Hi Chris
As you know, I already have lymphoedema in both arms.
AJXX and Roadrunner have given you really good advice, I reckon.
I go to a bc exercise/gym class once a week and the general aim is increase our overall fitness with an emphasis on keeping our shoulders, etc supple.
Even with the lymphoedema (and a growly tennis elbow), I’ve found that I can now use (but couldn’t when I first started, as had only finished chemo three weeks earlier - had to build up to the 10 mins slowly) the rowing machine for 10 mins at a gentle pace with no load. Exercise bike, no problems, of course. Cross trainer, v gently, 10 mins again. As far as weights go, I am OK with 250 grams. Anything heavier can be tricky and depends on which exercise is being attempted. If I’m not happy I just stop. The instructress is very mindful of our condition (mostly because I printed a load of stuff off the internet for her!), which is either lymphoedema sufferer (I’m now not the only one in the class, as another lady has recently developed it) or ‘at-risk’ and makes sure she alternates between legs and shoulders/arms. Apart from the rowing m/c, bike and cross-trainer, we don’t do any one activity for more than 2 mins and have lots of little breaks for relaxing the muscles. It’s good fun.
As far as swimming goes, well, it’s terrific exercise and very good for the lymphatics as it combines exercise with the cooling and compressive properties of the water. The key thing, as has been mentioned, is not to overdo it at first. Start slowly, and build up very gradually.
If anything you do makes your arm ache, stop. Also, it’s a good idea to take note of how your arm feels the day after you have had some exercise, as sometimes it can take this long for it to start aching or feel a bit strange.
I do a lot of walking, too. (But I think you do too anyway, as you have Lottie the Lurcher?).
All the best for now
X
S