3 weeks post op and they don’t cover ANY of this. As someone very active, I have been so bummed about this daunting recovery ahead of me. I decided to take matters into my own hands (still being careful and following doctor’s guidelines of course) and I found your videos incredibly helpful. This is such a relief! THANK YOU for taking the time and effort to post these things. I am so appreciative ❤️
Thx for your comment! I really wished I had more guidance when it came to getting back to exercise. It's quite an adjustment when you're used to being so physically active. Not sure if you watched it already - but just posted a video the the workouts that I did after my mastectomy (0-6wks). All the best with your recovery.
I just wanted to thank you for creating those videos, they are invaluable! I've been performing those exercises for 10 days, starting day after my single mastectomy (expander over the muscle). My range of motion is getting better every day! Here in Eastern Europe they still hold on to the old guidelines of barely using affected arm after mastectomy (2kg weights at the most they don't even allow you to carry groceries!) and their idea of rehab consists mostly of massage.. As a farmer I was devastated, thinking I can no longer do my job. Thankfully my suregon is more sensible and told me to move as soon as I'm able. I started my own research and found your channel to be one of the most informative and comprehensive guides. I too was diagnosed pretty young, at 36. Estrogen positive cancer, stage 3. Fit and healthy, no risk factors. More unexpected than Spanish Inquisition;) It's very uplifting to find someone like you, who managed to return to former physical fitness and is willing to share how to acheive it.
Thank you for your feedback!! The restrictions post-surgery can make it feel like you shouldn't even move your arms...but the recovery is so much longer when you do this. I was always interested in seeing what other active women were doing so that's why I'm documenting what I did to pay it forward. When you're active getting back to exercise is just as much about your mental recovery as it is physical!
I really like your exercise. I just had my mastectomy and I'm scared of pain but having this exercise. I'm feeling great. Thank you so much for sharing this exercise to all of us. God bless
I had my mastectomy last week and started with some of these exercices day after. I still have drains and I noticed some cording as well. Trying my best to optimize my recovery! Just want to say YOU ARE AMAZING!! I have watching your videos since I starded chemo and all of the videos are very helpful. A huge THANK YOU from a Brazilian in Canada.
Thank you for your feedback - much appreciated! I tried to optimize my recovery too..this is how these videos all got started in the first place. Being pro-active like you are will definitely pay off! Half the members at my CrossFit gym are Brazilian.
I had my double mastectomy 10/2023, just finished chemo and getting ready to start radiation this 2/22…and although it’s been a while since my mastectomy, I found these exercises super helpful…I feel I have been able to release some tension from not only the mastectomy but from this rollercoaster that cancer diagnosis brings! So thank you so much for these since yet effective exercises!
Glad you're seeing such great results from doing the exercises. It really is never too late to start them. I hear you with the roller coaster ride that a cancer diagnosis brings! Exercise is my go-to to manage my way through.
@@Elaine-w2s Hi! I started chemo December 8th, of 2023. They said usually the chemo is recommended to start within 30 days after masectomy, but due to my cancer breast cancer being rare, only .05% of breast cancer cases, they sent my case to higher review to see if chemo was or wasn’t necessary. So my chemo was a bit delayed. I did 4 rounds of chemo, one every 21 days. Then 33 rounds of radiation which I finished on April 19th of this year. I’m currently taking Tamoxifen pill daily, and trying to get back to what I used to be because I gained sooooo much weight, due to the steroids and tamoxifen. Getting back my energy little by little and getting back to exercising and walking more. I am 38 years old, and I never have weighted what I weigh now, much less, I never thought I was going to be battling with energy levels at this age. But over all, I’m doing well! No evidence of disease and I hope it stays that way for decades to come! Hope you are doing well too!
Found this 2 weeks after my unilateral mastectomy, soooooo helpful!!! Thank you for sharing this, I have very stiff chest muscle every morning and was wondering how I can help my muscles recover. Brilliant! ❤
That’s great you noticed such a difference. My chest felt pretty stiff too after surgery and doing the rehab exercises consistently helped to improve that…and many other areas of tension. Keep following along for the next stages of rehab.
Short update. I performed all of your series of exercises, including those to eliminate cording. They really work perfectly! 5 weeks after my initial surgery I had full range of motion, was able to hang from a bar and do incline push ups. 3 of my 4 cords popped! And now I'm back to doing those easy exercises again, after another surgery. (My expander needed to be removed and they also took out all of the remaining lymph nodes due to bad phatology results.) But I'm pretty confident I can do it all again;) So, if anyone watching those series of exercise videos wonders do they work, short answer is yes, if you actually do them regularly instead of watching ;)
Great update regarding the exercises and your progress! Consistency really does pay off with rehab. Sorry to hear about the additional surgery. Given the additional lymph nodes that were removed watch out for some upcoming videos on addressing lymphedema.
