exercise after lumpectomy

Nope, I don't think there's any harm in exercising softly at all.  You may want to confirm with your surgeon just to be sure.  I personally was back at the gym within a week of the excisional biopsy but it took me 3-4 weeks after the bilateral mastectomy to get back in my gym routine.  Heal well debbbyb.

I saw my plastic surgeon two weeks after surgery...she said I could do anything--including weights--that didn't hurt. 

Congrats on the weight loss, Debby...I hope to be able to say the same thing in a few months. :-)

Lynn

I'm a speed walker, and went out two days after lumpectomy (+ 1 node) and three more times before my post-op check-up on 9th day, and THEN was told I should not have been exercising that much because it could pull stitches. Nobody had told me that before surgery, and luckily I healed just fine. So be gentle, not too much arm pumping. And keep up the good work!

Hello, Debby,

As newter points out, lymphedema IS a concern to you, and to all of us who have been treated for bc. Any surgery to the breast area creates a lymphedema risk (which lasts for the rest of our otherwise long and healthy lives), and both node removal and rads increase that risk. (There's even some evidence that chemo increases the risk as well -- sigh!)

That was the bad news. Here's the good news: exercise is good for both preventing and treating lymphedema. That's because lymph is moved through the lymph vessels by our muscle contractions.

BUT...the way we exercise really matters to lowering our risk.

Progressing slowly and paying attention to our bodies are especially important. "No pain, no gain" is no longer good advise. Instead, avoid stress to your arm and chest, and if you feel any tiredness, heaviness or achiness in the area STOP at once and elevate your arm. (Did you know there's such a thing as chest and breast lymphedema too, and that nearly a quarter of those who undergo lumpectomy and SNB will eventually develop it?)

Be sure to stay well-hydrated during any exercise. Lymph fluid flows better when you have plenty of water on board.

Consider getting fitted for a compression sleeve and glove before engaging in any stressful exercise, and for travel or heavy housework as well. Be sure any fitter you see is experienced and can instruct you in their use. Best bet, as newter suggests, is a visit to a well-qualified lymphedema therapist for an evaluation, baseline arm measurements, special massage instruction, garment fitting and prevention hints.

Best lymphedema information on-line is at the National Lymphedema Network web site, www.lymphnet.org. Check out their Position Papers on Exercise, Air Travel and Risk Reduction.

Only you can decide how many compromises you're willing to make to prevent lymphedema, but both newter and I can guarantee you that you don't want it.

So why didn't your surgeon or your onc tell you all this? Because they aren't trained to deal with it. (Lymphedema is not treated with either drugs or surgery, so it's a wee part of the medical school curriculum -- the national average for time spent covering the lymph system in U.S. medical schools is a total of 15 minutes).

In other words, this one is up to us. And we're definitely up for it!

Be well!

Binney 

Deb,

My underarm and the back of my upper arm also hurt for quite awhile following surgery.  It did subside after a couple of months.  It's still not normal (my last surgery was in early July).  I'm still numb under my arm and a small patch at the back of my upper arm but it's improved dramatically since the weeks following surgery.  Hang in there.

Binney is our expert, but I will chime in with my personal experience. First of all, exercise is extremely important for women who have had bc. Not only has it been shown to decrease your chances of a recurrence but it really helps with mood issues -- depression and anxiety.



I was back to my full exercise routine a week after my lumpectomy and axillary dissection (I had 17 nodes removed). I run and work out with weights. I agree with Binney that you should not push yourself, work gradually. But I believe the weight training I have done has been protective. I have gotten cut, minor infections, burns and who knows what else on my affected arm. I try to be careful, but I'm a clumsy woman with two active children. I have not had any sign of lymphedema. I believe that strengthening the arm has improved the circulation. But mostly, I believe that exercise has made me feel strong and healthy -- very important after bc.