The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 207,000 women and 2,000 men will develop breast cancer in 2010. Some of these people will require a mastectomy, surgery removing the breast and possibly some lymph nodes, as part of their treatment regimen. As with most surgeries, your exercise routine will be restricted after a mastectomy to allow your body time to heal.
Impact of Mastectomy
Post-mastectomy, most people experience side effects that restrict their ability to exercise. Your chest area, shoulder and back will probably be stiff and sore. You might feel off-balance if you have one breast removed, and your back and neck might become tense as they adjust to accommodate the change in how your weight is distributed. Your arm and fingers might tingle if nerves are cut during surgery, and you may experience swelling in the arm, hand and body trunk because of lymphedema if some of your lymph nodes are removed.
Lymphedema
People who experience or are at risk of developing lymphedema should restrict the intensity of their exercise regimen to prevent aggravation or onset of swelling in the arm, hand and body trunk. Specifically, the National Cancer Institute recommends that upper body exercises start at low intensities and slowly increase in duration and resistance. Report any swelling or aching in the area affected by the mastectomy to your doctor for evaluation.
Post-Mastectomy
Exercise after surgery helps ease sore, stiff muscles and can reduce pain and swelling. The American Cancer Society recommends that you do not exercise until the third day after surgery and exercise gently until the end of the first week. During this time, use the arm affected by surgery for activities such as brushing your teeth, eating and getting dressed.
At least six times daily, stretch your chest and back muscles by lying on your back and taking four or five deep breaths using your diaphragm. Reduce swelling in your arm and hand by lying on your back and raising your arm above your heart, using pillows, for 45 minutes several times each day. Open and close your fist up to 25 times, and slowly bend and extend your elbow several times.
Recovery Exercise Restrictions
Ongoing exercise restrictions will depend on your recovery period and whether you receive chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Physicians writing for the nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org recommend avoiding strength building upper body exercises if you have a port-a-cath for chemotherapy. Limit your upper body exercises to stretching until the port-a-cath is removed and the wound has healed. Also, consider restricting the time you spend in a public gym if your immune system is compromised by chemotherapy or radiation, or use disinfectant wipes to clean gym equipment before using it.
Warning
Always consult with your doctor before exercising after a mastectomy. You might have internal or external stitches or drains that require restricted movement until your body heals, and your doctor might order specific exercises to help reduce lymphedema.
