Lumpectomy surgery went well. Suggestions for exercises?

[meadowseed]

Hi all,

Wow, the anticipation was way worse than the surgery. I had the lumpectomy yesterday and the surgeon said that she didn't see any surprises, which is great news so far. Pathology reports come next week, and I am hoping for clean margins and a non-affected lymph node. Right now, I'm sore. I'm supposed to start the exercises. How did you do with the exercises - any suggestions?

Thanks for the support here. A month into this journey and I come to this site for solace!

Jamie

[lucydina42]

I'm SO happy that it went well and was easier than you expected. I hope that your margins and lymph node is clear.

~Arlene

[meadowseed in reply to lucydina42]

Thanks Arlene. Let’s hope so. I’m struggling with loneliness and not being able to get around independently (usually I bike). So I guess I’m mentally still struggling!

[Knapweed]

Glad it went well - yea the simple exercises from the hospital physio- good idea to start. Gentle stretching of the area and shoulder. I remember remarking that the period between surgery and starting radiotherapy I was at 'optimum' - if you heal well you will soon feel great again and gather strength for next stage.

[Redalert123]

Did you get a leaflet with exercises on? I was advised to do them 3 times a day. I am glad it was not as bad as you expected. 👍🏻

[meadowseed in reply to Redalert123]

I did get exercises but I’m curious what others got. Mine was shoulder rolls and arm raising. Seems really easy. I had a smallish incision though.

I’m really emotional today. I guess bc the sedation finally wore off.

[Redalert123 in reply to meadowseed]

The leaflet I posted the link for show progression- first week, then add in the next level exercises.👍🏻

[Redalert123]

breastcancernow.org/informa...

I was given this one

[Mary115]

I did not receive any information about exercises .

Would have helped.. Thanks for the link...

Will pass it along.

[quilting66]

Glad the surgery went well. Make sure you wear the pressure bra provided. It should help prevent any buildup of fluid (unless you have a drain?). I had some fluid in my armpit and it was quite uncomfortable. It formed a few days or a week after surgery. If that happens to you tell the team and they'll drain it. It felt like it was pressing on a nerve. Start slow with the exercises. Good luck!

[meadowseed]

Yes it’s much more comfortable to wear a bra!

[RLN-overcomer in reply to meadowseed]

Sister/warrior(s) I was never told , or given exercises to do from any of my doctors . Another sister/warrior showed me, the walking the wall with you fingers exercise. At the time it was painful, but I eventually got so much mobility back . That arm still has better mobility/flexibility than my arm on the non affected side . Sorry for the late response. I was trying to catch up on e-mails . I hope pray you will feel better day by day, sooner than later . Amen!

[AngeloFay]

Do your exercises. They really do help from getting scared down. When I had mine, my doctor had me do finger walks up the wall with my arm. Take it easy at first and don’t over do it. I am a nurse and had a right lumpectomy and SLN bx a little over 2 1/2 years ago. Prayers for good lab results. You and God have got this. Have a great day.

[Mabrock]

So happy the surgery went well. I’ve had three lumpectomies and found all easier then the initial biopsy, but all seems to depend on where the incision is located. I was never given exercises, but only had one lymph node removed (negative for cancer). Best of luck to you. It is such a personal journey and different for each person.

[KindArtist in reply to Mabrock]

Hi Mabrock. I’m about to have my first lumpectomy in 4 days. Your post got me curious because I’ve heard many different things about recovery time to use my arm - mine will be an 2” incision at 12 oclock an inch above my nipple. They are taking one lymph node. I forgot to ask how deep, but will. Did one of yours happen to be located close to where mine is, and what do you think about this location compared to your others? I’m feeling anxious, but also can’t wait to get surgery over with!

[Mabrock in reply to KindArtist]

I totally understand your anxiousness. My incision was in the same general area you’re expecting - all lumpectomies were done through the same incision. My recovery time wasn’t bad. Some soreness and swelling, but a good fitting bra is helpful. I didn’t have any problems where the lymph node was removed. I had also heard of people having issues with their arm and use, but I didn’t. Also, I didn’t have any drains which had made me nervous. At the time of my first surgery, I was working and only took a couple days off. My job didn’t include any lifting so that may be why I returned so quickly Working was my way of taking my mind off the issue. In many ways, the lumpectomy was easier than the initial biopsies.

Best of luck - it sounds like you’re asking good questions. Positive Thoughts will be sent to you.💕

[KindArtist in reply to Mabrock]

Thank you!

[Sheba68]

Glad to hear that surgery went so well. I am also looking to find exercises as I'm currently going through radiation. Wishing you good news on the pathology report!