Exercises

Claudia79
Claudia79 Member Posts: 23
Dear Ladies
im wondering ... it has been already a year since my double mastectomy n reconstruction with implants ... n I will love to start boxing or lifting small weights ..... is it too much? 
I don’t want to believe that since the reconstruction I can’t do much... or since I got diagnosed everything had to change. There is like a blank space in my mind for those 2 long years that I fought n now I wanna feel like before.:: too radical?
Any advice would b appreciate it
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Comments

  • lrb_03
    lrb_03 Member Posts: 1,267
    Hi @Claudia79, often the best way is to start gently and work your way back. An exercise physiologist could give you some guidance. Hope it all goes well for you  :)
  • kmakm
    kmakm Member Posts: 7,974
    If you're anywhere other than Victoria you could start with the Encore program at the YWCA. It seems to have a good reputation here.

    www.ywcaencore.org.au
  • primek
    primek Member Posts: 5,392
    It's absolutely not too much or too soon. My physio just said to wait 10 weeks. I was scared about doing body weight exercises etc etc but my breast surgeon said all is okay and to go for it. So I have. I do some aquafit classes which works upper body also...good starting point. I do machine weights, kettle bells and dumbells... and I'm working on body  weight exercises. I still really struggle holding my own weight (being really fat did not help) however as I've got smaller I can at least hold my weight for a plank. So start off light and increase as you feel ready. If you do it regularly you'll improve quickly. 

    I don't do boxing as it plays hell with my neck (even in water) but no reason why you can't. It will feel weird at first but you'll adjust. If sore the next day across the chest...don't freak out...its just using that chest muscle again . ..a quick massage will help.
  • Romla
    Romla Member Posts: 2,092
    I’d like to also recommend Encore the YWCA ‘s free 8 week hydrotherapy course - 2 hours per week .It includes weekly talks on matters of interest eg Otis foundation , reconstruction , prostheses as well as an hour of pool exercises focussing on lymphoedema.The program is extensive in NSW as I think it has state govt support but non existent in Victoria with the other states having smaller programs.It’s a great way to meet up with others too.
  • Sister
    Sister Member Posts: 4,960
    I would second seeing an exercise physiologist or specialised physiotherapist as a starting point so that you build up gradually.
  • Patti J
    Patti J Member, Dragonfly Posts: 589
    After doing the Encore programme, just after my breast reconstruction, I  started aquarobics classes, two times per week. I have now been doing these classes for 13  years. I have walked and run in the "City to Surf" numerous times. Up until the beginning of this year, even though I was having IV chemo for metastatic breast cancer, I  was doing self defence classes, once per week.I  had to stop these because they are high impact, and I  was worried about bruising.  I am now doing yoga at least three times per week. Plus I walk at least four times per week. I also garden. Don't let anything stop you from exercising. It is the best anti-depressant ever.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
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  • Claudia79
    Claudia79 Member Posts: 23
    Dear Ladies... u r inspiration for me. Not just ur advice but ur strength n determination in not let this beast to beat us. Love u even though I don’t know u personally
  • kmakm
    kmakm Member Posts: 7,974
    Where do you do that programme @Joannie?
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,540
    @Claudia79

    not sure what State you are from so here is a link with some ideas of where there are some structured programs for exercise

    https://www.bcna.org.au/health-wellbeing/physical-wellbeing/exercise-and-staying-fit/exercise-programs/

    Also in my kit from the breast care nurse was a DVD from BCNA called "Strengthen Your Recovery" a pilates programe following breast cancer surgery - it is mentioned in this link here 
    https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/staying-mobile-after-surgery/

    Take care
  • kmakm
    kmakm Member Posts: 7,974
    edited April 2018
    So this morning I finished filling out the long and minutely detailed pre-admission form for the hospital and popped it in the envelope.

    Then I paid the anaesthetist and read the info she sent me. Amongst the advice was 30 minutes plus of moderate intensity exercise per day in the lead up to the operation would aid recovery.

    Righto I thought, I'll take the dogs and myself for a walk, and post the form in a letterbox while I'm out.

    I walked down the street, through the park, and on a rough bit of ground rolled my ankle and promptly fell over, grazing and cutting my arm & leg on the gravel. I lay on the ground, not a soul in sight, writhing in that particular rolled ankle agony, tangled in dogs and leads. FFS the last time I did this was eight years ago!

    Amongst the many questions on the form were 'have you had any falls in the last six months' and 'do you have any broken skin or wounds'. I had happily ticked no...

    You just wouldn't credit it eh?! I feel like I can't take a bloody trick at the moment. Exercise can be dangerous! Garrggh!!  :#
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited April 2018
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  • kmakm
    kmakm Member Posts: 7,974
    @Joannie Thank you. Feeling like an old lady right now...
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  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,540
    See the best of intentions and look what you do - a over t!   Lol