Prepations for mastectomy + lymph clearance + DIEP + potentially removing port surgery
For the short read: What exercises for PRE-surgery and items to have onhand for POST-surgery do you recommend? I have about 2 months time, am 45 and generally fit except for limited mobility in one arm due to a pesky port that won't ever heal properly (see deep read below if interested). For the deep read: So I hear this is a 10 hr surgery with my arms up over my shoulders and people leaning over them. Obviously lots of incisions and wound care to follow as well as time appropriate physio and exercises. I'm still 2 months out from surgery and would like to be as prepared as possible since I've previously suffered shoulder bursitis and subsequent frozen shoulder on both sides (at different times fortunately!) that lasted many many months (less the 2nd time as I could feel it coming on and do exercises). Any pre-surgery exercises to recommend? I also have had problems with scar healing. My port insertion was the first time I've ever been cut and stitched up. I had it first become dehiscent, then redone 6 weeks later, then lots of spitting sutures. After another 8 weeks the skin was irritated from taping so stopped that. But in this last week, the scar has widen without taping and is now 2cm wide! Have now started back on with stratamed and taping but using a gauze over the wound because it now got a bit of exudate. Yes, nurses and doctors monitor it, I have suitable antibiotics on hand, but since they saw how bad it got last week I've been told to be extra vigilant and go straight to ED with a low tolerance of anymore funny business or temperature of course. So stretching back on the port side is currently difficult. I understand I'll be a fairly sedentary for the first while. For items after surgery I found such things - any comments? Any brands or items you tried that were no good? Mastectomy ice pack strap thingy https://ebay.io/m/lgO8Mh Wedge pillows https://ebay.io/m/l4HXiR Different ones https://ebay.io/m/YhKxGI https://onelink.shein.com/58/65zvq6nbsrcr Will I need a girdle? Where to get, what to look for? Skins brand compression items were mentioned elsewhere in forums. Any relevant for my case? A bit of chest compression with this chest binder? I'll be a 10A-B with DIEP flap https://onelink.shein.com/58/65zwsvn5cwfj Or this just looks like a tight tank top https://ebay.io/m/DeByYA Best wound healing products? I've got stratamed (didn't use from beginning or consistently. Just started again now). Tips for use other than what on the package? Any tips for avoiding spitting sutures? Yuck and annoying! 😭 Many many thanks for all you lot helping each other out ❣️10ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments🏃♀️🏃♂️ Join the Can Walk Can Run Program – Melbourne & Sydney
Members of our network are invited to take part in a University of Melbourne research study exploring the Can Walk Can Run program - a codesigned, community‑based walking and running initiative for people affected by cancer. This program offers inclusive, fun, non‑judgmental group walking and running sessions. People living with and beyond cancer - along with their friends and family - are welcome to join as many sessions as they like - including those that have already started! 📍Heffron Park, Maroubra (Sydney) – from 4 March 📍Studley Park, Kew (Melbourne) – from 16 March 📍Princes Park, Carlton (Melbourne) – from 6 April To learn more or register, please visit: www.canwalkcanrunprogram.com Who can join? You’re eligible if you: ✔ are over 18 ✔ have a lived experience of cancer ✔ can walk independently (Current trials are available only in Sydney and Melbourne.) If you’re unsure whether the program is suitable for you, the lead researcher, Chris Swain, is happy to discuss: [email protected] Sessions include: • Welcome and introduction • Group warm‑up with simple strength exercises • Walking and/or running activities tailored to your ability A six‑week walking, jogging, or running plan is also available for those unable to attend in person. For questions about participation, you can also contact BCNA’s Consumer Engagement team at [email protected].55ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Exercise after mastectomy
Hi all, I am almost 7 months after SMX. I have been diligent with rehab exercises, and I approached exercise very gently. After 6 months I was able to return to the rock-climbing level I was once (21 grade at the gym). and I can also run for 5 km (although not at a previous pace), and lift weights. with perseverance and discipline, we can get back to our routines. I do have another surgery coming up (tissue expander expand), as I decided not to have an implant. So I will likely start from 0 again, and again baby steps...but I least I know that the rehab journey works. Good vibes to everyone!160ViewsSign in to react to this post2Comments
ENCORE - Hunter Region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. Just a quick one to let you know we're still going strong in the Hunter region, NSW! ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the pool sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at our Encore programs! We're now taking enrolments for two upcoming programs, and we'd love for you to join us. VALENTINE: Tuesdays | 3 February–24 March 2026 | 11:00am–1:15pm MAITLAND: Thursdays | 5 February–26 March 2026 | 1:45pm–4:00pm Please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected] / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and enrolments here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore Thanks Nat, Caz, Cindy, Jodie & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 [email protected] www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore43ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsENCORE - Hunter region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the hydrotherapy sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at Encore programs! Unfortunately ENCORE is no longer running nationally.... however YWCA Hunter has successfully secured funding to reboot ENCORE in the Hunter region. * SINGLETON - We're taking enrolments now! If you live in Singleton or surrounding areas we'd love for you to join us. 29 April-17 June 12:30-2:30PM Singleton Gym and Swim * NEWCASTLE - venue/dates will be released in the near future-most likely to be held in Oct/Nov. Please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected] / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and registration info can be found here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore ; Thanks Nat, Caz & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 [email protected] www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore ;64ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Come & try dragon boating for breast cancer survivors in Melbourne!
