Mastectomy, the surgical removal of a breast, is performed to treat or prevent breast cancer in certain cases. You may begin some low-impact exercises soon after surgery, but you may have to wait two weeks or longer to resume a regular exercise routine. Talk to your doctor about exercise guidelines as you recover from a mastectomy.
Mastectomy
Mastectomy involves the removal of your entire breast or breasts. Radical mastectomy also involves the removal of lymph nodes or chest muscles. Mastectomy is typically done under general anesthesia and you are generally required to stay in the hospital for one to two days. You will have stitches, and one or more tubes may be placed to your breast to drain fluids that collect during recovery. These drains stay in place for one to two weeks.
First-Week Exercises
Avoid strenuous activities -- such as weight lifting, running, bicycling, cross-fit, swimming, housework and lifting heavy objects -- immediately after a mastectomy. However, you may walk right away. Get up from the bed and walk as often as you can while you are still at the hospital. Once you go home, continue walking around your home or outdoors as long as you feel strong enough to do so. Increase your walking intensity and duration when you feel stronger. Your doctor may recommend that you start light arm and shoulder movements a few days after the surgery. Lie down and lift your arm above your heart. Do light exercises such as opening and closing your hand 15 to 25 times and bending and straightening your elbow while lying down.
Exercise Guidelines
You must wait until stitches and tubes are removed before continuing with your regular exercise activities, such as jogging, bicycling, dancing and weight lifting. You may need to wait longer to continue exercises that require full arm and shoulder strength and motion, such as rock climbing, swimming, tennis and certain weight lifting exercises. Once your wound has healed and you can reach your arms overhead, behind your back and to the back of your head, you may begin using light weights, according to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania. The American Cancer Society recommends that you add certain exercises to improve the movement and flexibility in your shoulder and arm. Do exercises such as elbow wings, wand exercises, shoulder blade squeezes and stretches, and side bends twice a day until you have fully recovered.
Considerations
Resume exercises you did before mastectomy and do not start a new activity right away. Starting strenuous exercises too soon after surgery may lead to complications. Once you are ready and have gotten the permission from your doctor to start exercising, start slowly and gradually increase your exercise intensity and duration. Listen to your body and stop exercising if you feel any discomfort or pain or feel weak and nauseated. Immediately call your health-care provider if you notice any swelling, heaviness or redness in your arm, breast area or trunk.
