A lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a tumor in the breast. During the procedure, your doctor will also remove a portion of the normal breast tissue surrounding the tumor to help ensure that all abnormal cells are removed. The lumpectomy is not only used to treat early stages of breast cancer, but also as a diagnostic tool for determining whether cancer is present. To ensure your health and safety, consult your physician before returning to exercise after a lumpectomy.
Recovery
Although a lumpectomy surgery often takes less than one hour, you might still feel quite fatigued after the procedure. Additionally, the anesthesia used during the surgery can affect your thought processes for up to 48 hours after the procedure. Allow yourself plenty of time to rest and recover for a few days after the surgery. Avoid lifting heavy weights or overexerting the arm on your affected side.
Exercise
Before you leave the hospital, ask your doctor how soon you can return to exercise. Although you should follow his specific directions, most physicians recommend that you avoid exercising until after your follow-up appointment. Since this appointment is generally seven to 14 days after the surgery, there is a chance you will be allowed to walk on a treadmill two weeks after the lumpectomy. However, be sure to get your doctor's approval first and wear a supportive sports bra to minimize breast movement and prevent pain or discomfort.
Considerations
Although traditional types of exercise might not be immediately recommended, your physician will likely suggest a series of simple arm exercises soon after the surgery. These exercises help to prevent arm and shoulder stiffness on your affected side. Although you should follow the specific guidelines given by your physician, these arm exercises typically start the day after the lumpectomy. The Ohio State University Medical Center recommends a series of seven arm exercises that use your own body weight and 1-pound weights to gently stretch the shoulders and increase range of motion. You will be given specific instructions on how to perform the appropriate exercises.
Dangerous Symptoms
Following surgery, you want to watch for unusual symptoms that could indicate a problem with your recovery process. If the surgical incision becomes infected, you might notice swelling, redness and warmth around the area. The incision might also be leaking a yellow or green foul-smelling drainage. Additional signs of infection include fever, chills, unusual fatigue and persistent nausea. Along with these symptoms, consult your physician if you experience bleeding from the incision, excessive pain, swelling or numbness in the arm or hand, shortness of breath or chest pains.
References
- BreastCancer.org: What is Lumpectomy?
- BreastCancer.org: Lumpectomy: What to Expect
- Mayo Clinic; Lumpectomy; October 2009
- American Cancer Society: Exercises After Breast Surgery
- University Surgical Associates: Post-Operative Instructions Following Breast Lumpectomy With/Without Axillary Dissection
- Aurora Health Care: Lumpectomy
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