I had a single mastectomy and axillary clearance on 22nd July and since then I have struggled with seroma. This was drained once 3 weeks post op. Since then it has reduced but so slowly, I still can’t wear my usual size bra due to the swelling around my side under my arm and around my scar. I would really like to start exercising again now, just some gentle running and strength training but I’m not sure if I should do so while I still have some swelling. My breast care team are aware of the swelling and are not concerned but don’t seem to have an opinion on whether or not I should exercise.
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Hi, my surgeon was still telling me not to lift anything at your stage in recovery and strictly no running. I was only allowed to walk for excercise. It was 5/6 months before I could start doing any gentle exercise and started slow running after 6 months but with a super duper sports bra. But I still had the valve in my side from the implant.
Hi, thanks for replying. Six months! I will be climbing the walls 
My mastectomy op was straightforward, no drains or valves and no implant. I was told I could start to exercise (Nordic walking, gentle running and gentle strength training) after 2.5 - 3 months. But I don’t think anyone expected the seroma to hang around for this long - my prosthesis fitting has been cancelled and rearranged twice already. Every time I ask someone if exercise will make it worse, I get a different answer!
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Hi there, I picked up on this thread at the mention of seroma. I had seroma drained 6 times after lumpectomy and some node removal, it built up very quickly and I wondered if I’d caused it overdoing the arm exercises and long walks too early after surgery by being too impatient! I asked about jogging and exercise, think I waited a good 2 months and also started band work rather than using weights to ease back in. It was extremely frustrating (I can’t bear being inactive) but worth waiting those extra weeks until you feel fully comfortable and also with a supportive running bra that doesn’t dig in The M&S ones are comfortable. Good luck!
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Hi, thank you for replying. I also wondered if I made my seroma worse by overdoing the exercises and walks but I was so determined to help myself. My nurses are very reluctant to drain seromas, I only had it done once and they took off over a pint It came back again almost immediately though! I’ll find out if M&S do mastectomy sports bras - thank you
Hi @evieb1,
Thanks for posting. It can be difficult when getting conflicting information about exercising after surgery as you have found.
We know that physical activity is good for both physical and mental recovery from breast cancer but it’s important to do the right things at the right pace. It might also depend if you are having further treatment.
A seroma can take some time to resolve and again there can be conflicting information how to manage these.
It’s likely you can exercise but it’s about what sort of exercises you can do. As your team are not sure you could ask if it would be helpful to see a physiotherapist who can devise a specific plan depending on your individual situation. It might also help to know about Jen McKenzie the breast physio.
@roses4 and @sassy4 both mention bras and a well-fitting supportive bra is important. Here is a list of suppliers.
You might like to register for our webinar tomorrow evening (29th) which is on exercise with Carolyn Garritt, a cancer exercise specialist.
We offer a range of other free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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