Hi all. I was diagnosed with an invasive carcinoma in my right breast on 18th Jan and had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal last Monday. I go back for my results and get the dressing off tomorrow. I’m feeling really down and alone and wondering how long before I can start exercising properly again as this really helps my mental state. I love high intensity cardio and weight training.

Hi @Kylie73 Go for a gentle walk. It will do you wonders. Good luck with results. Xx

@Kylie73. I also had lumpectomy and some lymph glands removed. Besides walking and deep breathing the only thing allowed to do. once the stitches came out and i was cleared by the surgeon was the gentle arm exercise given to me on a sheet of paper it was walking up the wall with my fingers to reduce the risk of cording under the arm.

Hi @Kylie73 - sorry to see you join our exclusive little group - the one that no-one ever thought they'd join xx. Ring our helpline tomorrow on 1800 500 258 and have a chat with them - and if you continue to feel down, ask your GP to refer you to a psychologist to have a chat too. Also - listening to the Charlotte Tottman Podcasts may help you too - she is a BC Psychologist who was diagnosed 6 years ago & had a double mastectomy (choosing to remain 'flat'.) Click on the 'view all 22 tracks' and start with No 13 (which is the first one in Series 1 - then go onto Series 2 (the first 12) afterwards. She is very easy to listen to and she 'gets it' in a way that only someone who's been thru it, can. xxhttps://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte%20tottmanAt this point in time - it is VERY important not to do any major exercises that may hinder your healing. It is very easy to 'over do it' and cause a major setback - specially with weight training. Everyone is told to not even hang the washing out, as it is the stretching as much as anything that can cause problems .... 'routine things' like picking up your grand kids or pets can cause problems. Tomorrow, ask your surgeon about it (and I'd suggest that you record all your upcoming meetings on your phone, as it is very easy to 'miss' some bits as you ponder what had been said previously!) .... Also ask your breast care nurse (if you've been assigned one.) Make haste slowly xx. Another couple of weeks won't affect your base fitness at all - matter of fact, it will actually give you time to replenish all the glycogen in the muscles!! All the best for your results xxJump onto this thread & read up on other areas in the forum that you may like to participate in. We even have some funny threads, some art & craft ones, showing off your garden or pets ..... and there are also tick sheets down the bottom where you can self assess your own physical & emotional levels too - take them with you to your appointments!https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latestTake care, rest up whilst you can xx

Walks first, it's a slow build up at this stage. Nothing like a walk in the fresh air or in nature somewhere. Talk to your dr about exercise.

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!

Exercise | Online Network

iserbrown
Member
2 months ago
Here's a link that you may find beneficial

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/strengthen-your-recovery-pilates-program/
Kylie73
Member
2 months ago
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
CathrynH
Member
2 months ago
@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

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