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Hi Erin. Good to send a message to you again. I've worked out with weights and been a runner most of my life, so I couldn't wait to get back (and I had all of my axillary nodes removed.) I'm 2 years from dx. I'm back to my old workout. I've had no lymphadema.
I started slowly, just like the others said, first with the stretching exercises, then very light barbells (1 or 2 pounds). Eventually, I got back to my pre bc workout and I now work both arms equally. It took about 8 months of gradual training. My surgeon told me not to put weight on top of my surgery shoulder -- that was the only thing he told me not to do (he thinks the lymph reroutes) Who knows.... So, I don't do squats or anything that rests a barbell on my shoulders. And I don't carry a heavy purse or backpack on that side. But I do every other kind of weight work out -- machines, free weights, whatever.
It feels great to be strong again. Good for the head. Good for everything! You'll be amazed how your body can recover. It just takes time. You'll know when you need to go slow and when it's time to push your body again.
L
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