Hi everyone
I’m having single mastectomy, implant recon and SNB in a week’s time. I’m a person who usually exercises 4-5 times a week and walks everywhere. I also have had many struggles with body image in my younger years and was at one time bulimic. I am very scared about not being able to get back to exercising and gaining weight. I know that sounds shallow and selfish, but I know how much my mental health suffers when I’m not in control of my body. (I am also a lifelong sufferer with anxiety and depression). Is there anyone here who has gone from a very active lifestyle to not being able to get back into things after surgery? I don’t know what to expect about how soon I can get back to things. I don’t want to push myself or jeopardise my recovery - as being here and well is the most important thing for me and my family.
Help?
Em x
Hi EJBSinger,
Thank you for posting. We have some resources on our website that may help with doing gentle exercise after your surgery: breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-cancer/your-body/physical-activity-breast-cancer/exercise-during-after-treatment#surgery
We also have some short videos about slowly getting into gentle exercise: breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/eight-exercise-videos-help-you-get-started-after-breast-cancer
You may wish to discuss this with your doctor before you start, or you can chat through with our clinical nurse specialists about what sort of exercise you can safely do after your surgery. They are available on 0808 800 6000. (Please note, the helpline is not open on 31 August. You can call and leave a message and they will get back to you on Tuesday 1 September.)
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Saskia