Thanks a million dear. God Bless you abundantly for sharing. Had my left radical mastectomy on 28th May am sure your exersise will be a big help for me God Bless you abundantly
You’re welcome! Tough start for you with surgery having to go back for a mastectomy after lumpectomy. That’s what I would’ve had to do if I hadn’t done the mastectomy first. All the best with your recovery from surgery.
Thank you very much, 6 weeks after unilateral surgery I'm struggling with lymphedema and cording. Your videos have been helping with exercising at home in between my therapy sessions. Thank you again for sharing and hope your recovery is coming along well.
Doing your own self-care in between therapy sessions is exactly what’s going to move you in the right direction - with cording and lymphedema. Who knew some of these side effects could be so stubborn! I’m glad the videos are helping.
Thank you so much for this post. I was advised to find a kiné for after my surgery, but they are very busy, I shall be able to follow your exercises, hopefully easily
I'm glad you found this video so that you can get started on your own. Your recovery will be so much better rather than waiting. Have a look at the video ''3-6 weeks'' after you're done this video.
Do you have any sources on training through chemo? Research shows it optimizes the outcome, but I cannot find anything on how to train while dealing with side effects.
I don't. I haven't done any videos on chemo yet because I didn't have it. At some point I'm going to do some interview style videos with other cancer thrives talking about their experience with chemo.
Good question, but so many factors that contribute (type of surgery, shoulder function going into surgery, consistency with exercises, complications or other side effects from surgery/treatment, etc). As an example, this video documents the shoulder motion after my double mastectomy (ua-cam.com/video/X3vGJRG1uhI/v-deo.html) and the exercises that I did in the first 6 weeks after surgery (ua-cam.com/video/t8bCo8OFSTk/v-deo.html).
I didn't reach a 10...but I also have a high pain tolerance. The worst pain was the drains, which were more uncomfortable than the pain from my double mastectomy and tissue expansion process.
Thanks a lot for the video. I unilateral mastectomy almost three weeks ago. One week ago I developed inflammation. Now I have several seromas, very painful. Can I still do the exercises?
My drains were in for 5 days and I started doing the exercises the day after my double mastectomy. It's uncomfortable but doable. Early mobilization is really helpful for recovery both short and long-term. You can check with your surgeon on your specific case.
Hiee I had my surgery 6 mths ago, got my range of motion then, but now of late I'm having pain in my arm and feel some cording in the armpit area. Can I start with these exercises to get back my range of motion?
Lots of info on the channel to help you along the way. I remember how relieved I was after that first surgery was done. All the best with your recovery!
This video covers the rehab exercises for the next stage (3-6 weeks post-surgery) - ua-cam.com/video/P5K8itTPxd4/v-deo.html
3 weeks post op and they don’t cover ANY of this. As someone very active, I have been so bummed about this daunting recovery ahead of me. I decided to take matters into my own hands (still being careful and following doctor’s guidelines of course) and I found your videos incredibly helpful. This is such a relief! THANK YOU for taking the time and effort to post these things. I am so appreciative ❤️
Thx for your comment! I really wished I had more guidance when it came to getting back to exercise. It's quite an adjustment when you're used to being so physically active. Not sure if you watched it already - but just posted a video the the workouts that I did after my mastectomy (0-6wks). All the best with your recovery.
thank you so much for sharing with your exercises i just had bilateral mastecomy 10/30/2023 been a struggle but we are warriors
You’re welcome! Recovery is definitely a struggle at times, both physically and mentally. Exercise was (and is) my go-to to moving forward.
Found this video 2days before my surgery. Today is day 2 after surgery thank you for posting this very helpful video.❤
That’s great you found the channel so early in your journey. Hope your recovery goes well.
I just wanted to thank you for creating those videos, they are invaluable!
I've been performing those exercises for 10 days, starting day after my single mastectomy (expander over the muscle). My range of motion is getting better every day!
Here in Eastern Europe they still hold on to the old guidelines of barely using affected arm after mastectomy (2kg weights at the most they don't even allow you to carry groceries!) and their idea of rehab consists mostly of massage.. As a farmer I was devastated, thinking I can no longer do my job. Thankfully my suregon is more sensible and told me to move as soon as I'm able. I started my own research and found your channel to be one of the most informative and comprehensive guides.
I too was diagnosed pretty young, at 36. Estrogen positive cancer, stage 3. Fit and healthy, no risk factors. More unexpected than Spanish Inquisition;)
It's very uplifting to find someone like you, who managed to return to former physical fitness and is willing to share how to acheive it.
