapist who can measure you, teach you precautions, give you an exercise program to build up arm strength safely, and more importantly get you fitted with a compression sleeve and gauntlet you can wear during exercise. That will go a long way in reducing your risk of developing LE. 

That said, I routinely hike, jog, elliptical, practive yoga and Pilates, and do weight and resistance training.  However I am careful to observe precautions.  I did Power 90 years ago (the precursor to P90X) and I still occasionally pop in one of the DVDs when I'm looking to shake things up.  I just avoid things like the push ups and other exercises that stress my arm.

Good luck!  

Caite - sorry it took me so long to get back to you.  I was dx with arm LE one year after my bmx.  I was dx with truncal LE 3 years after my bmx. 

Your doctors are sort of right in that improperly fitting compression sleeves and gauntlets can certainly make LE worse.  But properly fitted compression garments can greatly help prevent and minimize LE flares in those of us who have LE, and can help prevent LE from occurring in those who do not have it but are at increased risk. 

A qualfied LE therapist would be the best person to help you plan a strategy to minimize your chances of getting LE.  He or she can take baseline measurements, teach you how to measure your arm so you can monitor it, get you properly fitted with compression garments, and help you develop a safe exercise program to build back your upper body strength.  Check out the Lymphedema thread and also this great website designed by women who have LE:  http://www.stepup-speakout.org/

Caite - even though I wasn't a high risk for LE, I tried P90X about a year after implant exchange and tried to work it without the strenuous arm segments. I ended up going back to my stationary rower, building back up gradually with good total body results. I've now started rowing on water and am trying to get a group together in the NYC area to row next spring. I'd try rowing as an alternative overall fitness activity. I'm in love with it!