Anyone else experiencing changes in posture after mastectomy?

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every8thwoman
every8thwoman Member Posts: 147
edited August 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I wanted to ask the BCO community if others out there have experienced changes in posture after unilateral mastectomy and delayed reconstruction. I am 12 years out from my initial mastectomy which was followed a few months later by a saline implant, then some years after that by a silicone implant – both on my right side. (My left side is unaffected.) I was always small so I don't think the weight differential between my unaffected left breast and the implants on the right were all that much. However, I am in my 60's now and have noticed a steady change in my posture when looking at myself in the mirror. My husband has also noticed the difference. I now have forward head posture, hunched shoulders (seen from the side), and hold my shoulders somewhat asymmetrically when I face the mirror. I can hear cracking in my neck when I turn my head from side to side and have also been diagnosed with arthritis in the neck. Maybe this is just age-related stuff and has nothing to do with the unilateral mastectomy but I'm putting this out there to ask if anyone else has experienced this after mastectomy and if so, what did your doctor(s) suggest as far as physical therapy, bracing, etc. was concerned? Finally, did anything your doctors suggest (eg. exercises?) actually help you to improve your posture? Thanks for any input you can provide.

Sincerely,

Every8Woman

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited August 2019

    I think it's common to try to make associations but really hard to prove cause. I have made associations to things a lot since diagnosis but it is exhausting and doesn't really matter.

    I would think age or arthritis related but no way to know for sure. I think being aware of it and making an effort to stand differently or exercise might make a difference.

    ETA that I am usually wrong

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  • FindingOptimism
    FindingOptimism Member Posts: 67
    edited August 2019

    I know that I definitely noted a change in my posture after the surgery. My physical therapist said it is common and suggested several exercises, particularly focused on opening up the thoracic cavity.


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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited August 2019

    I find myself "drawing in" and have to constantly correct my posture up straight. My oncological massage therapist says that it is a common reaction to the injury area , a protective posturing. Yoga stretches are very helpful to loosen up all those impacted muscles. I don't do hard core yoga, just gentle chair yoga offered for cancer survivors at a local hospital and it is wonderfully helpful.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited August 2019

    Yes! I think what Rah describes is accurate, the protective drawing in after an injury. I only had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, but found myself with what I called the Tired, Protective Hunch. In other words, bad posture. Then I got frozen shoulder, most likely from falling off/tripping on a kitchen stool and landing on my arm while on anti-estrogen meds. Then a chest port placed. Sooo, in physical therapy for the frozen shoulder we worked on the back muscles that relate to shoulders and posture, and I started to I see improvement in my posture. Then I added yoga, always requesting that my teachers help me with posture. (“Heart opening” poses are among the helpful ones.) I have trained myself to constantly be mindful of my posture, especially when I am tired. My motivation was to be a better dancer, and I have to say I am pleased with the results I see in the videos.

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  • every8thwoman
    every8thwoman Member Posts: 147
    edited August 2019

    Thank you everyone. I continue to learn so much from these boards.


    Every8thWoman

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