Exercise

@Kylie73 Thanks for getting back to me. So sorry about the second diagnosis. I really hope you are doing well. I'm going to take the advice to take it slow. I am pleased that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take good care of yourself xx

Hi @CathrynH

Thanks for reaching out.  One year in and I'm back to full exercise.  I started back after about 6 weeks with gentle cardio and weights and slowly built up to getting back to normal.  I had a set back in August just as I was starting to feel fit again with a cervical cancer diagnosis, 2024 was not my year.  Then had to have chemo and radiation for that.  Right now I'm feeling pretty good, fingers crossed that's the last of it for me.  Give yourself some time and makes sure you do the gentle stretches you should have gotten from the hospital physio, i.e. laying on the ground and lifting your arm up slowly etc. be gentle, you will absolutely get back to the gym. xx

Here's a link that you may find beneficial 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/strengthen-your-recovery-pilates-program/

Good advice @arpie. I guess part of it for me is the need to feel normal again and not just my condition. I am certainly not doing anything like the load I'm used to but would be like to something so that my body feels like it's mine and not a laboratory experiment 😊

@CathrynH .... I hope you are going well in your recovery xx. 

Do you have access to a phsyio Exerciser (thru your medical team?)   Have you asked them?  Everyone heals at a different rate & it is very important not to 'push it'!  ;) 

How long ago was your surgery? It looks like your previous comments may be in a Private Group?

It is always best to 'make haste slowly' - as any setback from going back too early/too hard may take a lot longer to recover from! 

Take care & all the best 

@kylie73 I'm just wondering how it all went. I know it is a year ago but I'm in a similar situation and want to get back to the gym.

@Kylie73. I also had lumpectomy and some lymph glands removed. Besides walking and deep breathing the only thing allowed to do. 

6 weeks, wow that's a long time, I guess I just need to chill with it then and get walking.  Thank you so much everyone for the kind words and links.

Hi @Kylie73 I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis and can appreciate how you must miss your usual cardio regime and HIIT and all the wellbeing benefits those great activities can bring.
As the other ladies have said pausing all but gentle exercise or walking tends to be recommended so we have the best chance of post-surgery healing and recovery.
 I only had a lumpectomy (no lymph node removal) but because I also had pre-surgery chemotherapy, and side effects from that, I found an oncology rehabilitation physio program was really helpful.
After seeing the breast surgeon at 6 weeks and getting her clearance I was able to continue a workout that focused on using moderate weights, balancing and strength exercises in my legs and stamina. 

Exercise and lifting is usually out of bounds for 6 weeks to allow time for your wounds to heal and also to avoid an unnecessary build up of fluid in your breast that will give you grief in a couple of weeks! Maybe try a walking group at a community centre near you. Or you could try the treadmill at the gym if you’re missing that vibe - but no lifting or stretching arms! I’ve also seen a physio to help ensure I don’t lose strength and she’s given me exercises that I can do while I wait! Good luck!