Forum Discussion

Rose1988's avatar
Rose1988
Member
1 year ago

Heavy lifting after surgery

Hi all Im 17 days post bilateral mastectomy and recon. I have a 3 yr old and a 1 year old. My husband is doing all the lifting etc but today I forgot myself and picked up my 3 year old. I instantly ...
coping
post surgery
young women
Mez_BCNA's avatar
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
1 year ago

Hi Rose1988​ Thankyou for creating the conversation and hope you are recovering well from your surgery. While we wait for others to share their tips and experience, we wanted to share BCNA resources that related to surgery recovery.

Here’s a summary of the key points from BCNA’s “Strengthen Your Recovery” Pilates Program for people recovering from breast cancer surgery:

🔗 View the full program on BCNA’s website

Program Overview

  • A gentle, progressive Pilates-based exercise program designed to support recovery after breast cancer surgery.
  • Created by Fiona Eakin, a breast cancer survivor and qualified Pilates instructor.
  • Structured in four sessions, aligned with different stages of healing (from immediately post-surgery to 10+ weeks after).

Important Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy lifting (over 0.5–1 kg) with the affected arm for 6–8 weeks.
  • Do not use weights until cleared by your treating team and you have full, pain-free shoulder movement.
  • Start with 250g weights, and only increase if advised by a health professional.
  • Always consult your care team before starting or progressing in the program.

Professional Guidance

  • The program is not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Seek input from your oncologist, surgeon, physiotherapist, or exercise physiologist.
  • Modify or pause exercises during radiotherapy or chemotherapy if needed.

 

Hope the above information is useful and please feel free to reach out to our Helpline 1800 500 258

  • SC's avatar
    SC
    Member
    5 months ago

    Hi Mez_BCNA​ 

    Would you mind clarifying for everyone please, whether the above 
    "Avoid heavy lifting (over 0.5–1 kg) with the affected arm for 6–8 weeks"
    advice is only for a case of single/bilateral mastectomy? Or for any breast surgery like single/bilateral lumpectomy? Specifically for lymph nodes clearance or also for sentinel lymph nodes biopsy? 

    0.5-1 kg limit for 6-8 weeks would also mean a different kind of preparation prior to surgery (although yes 'prepare just in case' might be wise).

    Thank you for your work.

    • Christina_BCNA's avatar
      Christina_BCNA
      Community Manager
      5 months ago

      Hi SC​

      Thankyou for your question - we would always encourage people to be guided by their own treating team in relation to an individualised  exercise program, as we know it certainly depends on each individual's surgery and their own medical history.

      The following info is available on the link shared "The information and exercise program provided on this page are general in nature. They are not prescriptive and are not intended to replace medical or clinical advice from the health professionals on your treatment and care team."

      Hope this helps! :)