Building up surgery side

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yellowrose
yellowrose Member Posts: 886
edited June 2014 in Working on Your Fitness
Building up surgery side
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  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 886
    edited June 2009

    I'm excercising 5-6 days a week and have been trying to SLOWLY build up upper body strength on the mastectomy side.  5lb weights max. I still tend to get discomfort and mild swelling under my arm and a few inches down my side while and after exercising.  Am I doomed to have one side that is significantly weaker (and flabbier) than the other?  Any ideas that I can try?

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited February 2008

    Go easy but don't quit.

    I had an expander and then an exchange. I recovered with the expander and then 6 months later had to do it all over again after the exchange surgery.

    In my case the reconstruction implant makes one side stronger than the other. I don't think it can be helped.  What's more bothersome to me is that my balance is different on one side than the other.  I try to keep working on that. 

    I think I'd be slightly concerned about swelling as that could be the onset of lympedema and you certainly don't want that.  Given the way surgeons are I doubt yours will be too interested in it. Have you posted on the lymphedema topic? 

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  • acgw
    acgw Member Posts: 286
    edited February 2008

    I would suggest an evaluation by a Physical Therapist who specializes in lymphedema or at the very least treats women who have undergone surgery/treatment for breast cancer.  They will be able to tell you if the swelling is something to be concerned about. They will also be able to give you some guidelines and timelines for rebuilding your strength.

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  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited February 2008

    Texas, as I was talking to my surgeon she highly recommended swimming as the ultimate upper body workout for people at risk for lymphedema. The water resistance apparently helps prevent fluid buildup(like an arm wrap) and at the same time you get a good upper body workout/strength.

    Maybe getting wet / cross training  couple of days might help.

    Aylin

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  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 886
    edited June 2009

    Aylin,  thanks for the info.  I love to swim though I haven't for almost a year.  I'll give it a try in a lap pool (Wouldn't want to drown trying to get upper body strength!) Tongue out

    ~S

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  • cgc
    cgc Member Posts: 2
    edited February 2008

    I have alot of swelling in lower chest and stomach area. Had total mast. aug. 06 what are some suggestions on getting rid of this?

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited February 2008

    You can have truncal lympedema. I would find out if that's the case, because it may require a compression garmet.

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  • BALYKI
    BALYKI Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2008

    The Breast Cancer Survivor's Fitness Plan by Carolyn M. Kaelin, M.D. is an excellent source for exercises geared for specific types of surgery and treatment.  If you haven't yet, you should it out.

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