Exercises- post-radiation

Heddy
Heddy Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just completed a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy (1 node) and 33 radiation treatments. I was told to exercise the arm (and I do lift weights) but not specific exercises. Does someone have suggestions?

Comments

  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #2
    Hi Heddy:

    I also had lumpectomy w/SLND, in 2001. My recovery experience was better than I'd imagined it may be.

    My axilla healed very well and about 2 weeks post surgery, the only tenderness remaining was in the axilla surgery site w/some soreness. At that time my surgeon gave the ok to begin Yoga/more intense stretching. (Prior to this time, I only did arm raising exercises 3 times/day...in a north, south, east and west fashion...only as far as I could reach without pain) I began doing the Yoga daily and within just a few more weeks the underarm area was no longer tender or stiff and I had full range of motion with no discomfort. I personally believe that the breathing exercises of Yoga (when done correctly) greatly enhance healing as the body is fully oxygenated after a session and the muscles of the diaphragm become more efficient, even when at rest, which fosters better oxygenation throughout the day.

    Yoga worked well for me, so you may want to look into it. I'd recommend sticking to the gentle stretching for the first few weeks and once you've healed you should be able to do whatever workout you prefer for a regular program. The main thing is that you not begin any program for your arm which is too vigorous and could potentially increase scar tissue as you continue to heal. I'd concnetrate on loosening and conditioning the arm first and later, focus more on strengthening type exercises.

    Hope that may be helpful to you. Good luck and continued good health.

    **Remember to check with your doctor prior to beginning ANY workout program as we all heal at different rates and may require longer or shorter recovery times before beginning any program and your doctor is the person to best advise you on that.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • jazzlady
    jazzlady Member Posts: 3
    #3
    Dear Heddy --

    There are a lot of exercises/stretches that can help you: ballet stretches, pilates/yoga, swim therapy (therapeutic water exercise), strength training with weights or physical therapy bands(I prefer the bands as the muscle gets worked evenly in both directions and I find I hurt myself less often with them), fitness ball exercises/stretches (the ball you see people sit on). Ask your dr if there are any that he thinks you are not ready for yet -- then if you want to know names of books and websites to get started, feel free to email me and I will be happy to send them to you.

    Good luck with your recovery!

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