Exercise & lymphedema

Tammy Orthmann
Tammy Orthmann Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have a question I hope someone can help me with. I am looking for info regarding safe exercise and avoiding lymphedema. I had breast cancer six years ago. Lymph nodes were taken out of my left arm. I am aware of the need to avoid procedures in my left arm, but I am not sure how much I can "push" my arm when doing upper cardio machines. Any info would be helpful.

Comments

  • nwarren
    nwarren Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Tammy
    I'm no doctor ... but
    Tammy

    I'm no doctor ... but I would suggest ... watch your swelling to get an indication of how much exercise you should do. Does your watch or rings get tight? then cut back and maybe try a massage from someone who specializes. Right now, there is evidence exercise will help not hurt lymphadema.
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133
    #3
    I've been told the same
    I've been told the same thing as nwarren. Exercise does not in and of itself cause lymphedema. Your greatest risks are: your weight, how many nodes you had removed, and if you had radiation. BUT....you do need to proceed carefully. If you're doing weights, you'd want to do lower weight and higher repetitions (rather than more weight and less repetitions). If you're starting something new....start easy. Don't try to do the upper cardio machine for an hour on the first day. Try it for 5 minutes....see how you feel. Then increase your time gradually.

    I'm not a doctor either. I've not researched this myself, but my surgeon is very much a supporter of exercise. I'm swimming about 30-45 minutes at a time which is a lot of repetitive movement. I do have lymphadema, but the swimming has not made it worse. And there are times that my arm feels better after swimming.
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #4
    Hi Tammy: My doctor told me
    Hi Tammy: My doctor told me no more than 20 lbs max for upper body. So, I started out very slow and now do more repetitions. I haven't noticed any increased swelling and I started out 6 weeks ago. Hugs, Lili
  • Chellebug
    Chellebug Member Posts: 133
    #5
    Chellebug said:

    I've been told the same
    I've been told the same thing as nwarren. Exercise does not in and of itself cause lymphedema. Your greatest risks are: your weight, how many nodes you had removed, and if you had radiation. BUT....you do need to proceed carefully. If you're doing weights, you'd want to do lower weight and higher repetitions (rather than more weight and less repetitions). If you're starting something new....start easy. Don't try to do the upper cardio machine for an hour on the first day. Try it for 5 minutes....see how you feel. Then increase your time gradually.

    I'm not a doctor either. I've not researched this myself, but my surgeon is very much a supporter of exercise. I'm swimming about 30-45 minutes at a time which is a lot of repetitive movement. I do have lymphadema, but the swimming has not made it worse. And there are times that my arm feels better after swimming.

    Forgot to mention
    Obviously skin care is of upmost importance. But I think you already knew that. Didn't want to leave that out, though (in case someone else reading this was also looking for some info).
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #6
    Chellebug said:

    Forgot to mention
    Obviously skin care is of upmost importance. But I think you already knew that. Didn't want to leave that out, though (in case someone else reading this was also looking for some info).

    Yes Chelle, I forgot to
    Yes Chelle, I forgot to mention that also. I have a ritual of moisturizing after every shower. And I posted this somewhere else but my doctor advised me not to take hot showers, baths, no saunas or hot tubs. Seems that increases lymphedema risk. Hugs, Lili
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #7
    First of all....I'm dancing for 6 YEARS!!!! YEA!!!
    I'm at 3 post-treatment, 4 post-dx. I, too, had lymph nodes removed.

    I watch anything above 15 pounds on my 'special' side. The irony is that exercise, done right, reduces the risk of lymphodema...so you are doing great!

    Much of what I do is stretching. Especially on my 10-hour flights to and from Holland. I stretch gently to the side and up.

    No troubles, at least so far...

    Hugs, Kathi
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #8
    Exercise is Good!
    My surgeon was also for exercise. It strengthens your bones which reduces your risk of reoccurance, strengthens your heart which increases your current health and possibly the length of your life as well, and it makes your immune system work better. What's not to like? But he cautioned me not to go for the burn. I was so new to lifting weights and working out that I really had no idea what he was talking about. Burn??? That was back in 2002. I've been at the gym Monday through Friday ever since and know a little more now. You want to start with weights lighter than you think you can lift. You need to practice good form and build some muscles before you add on weight. My surgeon said to limit it to 15 pounds for any lifting with my arms. I did that for several years, but now I'm up to a few more pounds than that. It still feels light enough and while I'm tired at the end of my workout, I don't feel sore or hurt. I like circuit machines, free weights, treadmills, and classes. Swimming is okay but I don't like getting cold so mostly I stay in the gym. Walking is good too. Hope you find something you enjoy.

    C. Abbott

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