Thank you for your feedback!! The restrictions post-surgery can make it feel like you shouldn't even move your arms...but the recovery is so much longer when you do this. I was always interested in seeing what other active women were doing so that's why I'm documenting what I did to pay it forward. When you're active getting back to exercise is just as much about your mental recovery as it is physical!
I really like your exercise. I just had my mastectomy and I'm scared of pain but having this exercise. I'm feeling great. Thank you so much for sharing this exercise to all of us. God bless
You're so welcome! Moving your body definitely helps to reduce pain.
I had my mastectomy last week and started with some of these exercices day after. I still have drains and I noticed some cording as well. Trying my best to optimize my recovery! Just want to say YOU ARE AMAZING!! I have watching your videos since I starded chemo and all of the videos are very helpful. A huge THANK YOU from a Brazilian in Canada.
Thank you for your feedback - much appreciated! I tried to optimize my recovery too..this is how these videos all got started in the first place. Being pro-active like you are will definitely pay off! Half the members at my CrossFit gym are Brazilian.
I found this video after two weeks of mastectomy ...thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! All the best with your recovery.
Thank you for this! Found this at week 2 after surgery😅 God Bless!
That’s great Ruby. You can follow along with the other rehab videos (3-6wks and 6+wks) once you’re past this stage. All the best with your recovery.
Thank you, I will have double mastectomy I two weeks time. You teaching is very helpful ❤
Best of luck with your upcoming surgery!
Thank you very much for your helpful videos, they are useful and good.
I had my double mastectomy 10/2023, just finished chemo and getting ready to start radiation this 2/22…and although it’s been a while since my mastectomy, I found these exercises super helpful…I feel I have been able to release some tension from not only the mastectomy but from this rollercoaster that cancer diagnosis brings! So thank you so much for these since yet effective exercises!
Glad you're seeing such great results from doing the exercises. It really is never too late to start them. I hear you with the roller coaster ride that a cancer diagnosis brings! Exercise is my go-to to manage my way through.
hi, how long after your surgery did you have chemo?
how are you now? hope all is well!❤️🩹
@@Elaine-w2s Hi! I started chemo December 8th, of 2023. They said usually the chemo is recommended to start within 30 days after masectomy, but due to my cancer breast cancer being rare, only .05% of breast cancer cases, they sent my case to higher review to see if chemo was or wasn’t necessary. So my chemo was a bit delayed. I did 4 rounds of chemo, one every 21 days. Then 33 rounds of radiation which I finished on April 19th of this year. I’m currently taking Tamoxifen pill daily, and trying to get back to what I used to be because I gained sooooo much weight, due to the steroids and tamoxifen. Getting back my energy little by little and getting back to exercising and walking more. I am 38 years old, and I never have weighted what I weigh now, much less, I never thought I was going to be battling with energy levels at this age. But over all, I’m doing well! No evidence of disease and I hope it stays that way for decades to come! Hope you are doing well too!
These are amazing! thanks so much. The doctors told me to rest for 3 weeks, but doing these exercises feels much better 😍😍😍
Great to hear! All the best with your recovery.
@@breast-cancer-rehab THANKS!!
Found this 2 weeks after my unilateral mastectomy, soooooo helpful!!! Thank you for sharing this, I have very stiff chest muscle every morning and was wondering how I can help my muscles recover. Brilliant! ❤
That’s great you noticed such a difference. My chest felt pretty stiff too after surgery and doing the rehab exercises consistently helped to improve that…and many other areas of tension. Keep following along for the next stages of rehab.
Surgery tomorrow,!!! Cannot believe I see this now! I NEED THESE INSTRUCTIONS!! THX ,🌺
Hope your surgery went well! All the best with your recovery.
Thank you so much for this. Found it in my first week post masectomy.
Welcome to the channel! That’s great you found this video so early after your surgery.
Short update. I performed all of your series of exercises, including those to eliminate cording. They really work perfectly! 5 weeks after my initial surgery I had full range of motion, was able to hang from a bar and do incline push ups. 3 of my 4 cords
popped!
And now I'm back to doing those easy exercises again, after another surgery. (My expander needed to be removed and they also took out all of the remaining lymph nodes due to bad phatology results.)
But I'm pretty confident I can do it all again;)
So, if anyone watching those series of exercise videos wonders do they work, short answer is yes, if you actually do them regularly instead of watching ;)
Great update regarding the exercises and your progress! Consistency really does pay off with rehab.
Sorry to hear about the additional surgery. Given the additional lymph nodes that were removed watch out for some upcoming videos on addressing lymphedema.
Thanks a million dear. God Bless you abundantly for sharing. Had my left radical mastectomy on 28th May am sure your exersise will be a big help for me God Bless you abundantly
I’m sure this will help with your recovery! Even better if you continue on with the videos in the next stages (3-6 weeks, 6+ weeks).
