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ash123
ash123 Member Posts: 99
edited October 2015 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I am exactly three weeks post op from my bilateral mastectomy with one SL on left side taken out for left sided bc stage three. I was painfree the whole time and started walking the next day. My drains were taken out the 7thday (only two ) one on each side. My surgeon did not recommend any particular exercise rather said that take things easy and gradually increase your activity. I have read people doing exercises. At what point should I start stretching. I try a little bit but i am still unable to raise both arms staright up although they go half way. I did not have any reconstruction done. Please advice if this is normal. Also I have sensitive chest wall so much so that even cloth touching becomes annoying any tips for that also. I will be grateful.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited October 2015

    Ash, What you have described is totally normal. In your paperwork from the hospital you should have received some print outs for range of motion exercises to do. If not you can google, "Exercises for post mastectomy" and see what you need. These are very important to do as you will suffer severe loss of movement ability, range of motion in your upper body. These simple stretches really work great. My fav was to stand facing the wall with your toes almost touching the wall...put your hand on the wall and crawl your fingers up the wall till your hand is over your head...then lean in and stretch a gentle stretch. Do this several times a day. I would call your surgeons office and and ask when you should start, seems like I started a couple of weeks out from surgery, as you do not want to start too soon to interfere with healing. Hang in there! Sounds like you are doing great. Hugs to you

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  • ash123
    ash123 Member Posts: 99
    edited October 2015

    Thank you meadow. I will call my surgeon's office and ask if I am okay to start the exercises. Thank you this forum is helping me a lot. It always helps to ask someone who had been in my shoes once. Prayers and positive vibes for everyone.

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  • theresa45
    theresa45 Member Posts: 314
    edited October 2015

    I worked with a physical therapist after mastectomy which really helped me to gain range of motion and eliminate "chording". I was able to continue with the exercises myself after 5 sessions with the physical therapist.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited October 2015

    Ash you are so welcome!

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  • ash123
    ash123 Member Posts: 99
    edited October 2015

    Thank you Theresa 45.I am going to consult physical therapist.

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  • ash123
    ash123 Member Posts: 99
    edited October 2015

    Weesa I am replying to your post very late. I apologize. Thank you for your insight. It is my 5th week post op and I am doing much better. My chest wall sensitivity although not gone completely but is getting better. I was happy to see that you are a long time survivor and this was so much encouraging. Thank you for your kindness to get back to this forum. God bless you.



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