Exercise and well being during chemo and radiation

Haven't posted here in a while. Still walking 4 miles a day. Took a couple days off because of poor air quality alerts because of fires, but I really think it helps lower my SE from chemo.

I came online to post in the lumpectomy thread about a weird feeling in my upper arm and forarm. No pain, no swelling, not really tingling, just weird. Anyone have this? I really haven't been doing much arm work as my doc said don't lift anything heavier than 5 lbs for the rest of my life --my surgery was 2 mo ago. But, I see that many of you are doing arm work. Ideas on how to start gently since I'm not going to get exercise support from my doc? Thanks!

Katy, Have you tried Ambian? I have used it and even taking half a pill helps. I make sure I am really tired and sleepy before going to bed. Thankfully, I usually do not have to get up early. Also, I went through a phrase where Inwoke up at 3 or 4. So, I got up, made some oatmeal with some fruit, sat in my recliner - sometimes a couple hours. Went back to bed and slept another 4 hours. Messed up my sleep schedule for awile, but slowly got better. Now, I go to bed around 11:00 and get up around 7 or 8. Of course, I get up to go to the bathroom 3 or 4 times. Anyone else get up that many times?

Sloan: my sympathies! lifetime ban on more than five pounds?

queenmocat and ksusan -- I know!!!! There are so many different pieces of advice from doctors flying around out there, I'm not sure who to believe. Then, everyone says to ask a lymphodema specialist, but the ones I have gone to ask me what I think. (How should I know?) When I saw that so many of you were lifting again --and ready to get back to a rowing machine, ksusan!!-- I realized that I need to ask for more help. If you guys are doing upper body work already, there is hope for me. (yay!) Anyone know a good specialist in California?

The short question: was this a forever ban? or was there a statute of limitations?

In fairness, I wasn't "axillated", as I ended up with straight DCIS; it's all a risk factor, but (not surprisingly) having lymph nodes biopsied or removed is a rather significant one. But yeah: nearly as many opinions as specialists. With a leavening of how important it is to the patient...but boy howdy I wish doctors would think through the weight restrictions! Five pounds means can't lift....a cat, a diaper bag. a sack of flour or a gallon of milk. a purse. a basket of laundry. a gym bag. a potted plant. a rather a lot of things that women routinely MUST lift in the course of our perfectly ordinary lives.

And possibly it depends on how you ask the question. (to wear aluminum-based antiperspirant while receiving radiation treatment? I asked "Not at any point during the weeks I'm under Dr. RO's care, or not while I'm actually lying in there [on the table under the lamprey]?" The nurse conceded as how I might wear it as long as I wasn't actually being irradiated, as long as my skin was OK.

The surgeon said forever. Yes, it's quite a shocker.

I had three nodes removed and my surgeon didn't really put any restrictions on me. She checks me for any signs of lymphedema, so far none, knock on wood. I haul around 35 pound grandchildren. They don't understand the word no. My Grandson Jack told my daughter grandma is never sick, she can do everything. So they really don't understand. So did carrying them and exercising help me or hurt me? So far, no damage, but I know lymphedema can arise later down the road. I can't live my life in fear of something that hasn't happened yet. I just got back from flying to Chicago and that didn't seem to have caused any lymphedema either. But I know it is a side effect that surgeons minimize, and lots of people seem to have it.

So I guess I take my chances.

I don't see my surgeon again for a couple months, but she was pretty clear nothing over 5 lbs forever. Like I said, I'm struggling to find answers!

I remain perplexed about the difference between doctors' approaches! "Standard of care" is a phrase I keep hearing tossed about, but when we get down to the fine points--who knows! My BS said bupkus about weight limitations, though in fairness he didn't need to even biopsy a sentinel node for me.

1 hour spin class at lunchtime. It isn't my normal outdoor bike ride, but I will take it. Hoping our heat is finally breaking. But of course now it's windy. Heat and wind and rain are the enemies of bike riders. Unless you have a tail wind, then all is good!

littleblue, what happened with your RO visit today with the lumps/fat necrosis?

getting more terrified if that's possible, thanks for asking g. Excercise- 1 hr eliptical well being, 2 ativan 1 shot jamison.

I'm a whiskey girl too. If you come to our March get together, we will have to do some shots! And hopefully I won't end up naked dancing on a table somewhere

Littleblue: Not enough Jamison's.

For theresaApply jamisons. Repeat. It sucks I have to work tomorrow too, or I'd apply jamisons until I couldn't feel my face! Yup...super healthy copin strategies here...n