Exercise after surgery

If you mean the range of motion exercises then most can start them 1-2 weeks after surgery, but you do need your surgeons clearance. But if you mean walking/running or exercising the lower body then I was told as tolerated. You can walk run and do lower body stuff to your hearts content as long it does not cause pain at your surgery site.

Since I was a regular at the gym before surgery, my surgeon (whom I often saw there working out himself) said I could return after the lumpectomy as soon as I felt up to it--BUT just legs and back work--I had to hold off on arm resistance of all kinds until he gave me clearance. (Pumping with the arms while walking and doing the elliptical were fine, just no arm weights for about 3 weeks, and then I had to ease back in gently.) So I was back at the gym on Wed. morning, with surgery two days behind me Since I had needed no pain meds at all, awareness was also not an issue on the machines. As for range of motion post lumpectomy and SNB, he told me to use my right arm normally from the git-go--to brush and wash my hair, reach upwards, etc.--just not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for two weeks. But each surgeon has his/her own guidelines and each patient has her/his own limitations too. TG

I went back to teaching aerobics about 10 days after my lumpectomy and SNB. I could not do everything with my arms but I did what I could.  I did also focus on easy stretching after my workouts to work towards range of motion.  I would say in about a month's time I was feeling a lot better and not really sore but then I had BMX and had to start all over again.

I had a lumpectomy with SNB on Feb 19th.  I waited 2 weeks then with clearance of the surgeon went back to gym(crossfit).  I lift heavy but cut way back on the strict arm movements for about a week.  It's my 2nd week and I am almost back to where I was before, even swinging from a bar for pull ups ....... but port goes in Thurs and I will have to sit out another 10 days.   I think as long as you listen to your body and do what is comfortable you will be fine!

Great advice, Leigh - and way to go!

Anyone out here using kettlebells? I'd be curious to hear your experience post lx.

Penzance - surgery is always easier on thinner and fit people. Less fat to work around and push aside, better visibility. I don't know what type surgery you had but the only slight problem with being fit may rise if you do implant based reconstruction, it may be a little harder to place tissue expanders if your chest muscles are tight. I am sure your surgeon will explain what risks and side effects come with the type of surgery you will be having. I did very well with ALND and I am sure you will too just do the exercises for the arms after surgery.

I have never heard about the theory you mention about exercise possibly moving cancer cells into the lymph nodes. According to your theory sitting on ones butt would be preventing advanced cancer??????? Exercise is very beneficial to people with cancer.

If your dentist complains about the size of your mouth you could always try to find one with smaller hands.

Here is a link with pictures too...

http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeaftertreatment/ss/arm_exercises_tutorial.htm

Some of it differs from what physiotherapist told me, but they have the same results.

All the best.