Do you live in the greater-Melbourne area? Come and try dragon boating for free for breast cancer survivors! Experience the wonderful benefits of outdoor exercise and support from fellow breast cancer survivors in beautiful Victoria Harbour, Docklands! You can come as many times as you like for 1 month for free! We can't wait to meet you! Dragons Abreast Melbourne Pink Phoenix is a Group Member of the wonderful Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Sign-up for your free 1 month Dragon Pass here: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/pinkphoenix/registration55ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
Exercise and Cancer
unsure if this has been posted before but here is a link for a doco on catalyst on the ABC. Before I started teaching, I was an exercise physiologist. This study is very very interesting and promising. I know it is hard for people to exercise throughout chemo but here is a doco on the benefits. As I know about the benefits of exercise and cancer from previous study I have continued to exercise: walking 3 times a week, yoga once or twice as well as started back doing gym work. I feel it has helped with my side effects. And received an amazing compliment from a doctor the other day that has never met me before (I don't know whether to say it or not as well I don't want to jinx myself haha). here it is: Watching Catalyst Series 17 Ep 14 Exercise And Cancer in iview http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/catalyst/SC1502H014S00884ViewsSign in to react to this post16Comments
Advocating for Exercise in Breast Cancer Groups
i just wanted to raise some awareness on an issue that has been bugging me and say something here. i have stopped participating in cancer groups because even though groups like this called "get active and keep well", the general fear and disapproval from other members is if someone starts exercising "more" than the generally accepted idea of what exercise is. anything more than that idea is frowned upon, and people have made me feel so angry and sad for sharing something that i am proud of and something that empowers me. with this group and other ones for breast cancer, after i share information about doing some exercise and training after my surgery and after chemo, i have had comments that really shot me down and basically either flat out said that i need "a reality check", or alluding to the fact that the best thing that i can do right now is rest, NOT exercise, and some had attacked me saying that i am putting myself up to put her down (!!). some saying "i wouldnt do that if i were you". well guess what... they are not me. and i am not them. most of these types of comments i have found came from people who have not had the same powerlifting training as me. or from people who did not have an athletic or regular exercise routine at all prior to diagnosis. and these comments have not only hurt me, but made me feel angry and frustrated with the very little emotional energy i already do not have. what i decide to do with my cancer experience is safe FOR ME. for example, women, let alone cancer survivors are fearful of anything to do with strength training. i will not go into the reasons for this and i will not go into the enormous benefits for strength training for women. but i'll give you an example. yesterday i went to the gym and felt great for it. amongst other things, i did 50kgs deadlift. now, if my best deadlift prior to diagnosis was 3 reps, 3 sets of 80kg deadlift prior to diagnosis, and i lifted 50kgs (3x2) nearly 2 months since recovering well from surgery with full range of motion, and 11 days after chemo, and assessing myself as i go, feeling fine and not really even puffed out, and not even sore the next 2 days, to me that means that it is safe for ME to do this. if i felt not ok before, during or after doing a 50kg deadlift 10 days after chemo i would stop. why would i stop doing something that is manageable? for me manageable means something different than the next person who has had recovered from breast cancer surgery and 11 days out of the first chemo session. i trained nearly for around 9 months prior to diagnosis. 