Any helpful advice regarding exercise after surgery

what I have seen mentioned about lymphedema is get your arms measured before surgery so they have a baseline. I did not do that and have no signs that I know of, but I wish I had gotten the pre surgery measurements, if for nothing but peace of mind.

I went into surgery and chemo with the mindset that I was not going to let the surgery and chemo take away whatever normalcy I could manage, and I exercised throughout everything. Granted I got slower and more feeble, but I still exercised, riding my bike as much as I could. I went back to riding a few days after surgery and my port, and even rode right after infusions some days.

Just stay as active as you can

I spit in cancers face!

Hi QETheFaux:

I love your name.

Ask your surgeon if they have any materials about gentle exercise, and limitations, for the post-surgery period (first few weeks). If you have any problems, you can request a referral to a physical therapist, preferably one with experience treating breast cancer patients.

This is a good website about lymphedema, with information about the condition, self-care, and precautions for people at risk.

Step-up Main Page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org

Step-up Risk Reduction Page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_l...

(I note that many who are at risk do not wear compression garments. If compression garments are used for risk reduction purposes, it should only be following consultation with and under the care of a lymphedema therapist, with a professional fitting, and related education. I am at risk from sentinel node biopsies, and do not ever wear compression.)

See also here, the section about precautions for people at-risk for developing lymphedema (from page 3 on):

http://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnriskreduction.p...

Prior to surgery, I had baseline measurements of my arms taken using a device called a "perometer". It is completely non-invasive and takes about two minutes. As others have recommended, please ask whether you can have such baseline measurements taken before surgery.

You may also wish to request a referral to a qualified lymphedema therapist for a baseline evaluation, measurements and educational information before surgery, if possible. The step-up website also provides information about finding a therapist with appropriate qualifications.

Step-up Finding a Qualified Therapist page: http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified...

Once my range of motion was generally back, I used a very gentle DVD exercise program to improve and maintain range of motion and to encourage lymphatic flow. The DVD is available from Amazon (Lebed Method, Focus on Healing Through Therapeutic Exercise and Movement) if you're interested. (Exercises can be done seated or standing holding a chair.) I still do these daily.

BarredOwl