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Gina · 12-04-2005, 09:35 PM

completely from the mastectomy...As we all know..trends go in and out of style...when I had my mastectomy in '97...gentle weight lifting was recommended, but only after doing the wall exercises and gaining back your normal arm function. I started with 5 lb weights every other day and have over the years increased to 10 lb with good benefit..but I eased back to the 5lbs as the 10 was giving me too much 'BUILD UP' I already have shoulder pads in my suits...smile..no need to look like a line backer..hee hee...Anyway..I never got lymphodema...not any at all..so I think the weight thing..if done with gentle, loving care..is probably helpful...--perhaps MORE important is taking care not to get cuts or burns on the fingers, hands, or arm and if you do...insist on the appropriate antibiotic immediately...orders per my surgeon..anyway...That is my two cents.., Gina

12-04-2005, 09:35 PM	#4
Gina Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 197	Start slow and steady, once you have healed... completely from the mastectomy...As we all know..trends go in and out of style...when I had my mastectomy in '97...gentle weight lifting was recommended, but only after doing the wall exercises and gaining back your normal arm function. I started with 5 lb weights every other day and have over the years increased to 10 lb with good benefit..but I eased back to the 5lbs as the 10 was giving me too much 'BUILD UP' I already have shoulder pads in my suits...smile..no need to look like a line backer..hee hee...Anyway..I never got lymphodema...not any at all..so I think the weight thing..if done with gentle, loving care..is probably helpful...--perhaps MORE important is taking care not to get cuts or burns on the fingers, hands, or arm and if you do...insist on the appropriate antibiotic immediately...orders per my surgeon..anyway...That is my two cents.., Gina