Rock climbing, strength training and running after lumpectomy

Hipaulina_gtzr​ fantastic to have passed that surgical milestone - woot! 

 I had a straightforward lumpectomy, no complications after surgery and no nodes removed. I  checked up on exercise with my surgeon - she was happy for me to continue lower body exercise and walking as long as I avoided arms and upper body for at least 4 weeks so the wound could heal.

I am not sure what other treatments beyond radiation you’re likely to have that might need to be considered? In my case I still had another 6 months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy to complete after the lumpectomy and radiation, I was exercising under an oncology physio rehabilitation program (highly recommended!), so for the four weeks immediately after my lumpectomy I continued my lower body exercise (stationary bike, balance, steps, foot press weights and squats) under that program. I had a moment of blood pressure plummeting during that 4 weeks, so it was an assurance knowing I wasn’t exercising alone. 

6 months after my lumpectomy, when I completed my final chemotherapy infusion, I started additional exercise like yoga and lap swimming. I noticed soreness and aching under my armpit and through the breast, especially in some of the weight bearing and reaching yoga poses. A physiotherapist specialising in breast cancer identified mild “cording” and scarring. Happily it was resolved by a couple of laser therapy treatments and a course of focused flexing and stretching exercises. 

I really appreciated how structured exercise helped me but I realise how variable everyone’s overall treatment regimes can be and how underlying health, age and other medical conditions can make a difference. In my case I think the side effects from treatment drugs were more impactful on me compared to the lumpectomy. Anyway I hope that gives you an insight into one example and for peace of mind it would helpful to run your thinking by your surgeon or oncologist.