I used to run, swim, cycle and weight train before diagnosis with breast cancer. Still very early days as only 2 weeks since surgery (and more surgery in 2 weeks) but I would love to find some sort of exercise programme, in addition to walking, to keep my muscle tone (particularly around my tummy) and to distract me! I am looking for any details of exercises that are safe to do and when they can be started. I have read the exercise information online, but it is mostly about walking. When is it safe to do core strength training for example and are there any programmes to follow. (I have done the arm/shoulder exercises post surgery, and these have gone well.)
I had surgery in March (wide area excision and sentinel node biopsy). I went back to running and weight training within 2 weeks of surgery, using two sports bras for running and keeping upper body weights low. I went back to swimming and water based aqua aerobics a week or so later once I was sure the wound was not at risk of infection.
I subsequently had adjuvant chemo. I requested a portacath rather than a PICC line so I could keep these things up, although I am finding running increasingly impossible as the chemo side effects build (3.5 months in).
I’d really recommend reading How to get your Oomph back by Carolyn Garritt which has loads of info on exercising during and after a cancer diagnosis. She also runs lots of online strength based classes which I think are starting up again in September. Have a look at her page https://linktr.ee/carolyngarritt
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