To ERICA from LINDA - mastectomy excercise

[Linda in Calif]

Hi Erica: I was wondering....since you have had such good results, did you (do you) do any kind of excercises to help your flexability/mobility? If so what were/are they? My Plastic Surg. (I had expanders placed at the time of the mast., then saline implants later)suggested nothing even though I asked about it. Seemed like there should be something I should do...even just stretching. I am definatly stiff through my shoulder area. Any info would be great. Take Care, Linda

[Steph N]

Hi Linda -
I did not have a mast. but do exercise with a group of women cancer survivors, some who have had a mast and are going through the reconstruction.
These gals do some moderate stretching exercises and light weight training along with the rest of us. They say it really helps. Any range of motion work for shoulder and mild Yoga is also good. Difficult to explain just how to do these exercises, but ask for a therapist or see if your cancer center offers any kind of exercise class groups. There must be SOME place (do you have a Gilda's Club in your area?) you can meet some other women in your situation.