Exercising after breast cancer DCIS surgery

Hi I had surgery in October for stage 2 and lymph nodes removed had Radiotherapy in January. I have only just gone back to Aqua and pilates but taking it slowly. I'm exhausted the next few days so be careful okay. I was given a cream to rub on breast due to chlorine. I had to get go ahead from oncologist. So basically I waited 5 months for wound and skin to heal, it's still ongoing. Hope this helps take care x

Hi, like you I had surgery November removing 50mm and sentinel node.  Further 10mm removed in December and radiotherapy for two weeks ending 17th February.  I am having physio at the minute as having spasms in my upper back.  My breast and under  my arm are still very tender.  I have two scars and about an inch beside them feels firm.  I am also still very fatigued and just not myself.   Is this normal?

This seems line a carbon copy of me but am still recovering after radiotherapy as left breadt side and arm are still swollen , been told it could take another 3 months for swelling to come down am so tired all the time- They call it Cancer related Fatigue .. feeling depressed x

Hi Cupcake, when you say another 3 months, how many is it this far for you?  I am on an emotional rollercoaster.  Once surgery and radiotherapy stopped all the support seemed to stop and everything has started to hit me. 

Hi its been 6 weeks since I finished my Radiotherapy 

I understand it is an emotional rollercoaster. ring the Macmillan help line .. lots of support and lots of help on this group your not alone

 big hugs x

I’m just one week ahead of you 7 weeks.  Good to know I’m not alone.  I seem to hit a bit if a wall after lunch and fit for nothing.  Thank you 

Hi, information about exercise is really poor - despite it being a great help in feeling better in yourself, and in reducing the chance of recurrence. I did find a book specifically about exercise after breast cancer, but it was mostly more shoulder exercises. Walking seems to be the exercise that is recommended the most but it can get a bit boring. I returned to previous exercise regimes, including swimming, about 8 weeks after surgery - but at a much lower intensity, and have built up very gradually since. Can comfortably run 5k again, and just been swimming. Nearly seven months since surgery.  Did you have surgery on lymph nodes, not heard that about lymphatic system healing before. 

Its normal so everyone keeps saying

one day at a time xx

Hi agree ..very little info on when and how to exercise but I saw an onco physio this week via local cancer charity working with my hospital. I loved mini trampoline and wanted to get back to that but second surgery 19th Jan and Radiotherapy in March which starts all the internal healing again. Her advice was to build up gradually ( I  feel I can do something then do too much then wiped out day after). Lots of healing inside and body using that energy to heal and takes time.