Advice on benefits of physical therapy during TE phase

NJsurfer, sounds like you are doing great!. I did not have TEs, I had a one step procedure, implants at mastectomy. But I know what you say about being sent home with wall crawls, and that did a good job up to a point. While I was in chemo I fell in the snow and messed up my shoulder on my non cancer side...it was a mess. 9 months later both shoulders were concidered non functional. Then I started PT, and it was amazing. I did have 2 different therapists...one for my cancer side, she was a lymphedema specialist ,and a big guy who cranked around on my frozen shoulder from my fall. It really felt great, I benefited greatly, both shoulders are much much improved. If I had not fallen, I know I would still have sought out PT. I feel every BC patient who has had a mastectomy should have physical therapy, and with a lymphedema specialst if possible. (They are not in every area unfortunately) Even if you do not have LE at this time, you can learn techniques to stay AHEAD of lymphedema, so important. So, I did not really answer you, after all that talking! I think I would call your PT department and ask your question, about now or waiting. I am guessing they will have you wait...but you can do a lot on your own to keep range of motion. There is a Lymphedema forum here with some very knowledgeable ladies...pop in over there and ask, I know they will be very helpful. SO much info there. I am glad you are doing so well. Makes me happy! My best wishes to you.

I have two frozen shoulders. My PS said no exercises till 6 weeks post MX though. I would listen to your body. I wish I had found that MMSK video earlier although I would have been afraid to go against the express orders of my PS.

My local hospital had a PT that specialized in PT with MX patients. If you can find that--that would be ideal. Best of luck.

I went to the pool today to do some work on my shoulders. I was very active at the gym prior to this all. Pilates, yoga, TRX, weight lifting. Walking in the pool is a bit different but the company was good! Lots of good humor! I am looking forward to going back.

eta. my husband surfs here on LI. I don't. I wanted to try it at some point. a goal now perhaps to get that core back into shape. he also used to participate with my son is surfer's healing. a program for kids with autism and surfing. super cool.

I agree that we do guide ourselves quite a bit but it's an amazingly supportive network! Good luck with expansions. I never really thought too much about my boobs before this either. Be well!

NJsurfer

THAT IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I requested OT when I had a huge cord show up under my left arm 4 weeks after BMX (1/2016) Had to have my Primary Care doc prescribe it and I went to all 8 sessions (2X/week) and religiously did prescribed exercises daily. Therapists were lymphedema specialists and did some massage, lots of stretching and lymph drainage movements (4 nodes per side/no treatment). I was in very good shape prior to DX in Nov 2015, work in healthcare system and really have been bothered by the gap in PT/OT after BMX. Had I not spoken with another woman I knew about cording just days prior to its presence, I would have had no idea what it was and certainly didn't know it was a risk. Had it not been for the OT I don't think I would have recovered as fully - possibly ever. Thankfully I regained full range of motion prior to implant surgery on 5/25 and am pretty much there again nearly 6 weeks post 2nd surgery. The cord has diminished to the point that if it is still there I do not notice it.

I will look at the video referenced above. As a former bodybuilder, I wish I had specific direction on safe/lower risk workouts other than don't do chest or shoulder exercises. On the flip side, I am grateful to have had no significant complications and be able to workout now - just wish there was more exercise guidance after each surgery to help return to some "normalcy".