Exercises after Lumpectomy to aid recovery

Hi Fr20 welcome to the forum and glad that at least the surgery is past for you. You should have been given a  booklet about the exercise to do before you left the hospital. Have they not given you anything?

Hi Granny59,

Thanks for the reply. I received nothing from the hospital hence reaching out on the forum. Were there any videos/exercises you found useful yourself?

Hi  and another warm welcome to the site. As GRANNY59 has said, most of us were given a leaflet re exercises. Mine was the one that you can find on the breast cancer now website (which is useful for other info too) and the leaflet is called ‘Exercises after breast cancer surgery’. You can download it from the site. The exercises are very gentle to start and are gradually built up over time. I assume it’s fine for your surgery but of course if in doubt check with your bc nurse. 
Like you I’m a great fan of walking - think it’s been my sanity saver! Love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

And the exercises help to regain arm movement on the affected side - particularly important if you’re having radiotherapy as the positioning involves having your arms above your head. I couldn’t imagine ever doing that again immediately after my lumpectomy but the exercises really helped! HFxx

Thanks HappyFeet,

Have downloaded that now and it looks very useful.

My treatment is in Ireland so a different system, and no exercise leaflet proffered before or after. I did find a few exercises today and did them and definitely noticed a reduction in swelling and pain.

Will get on those tomorrow :-)

Hi FR20

As well as the booklet, there’s a really good App you can download called BAPS - you can find in your usual App Store under The BAPS App Wales. Look for a pink logo with a gold medal on it. 

it gives you descriptions and videos of exercises which progress over 4 weeks after your operation. I found it really useful.  It’s also got a section on the Deep Inspiration Breath Hold if you’re having radiotherapy on your left side to protect your heart. You can practise building up to 20 seconds using the app.

Good luck with your recovery!

Hi Loffie

Was wondering what would show up if i put baps in... it looks very useful, diolch/thank you!

Hi

I think you have all the responses you need now but I was given the Breast Cancer Now leaflet following surgery on the 13th July and am still doing the exercises although more limited today.

It was great to follow the progress as the weeks went by and I got full movement back.

Still have an issue with potential lymphodemea in my hand but am waiting on a referral.

Walking is my other go to exercise and last night I returned to ballroom dancing albeit in a mask.

Good luck

x

Thanks for that, ,

The app that Loffie recommended is perfect and so easy to use. I am feeling way more movement in my arms and I'm only three days post surgery.

Ballroom dancing sounds like a lot of fun, and of course, full range of movement required!

Hi Fr20,

Glad you found some arm exercises,carrying on doing them as scars in some people can stay active for a very long time and it will prevent adhesion of the scar to the chest wall / armpit area if your op was near that.

  Exercise also increases survivalship.

   Yvie

Ps and helps bingo wings!