Hot unbearable

[Debkelly]

I know this is strange, ever since I have had flap reconstruction surgery I have get out of breath very easy and also can’t eat much at a time. Has anyone experienced this?

[Knapweed]

I don't know how old you are but I was 62 when I had my op - it tool me over a year to recover 3/4 of who I was before (i had literally just finished a week's long hike and was pretty fit and well before diagnosis). That included radiotherapy (not chemo) and then AIs but I can remember not being able to walk up the short hill to my house etc - the body doesn't take kindly to all the things we do to save it but in the long run keep hope xxx

[Debkelly in reply to Knapweed]

You right!

[beachlake]

Your post made me pause. I had a mastectomy September 2020 and the DIEP flap 4 weeks later. I am finding that is slow to get back in shape using an elliptical and walking (started in December). I find that I have been out of breath going up stairs, however, I attributed it to being out of shape. I had heard that it takes a while to fully due to the surgeries, being hospitalized, and being inactive while recovering. I am 56. Did you ever have radiation? My first occurrence was treated with lumpectomy and radiation. No matter what, I think that you should definitely speak to your plastic surgeon, as well as your regular doctor to be sure and for Peace of mind . I wish you all the best.

[Debkelly in reply to beachlake]

Yes I had chemo and radiation. Guess I just need to start exercising but so short of breath.

[beachlake in reply to Debkelly]

I would suggest talking to your radiation oncologist just to be sure. Mine checked me for years after my radiation for shortness of breath or a cough. As for exercise, I had to start slow. Short walks to start and then 10 to 15 minutes on the elliptical for me after week or so. Be kind to yourself but keep moving. I know it’s hard but you will get there.

[Debkelly in reply to beachlake]

I will. Thinking of asking for CT. I get sob just mopping my floors.

[Knapweed]

My husband is a radiplogist - in the 'old days' he said, it was routine for there to be lung damage from the radiation - it is rare now but not impossible depending on the site of the cancer

[Debkelly in reply to Knapweed]

I had 52 rounds. May have caused some scaring?

[Sugarmag]

I am 2 yrs out from 5 1/2 weeks of radiation. I started on my second aromitase inhibitor last July and have noticed shortness of breathe increasing since but my oxygen levels stay at 97-98 %. I have been checked out and had a chest x-ray awhile ago. It is worrisome but I guess par for the course. Keep trudging on. I feel best when I keep moving.