50kg deadlift would be a different story to a competitive powerlifter who can lift triple digits in kgs, and would be different again to someone who only did walking as exercise prior to diagnosis. why are other people not to be trusted to their own intuitions and experience in something they already know? do we need to tell someone how to live their life? not usually. so why tell someone how to go through their cancer journey? i have my surgeon and oncologist's approval and support for powerlifting before, during and after chemo, and i have the utter wonderful and strong support from the fitness community groups. why must i be told like an idiot that i am doing the wrong thing for my body? why tell me that i am not doing what i should be doing? with all the new realisations in the medical field that building stamina, strength and muscle can help to improve the lives of people with cancer even during treatment, and that these increases in fitness and muscle can trigger lots of previously unknown properties for the body to heal itself, generate more energy and stamina to better handle treatment, why is that exercise and strength training is so frowned upon by the standards of 30 years ago? maybe we do not have that much information on the subject but at least what we do know 100% for sure is that even if you don't have cancer, and you did no exercise, and no resistance training, that your body will function very very differently than someone who does regular cardiovascular as well as strength training. you add muscle bone and energy killing chemotherapy on top of someone who doesn't exercise for months at a time, and you get far greater levels fatigue, far greater loss of strength and more difficulty regaining strength after treatment (and guess what helps combat loss of bone density, muscle mass and loss of energy? -strength training). i know that before my diagnosis if i do not exercise for 2 weeks i loose strength and stamina, i feel more fatigued and my lupus will take over and i will be more prone to simply staying in bed. why do people like myself, other fitness pursuing women and athletes who had been diagnosed with breast cancer have to feel like we cannot be supported in a group like this and other groups that advocates exercise? i want to feel like people respect my decisions to do what i need and what i want with my life, especially because i feel ok and great after what i do in terms of exercise. and i want to say to other women here who do exercise/athletic pursues, PLEASE share what you do for exercise! because the community needs to know that if someone knows their body, got doctors approval, and does exercise that makes them feel great not just physically, but mentally and that empowers them, that they should be celebrated! that they should be allowed to say and share and be proud of what they did especially whist going through cancer! you need to share your experience until it is normalised in our society. i have been made to feel so angry and ashamed because i went back to the gym when i felt ok to, during MY cancer experience, and i do not want that for anyone else. i am excited to share this with you as a last note in a couple of links. thanks for those who read and are willing to understand. https://soundcloud.com/abcnsw/resistance-training-benefits-breast-cancer-survivors http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4459555.htm <-- ABC catalyst documentary (chemo and exercise) http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0067579 <-- the exercise cancer killer cells research https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julie_Gehl/publication/294870149_Voluntary_Running_Suppresses_Tumor_Growth_through_Epinephrine-_and_IL-6-Dependent_NK_Cell_Mobilization_and_Redistribution/links/56e954d408aecf036b315403.pdf <-- how killer cells work on tumors 2016 research564ViewsSign in to react to this post16CommentsYWCA Encore - Hunter region
Hi there, We're running the Encore program again next month at Valentine & Waratah. We still have spots available, we'd love for you to join us. Now is the time to enrol! YWCA Encore is a FREE 8 week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer, or currently experiencing breast cancer, to improve and retain mobility and flexibility in the upper limbs, confidence and general wellbeing. Contact us: [email protected] / 02 4929 2954 / 0421880321. More info and enrolment forms are available here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore ; Thanks Natalie, YWCA Hunter Region Inc.88ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments
On Our Walks
A while back there was a lovely thread of sunrises that the early risers among us posted. I loved it, so I thought I'd broaden it to a thread for all the lovely sights we see as we do our slow staggers through chemo, or those walks we take after active treatment has finished and we're trying to get our strength and fitness back. In Melbourne today the weather was sunny, still and mild; perfect for a walk. I have followed my GP to a small town in the Yarra Valley (a good GP is worth the 30 minute drive I reckon), and right outside her surgery is the start of a beautifully laid out walking track. It's 7kms long and I've been keen to explore it. So today I walked halfway along it and back. At over 7kms it was the longest walk I've done since the day before chemo!26KViewsSign in to react to this post663Comments
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