Surgery w/reconstruction

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umater
umater Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I have another question, for those of you who had surgery with reconstruction (surgery included the nodes), how long did it take with PT to raise you arm above your head?  I am asking because I need to have radiation but not until I can raise my arm above my head.  At this point I cannot raise my arm but am working on it.  My surgery was on 10/21, I feel like I am way behind?.   

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  • bak94
    bak94 Member Posts: 1,846
    edited November 2011

    I haven't had surgery yet, maybe if you post on the surgery thread you will get more replies. I hope you you are able to find some answers!

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited November 2011

    I could get my arm up but not all the way over my head after my bi-lateral mastectomy but before radiation.  I kept trying to stretch it out but ended up with a frozen shoulder which is probably why they want you to be able to do it.  I wonder sometimes if it is reasonable to expect that so soon.  NJ

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  • ALittleBitBritish
    ALittleBitBritish Member Posts: 627
    edited November 2011

    Hi Umater,

    It took about 6-8 PT appointments, in all about a month, plus I had exercises to do at home. I thought I would never regain my ROM, but thank goodness I did. My Lymphedema trained PT was wonderful!  

    I am still seeing a PT as she can see I still need to monitor my LE and get my muscles working correctly. She has a electronic machine for determining LE, which sure beats measuring.

    Good luck with your PT Smile give it time!

    Ali 

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  • umater
    umater Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2011

    Thanks, I will do that.  I am so new at this, I forget how it works.  Appreciate your response.

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  • umater
    umater Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2011

    Thanks for your response.  I just found out that I will be mapped next Tuesday, so I have some work to do before I get my first radiation (which I believe will be 11/28).  I met with my pt today and she said that I should not have a problem and by next Tuesday, I should be able to lift my arm above my head.  We will see.  

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  • umater
    umater Member Posts: 15
    edited November 2011

    Wow, I don't think I will have that much time.  I am going to try not to overdue it, but will work at it until next Tuesday....and see where I am at that point.  I want to try to avoid Lymphedema, not sure if that is possible, but I am going to try.  How is yours, do you have much trouble with it?  Have you had it since your operation? 

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