Hi everyone, first post here.
Recently diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer. Her2- and have mastectomy with reconstruction booked for Friday.
I am in that weird phase where I am completely well and carrying as normal. I am someone who exercises daily - running/weights/peloton. Really keen to understand how people have got back in to exercise post the op. Consultant said one month before running etc. also recommendation for post surgery exercise bra as I currently have pull on ones you have to fight your way in to which I guess will be a struggle. V small boobs (A/B cup).
Also re work, it is office based and mostly conversations/lap top work. Can be mentally stressful at times but not physically. I am planning a week completely out but then hoping to resume remotely for a week before going back to the office.
Hi, I had a mastectomy with diep reconstruction 8 weeks ago and I think it will take you longer to get back into exercise, even though you have been active before. I am also active (lots of walking, weights and Pilates) before the operation. Being fit and active pre-operation does really help with recovery though. But walking is the most important exercise as exercise as well as the exercises they give you but you will need to build up.
You will need to wear a surgery bra 24 hours a day for the first 6 weeks I think. I’m still wearing it now as finding it more comfortable. Also you can’t lift your affected arm above shoulder height for the first couple of weeks. Although I don’t really run, the impact of running would be too much for my breast and tummy still.
I would probably say 3-4 weeks for getting back to desk-based non manual type of job. But also it’s a lot to go through, so if you’re able to then you should allow yourself more time if you need it.
Hi @jongomero
Firstly carry on as normal for as long as you can - I was the same for most of last year and it’s only the chemo pills that I’m on that have made me change things a little.
Can I ask what type of reconstruction you’re having? That may make all the difference.
In my case I had a silicone implant with an accelular matrix flap and it was done immediately but I’ve only just this year got back to more active exercise. It also feels odd at first to have a firm boob and a squidgy one - the firm one weighs more so be prepared for that.
I wear a nice soft bra but not an exercise bra - but tighten the straps when I need the extra support. I’d book an appointment with M&S as they have oodles of bras and someone will look after you.
I too started work a week after surgery but only a couple of hours per day as I felt so well and full of energy BUT I work from home and could just take a nap if required or work from a comfy sofa. It made life feel “normal” - maybe ask if there’s an option for you to work from home in the early months. Don’t overdo it - we’re meant to be kind to ourselves and leave our superwoman cape in the cupboard for a while xx
Thank you very helpful. At the moment I have kept only regular meetings in the diary for week two and plan to do them if I feel up to it and will be from home.
Good idea re M&S for bras too.
Welcome, we are all here for you, wishing you lots of luck with your surgery on Friday.
Try not to make too many plans re work and exercise at the moment, take one day at a time be kind to yourself. You’ll find everything will slot into place once your back on your feet.
However, a nice walk in the park, and a coffee with that special friend is always recommended.
First of all, wishing you all the best with your surgery. Invest in a proper post surgery bra, as they will provide the necessary support and fasten up at the front. M&s can fit you for one, but places like Asda, Primark, Tesco also do decent ones.
You will need to wear it solidly for the first few weeks.
I’ve just had a lumpectomy & sentinel node removal and am taking at least 2 weeks off work, take it from there. The tiredness is not to be underestimated estimated plus recovering from the general anaesthetic and surgery itself. I have a desk job & WFH but I’m still prioritising myself right now.
As others have said, walking is the best exercise during the recovery period. Don’t rush things with energetic sports and seek guidance from your breast care team
Most people I know who had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction needed around 3–4 weeks before feeling ready for light work and gentle movement. Walking is usually fine within days, but upper-body movements can feel strange for longer
Tree Hank you so much for replying. Surgery was Friday and it’s now Monday morning. I have felt very sleepy and nauseas last two days so hoping I will be a bit better today and can start getting out a bit. X
@lottie4 can I ask - did you have a mesh to hold your implant? If so, is yours still uncomfortable or has everything settled. My mesh on the underarm side likes to remind me it’s still here - especially when I’m cold and I often get twinges under my armpit (I had 4 lymphs removed.
Hi @irenko I believe I have a mesh holding it in place that is stitched to the sides and at the top. I have to say, my whole boob feels very alian and its a year next month! I get a lot of twinges under my arm and to the side, and its also really tight when I lift my arm up or out to the side (had 1 lymph node removed)… I don’t really know what to do about it, just kind of living with it for now. Do you have the tight feels?
Hope you are recovering well from your surgery! How are you feeling? I hope you aren’t rushing your recovery and taking all the time you need to rest
I was reading about recovery from mastectomy and I just happened to see your post on the forum so I thought of sharing what I’ve gotten so far with you
Hope it helps! But most importantly, I think you know your body best so you are the best judge for yourself! Sending you lots of love and wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you so much for your post. They are really good articles. It’s a week today since my surgery and generally in a good place. Still feel slightly sick which I think is the antibiotics which I finish tomorrow. Getting out for walks and can’t wait for my follow up appointment later where the drain will be removed as that has been a pain the last few days. Planning to wfh next week but will listen to my body. Really hoping I can go away for a long weekend overseas with the family next weekend too. So feeling grateful things seem to be going ok so far. Just waiting for the pathology results now to determine what next. X
Hi @lottie4
Oh I’m pretty much the same. Had my follow up last month but forgot to ask when it will all settle down as the surgeon was busy examining it after my cellulitis damage. It does feel a bit alien, I know exactly what you mean. Heavy and doesn’t move does it? My other breast is so soft in comparison. Seems like this is just normal recovery to have these aches and pains then. My neighbour had a mastectomy with no reconstruction at the same time as me as she still suffers with nerve pain in the underarm area too. My left arm doesn’t stretch like it used to - and I’ve done my exercises religiously. Looks like this is our „”new normal”
I’m glad to hear that you are in a good place now! Did you manage to get away for the long weekend? Have you gotten your pathology results?
I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and hope everything will become better for you! You’re stronger than you think and I’m sure you will get through this!
Thank you so much. Unfortunately I didn’t make it away as interim pathology report showed cancer on the nipple tissue plus I had some necrosis so had to have a 2nd op Friday to have that removed and my implant was replaced with a Becker implant. I’m doing well though. Hope to get remainder of results this Friday and take it from there.
No worries, I’m sure you will get to go again another time! But I am glad to hear that you are doing well! Hope this isn’t causing you too much stress and anxiety too! You got this!
