"Training" for a mastectomy

Hi Mary,

I had bilaterals after a second primary was diagnosed in my left breast three years after lumpectomy and radiation of my right breast. I can't think of too much in terms of exercise that you need to do beforehand, but afterwards I found physical therapy very helpful. I found a PT who specialized in working with breast cancer patients and I started seeing her quite soon after my surgery--about two weeks. She helped prevent the formation of scar tissue and also did (very) gentle massage that minimized nerve sensitivity. I had lost range of motion after my earlier lumpectomy, SNB, and radiation and she actually helped me regain that range of motion.

On my website, BreastFree.org, I have a section on Physical Therapy that you might want to check out (it includes information about how to find a qualified PT). Also, there's a section on Post-Surgical Interim Solutions that offers suggestions about how to prepare for surgery.

Best of luck,

Barbara 

The nurses at the Breast Care Center I go to also suggested eating healthily prior to and after surgery. Lots of protein. No aspirin or Vitamin C, as I recall. Also, the more fit you are prior to surgery the better.

Best, Susan

Mary,

Water intake and high quality protein has already been mentioned...you have 6 weeks to get your abs stronger...they will be your best friend in getting up and for just about everything....also strengthen your arms while you are at it. Acupuncture has helped me heal a ton from 2 lumpectomies and my mx which was on the 18th of this month. I went snow shoeing for the first time 9 days post op and it was the best thing to loosen my shoulder. Walking would be great and don't forget the sleep factor as well! My acupuncturist thinks that sleep is the best healer.

Good shape going into operations = fast recovery

Good Luck and Wishing you a fast heal,

~climbergirl

l 

It's been almost 3 years now, but I recall the very best thing I did after my bilateral mast was (once the drains were out) to get going every day on the exercises which were in the American Cancer Society pamphlets I was given.  They consisted of things such as walking my fingers up the wall - both facing the wall and sideways to the wall.  Not so that it's painful, but a gentle stretch.  There were other exercises too.  It took only a few minutes a day.  It was not recommended to me to go to a physical therapist, and I don't think one really needs to, but I guess that could be a possibility.  Right after the masts it felt like there was a tight rubber band around my chest and movement wasn't all that easy.  However, over a period of several weeks I found I got back all my range of motion and it didn't hurt anymore.  You'll have some skin numbness, but even (some of) that will come back over time. 

It's a pretty weird experience, though.  If you haven't seen a photo of a person with mastectomy, you might go have a look (I found it on the internet).  It helped me understand beforehand what it would look like, otherwise I would have been terribly shocked.  By now I'm totally used to it and glad I did it.