Hi @au0rei, it is still early days for you and I do remember lots of tightness and zapping in those first six months or so. I am now 5yrs on from diagnosis and although there is still some numbness in patches, I very rarely get nerve pain or tingling - just some tightness and swelling due to lymphodema.
I would agree with the other ladies and find a good physiotherapist that works with post-surgery / cancer / lymphodema patients, they are an invaluable resource. I'd also suggest going along to one of the Encore program classes run by the YWCA, if they are in your area. It's a free 8 week exercise (land & pool) program specifically designed for post breast cancer ladies. It's a fabulous program and you can attend as long as you are 8 weeks post surgery so the ones I've attended included ladies still going through chemo or radiotherapy as well as some who were months or even years on from treatment. Here's a link for more info:
http://www.ywcaencore.org.au/ Other exercise programs such as Revitalise (Fernwood program partnered with BCNA) might also be a good option for you:
see link hereFinally, the other thing I wanted to mention is that if, down the track, you find that you do want reconstruction, there is still the possibility of having it. Many of us, including me, have had delayed reconstruction. In my case it was 2 years on from my mastectomy and I had a DIEP (tummy tissue reconstruction due to having radiation). However, lots of other ladies are very happy to continue to wear a prosthesis, or not bother with anything at all, it is entirely your own personal choice but it is always good to know that there are options available. Best wishes, Jane xx
