After amastectomy(breast removal surgery), rest is important to avoid post-surgery complications.
However, movement is essential to your treatment andrecovery after surgeryand should start as soon as possible.
But you should limit more extreme activities during recovery.
yacobchuk / Getty Images
yacobchuk / Getty Images
Self-Care Activities
Self-care activities are important aspects of your recovery.
Driving
Most people can resume driving six weeks after surgery.
Exercise may also help preventlymphedema, a common complication post-mastectomy.
Avoid any quick, jerking motions of the arms, shoulders, or chest.
However, walking is something you might and should start right away.
Working with a physical therapist may help to minimize strength imbalances due to surgery.
Do not start any exercises without speaking to your healthcare provider first.
Stop what you’re doing if you feel pain and talk with your healthcare provider before resuming.
Sexual Activity
Resume sexual activity when you feel ready.
Communicate with your partner what is or isn’t comfortable.
Check with your healthcare provider because everyone’s healing process is different.
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Breastcancer.org.Exercise after breast cancer surgery.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Post-operative activity guidelines and exercises.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your mastectomy.
2019;20(10):3077-3084. doi:10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.10.3077
Breastcancer.org.Axillary web syndrome (cording).
Benton MJ, Schlairet MC.Upper extremity strength imbalance after mastectomy and the effect of resistance training.Sports Med Int Open.
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