Thank you! This was very helpful for me. I'm 3 weeks post surgery.
You’re welcome! Lots more resources on this channel to help with your recovery.
Thank you Erica. I just had a mastectomy after lumpectomy with positive margins. I find your exercises and advice very helpful.
You’re welcome! Tough start for you with surgery having to go back for a mastectomy after lumpectomy. That’s what I would’ve had to do if I hadn’t done the mastectomy first. All the best with your recovery from surgery.
Thank you so much! Your exercises are much useful than others, will do it now every day😊
Great, your consistency with rehab will pay off!
Thank you Erica
Thanks. This is very beneficial! ❤
Thank you very much, 6 weeks after unilateral surgery I'm struggling with lymphedema and cording. Your videos have been helping with exercising at home in between my therapy sessions. Thank you again for sharing and hope your recovery is coming along well.
Doing your own self-care in between therapy sessions is exactly what’s going to move you in the right direction - with cording and lymphedema. Who knew some of these side effects could be so stubborn! I’m glad the videos are helping.
Thank you for sharing this video.
My pleasure! I hope the other videos are just as helpful in your recovery.
Thank you. This has been a great help for me❤
I'm so glad! Hope your recovery is going well so far.
Very good
Thank you so much for this post. I was advised to find a kiné for after my surgery, but they are very busy, I shall be able to follow your exercises, hopefully easily
I'm glad you found this video so that you can get started on your own. Your recovery will be so much better rather than waiting. Have a look at the video ''3-6 weeks'' after you're done this video.
awesome thank you so much for this
You're welcome! All the best with your recovery post-surgery.
Hi! A wish if you could make a training video to follow along in real time. ❤
Noted! Thank you for this idea.
Do you have any sources on training through chemo? Research shows it optimizes the outcome, but I cannot find anything on how to train while dealing with side effects.
I don't. I haven't done any videos on chemo yet because I didn't have it. At some point I'm going to do some interview style videos with other cancer thrives talking about their experience with chemo.
How much improvement is expected during the first 3 weeks after operation?
Good question, but so many factors that contribute (type of surgery, shoulder function going into surgery, consistency with exercises, complications or other side effects from surgery/treatment, etc). As an example, this video documents the shoulder motion after my double mastectomy (ua-cam.com/video/X3vGJRG1uhI/v-deo.html) and the exercises that I did in the first 6 weeks after surgery (ua-cam.com/video/t8bCo8OFSTk/v-deo.html).
This is my 5th day after rt breast mastectomy
Hope you’re recovering well so far.
Can I do it if I had reconstruction same time as bilateral mastectomy?
Yes!
can I do these if I got a cancer surgery and implants.
Yes, that's exactly what my surgery was and I did this exact program.
I found this video after 7 days of my bilateral mastectomy. Should it be done standing only or sitting as well?
You can do it either sitting or standing.
Erica, Is it okey to do these exercises with axillary lymph node dissection with double mastectomy?
Yes. Even more important to move your body post-surgery with an axillary node dissection.
@@breast-cancer-rehab thanks
I feel so tight from the chest down to the lower rib cage..
The tension does ease over time with consistent movement/rehab. Keep at it!
When exercise should be started after mastectomy
Regards
Exercises can be started the day after surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy).
I'm a lil late to the game, I day 18 post op.
You can start with these exercises and then progress with the video “REHAB 3-6 weeks”. It’s never too late to start!
Was there a point in your journey when you felt Level 10 pain? What was the most intense pain that you experienced?
I didn't reach a 10...but I also have a high pain tolerance. The worst pain was the drains, which were more uncomfortable than the pain from my double mastectomy and tissue expansion process.
Thanks a lot for the video. I unilateral mastectomy almost three weeks ago. One week ago I developed inflammation. Now I have several seromas, very painful. Can I still do the exercises?
You should be able to but check with your surgeon for confirmation.
Can I do these exercises if I had double mastectomy with the immediate reconstruction? (having my surgery in 2 days😮)
Yes! Good luck with your surgery.
Is it okay to do this exercise even if I still have these JP drains?
My drains were in for 5 days and I started doing the exercises the day after my double mastectomy. It's uncomfortable but doable. Early mobilization is really helpful for recovery both short and long-term. You can check with your surgeon on your specific case.
Hiee I had my surgery 6 mths ago, got my range of motion then, but now of late I'm having pain in my arm and feel some cording in the armpit area. Can I start with these exercises to get back my range of motion?
Yes. I would also do the strategies from the Cording video as there’s lots you can do to address this.
Yes thank you! I was going through your videos and came across it.. Exactly what I needed.. Thanks again!
Im in day 0 today.
Lots of info on the channel to help you along the way. I remember how relieved I was after that first surgery was done. All the best with your recovery!