Rehab & Self-Care Tools after Breast Cancer Surgery
Hi, I’m Erica. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 43. I had a double mastectomy, radiation & reconstruction (tissue expanders to implants). It's been quite the ride!
As an athlete and a chiropractor, I wanted more guidance with rehab and recovery. Working out throughout cancer treatment has been a huge part of my recovery both physically and mentally. It's also been helpful in this new phase of survivorship. I've been navigating the limits of what I can do physically, especially with implants placed under the chest muscle.
I’m making videos that I wished I would've had as guidance. The videos cover what to expect with: ✔️ surgery, radiation & breast reconstruction ✔️ rehab and self-care tools to address side effects of treatment (cording, radiation fibrosis, lymphedema, chronic neck & shoulder pain). I had all of these side effects and more!
I didn’t have any issues with radiation. Sorry to hear your journey was painful 😣 Excellent information on what to expect, and what side effects to be aware of. I was stage 3A, and surprised I had no issues.
I had a double mastectomy but only have rippling on the side that had cancer. There was more tissue removed on that side so that's why the rippling is more visible. I'd rather not have it but this doesn't bother me too much.
You have the best videos! They are so helpful. So much helpful information. I have the tissue expanders and am looking forward to the exchange for silicone. I was going to ask about the exercising and bouncing but you nailed it. Did you every deal with seroma after the bilateral mastectomy?
The time with expanders can depend on a number of factors and can also vary depending on your surgeon. My surgeon said that if I didn't have radiation my exchange surgery could be 3 months after my double mastectomy. If I had radiation then it may be 6-9 months later. I ended up having my expanders in for 13 months.
Not sure if you watched this video yet on tips to reduce pain with expanders - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HiLAdzp_oOo.html You could also watch the full video of this Short for more info - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-u82om6IeXlo.html
That's great! The decision to do reconstruction or not is a big one and it's hard to know what you'll be happy with in the future at the time that you're making that decision.
Thank you for this. I’m 10 years out from all treatments and tonight is the first time I’ve heard the term “radiation fibrosis” - and I did all of my treatment at Vanderbilt. I don’t know how many times I’ve described for the doctor that it feels like I wear a shoulder holster under my skin because it is so tight. I am so disappointed in the medical community. I know I should be thankful to just have my life but not one of them seemed to care about the quality of my life. So so disappointed and if I had one thing I wish I had not done, it’s radiation.
I get it! I didn’t know anything about this either. It’s interesting that a lot more information is passed down about lymphedema but not much (or not at all) is discussed about cording and radiation fibrosis, which are both really common. Even though I have the majority of the radiation fibrosis symptoms that you can get, I still would’ve done radiation given the upside of a lower recurrence rate. Either way, it’s hard to know at the time what to do. Here’s my radiation fibrosis playlist for strategies to address this side effect - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhiBu-YSGlOfhQvdYgMuWWOU&si=B3wCL5on30zW9H44
My mom had radiation and the skin under her breast is very bad like it's burning, the doctor gave her mebo but it's not helping please mention a treatment that helps 🙏🙏
If your mom‘s burns are so uncomfortable, she may need a prescription medication. I would circle back and ask her radiation oncologist for more suggestions.
@@breast-cancer-rehab i took her to 3 doctors even a dermatologist they all gave her mebo cream and mebo scar it's not working and she's in pain they even gave her painkillers i just feel useless as I don't know what to do or use
Ohhh girl! I am so grateful for your channel. I'm 14 days post op bilateral mastectomy. Feeling incredible. Talked to my HIIT coach yesterday. I miss lifting. It's a marathon. Not a sprit. I'll get back to it one day. Gentle movements for now. I am just so glad to see another fit chick go through this. You're an inspiration. I will not attempt this video for another 4-5 weeks minimum. Just gentle squatting on the strongboard for now. Still got that post op fatigue. Keep up you're great work
Thanks!! It’s hard to hold back when you’re used to being so active. I get it. One of the first things that I did after being diagnosed was look up breast cancer and Crossfit. I wanted to know what other active women were doing who were going through treatment…there wasn’t much info online.
I hear you! I definitely wish I knew more about what to expect with this side effect after radiation. Not sure if you’ve seen the other videos, but I put together a radiation fibrosis playlist as there’s lots of things that you can do to address this - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhiBu-YSGlOfhQvdYgMuWWOU&si=B3wCL5on30zW9H44
This surgery has made me feel like I'm 83 years old instead of being 63 years old. I had a double mastectomy over a year ago. I feel like someone has stepped on my chest. I have felt like that since I am not confortable and it's putting me in a crabby mood. Then my stomach is more bloated then it was before my surgery.
Pain can definitely affect our mood! Sorry to hear you're still so uncomfortable a year after surgery. Movement and treatment have been the biggest things that have helped with my recovery post-surgery. Here are some videos on rehab that may help - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN
Great video, thank you. I'm on my second go round on one side. So similar but i have been so restricted both times on movements and exercises. Wish they would let me move after drains out but they said no above shoulder or racing, heck they even denied me shoulder rolling. Doctors are so different it's crazy. Good to see some of your movements, I'm going to do those exercises when allowed to get moving again!
I hear you…the restrictions with movement/exercise are a challenge! I’m curious why you’re doing this a second time. Lots of rehab exercises on the channel once you’re given the go ahead - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN (rehab playlist)
I did a video on radiation skin care tips - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2XXrP5qCPqA.html. I wasn’t told anything at the time from my radiation team, but started looking into it when I was compiling information for this video. Hope that helps!
@breast-cancer-rehab I saw that video as well,the tips you gave helped me enormously! I am currently in the expansion process and my skin feels very taught and tender. I know it's because of radiation and the exercises help a lot but I was wondering if maybe there is a cream or lotion specifically designed to help Anyway, great video and info! Thank you
I didn’t get much help with bras either. I woke up in a surgical (Dale’s) one after my bilateral mastectomy and was advised to “go on Amazon” to find others! I bought a $50 one and a $13 Fruit of the Loom front closing sports bra recommended on a post mastectomy post and I liked that one better, although I still like to sleep in the Dale’s! I brought a bra to my exchange surgery and woke up in yet another given to me by my plastic surgeon. So confusing! I am going to give these a try! Thanks Erica !
Yes, very confusing especially when it seems like there’s no standard for a bra post-surgery. I got one off Amazon too. It worked fine post-surgery but not when I had lymphedema. Check back in to leave feedback once you give one of these Huggers a try.
I asked my cancer surgeon, breast reconstruction surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist about bras and everyone let me down. It wasn't until I developed lymphedema and fibrosis that I met a therapist that put in an order for a compression bra for me. You'd think that once you get cancer that your team would do everything they can to help you, but they don't even communicate. Thank you for providing this information!
Thank you for sharing. I had similar frustrations! It took me a while to realize it (and I’m not fully there!) but our surgeons and oncologists are experts in treating cancer. They can’t also be experts in recovery, rehab, nutrition, counselling, etc….although I wish they were.
I ended up wearing the Luma post-exchange surgery (after first wearing a provided masthead surgical bra), and I love it. I’m a runner and it’s been great for providing support during runs, but I also end up reaching for it for everyday use. It offers a lot more support and shaping than other budget options I tried in front zip bras. Haven’t tried the other Prairie Wear styles - I wanted something with good support without too much coverage, and the Luma fit that description well.
Thanks so much for your feedback! Yes, the support of the HuggerLUMA is great for higher impact exercise like running. Even though the compression is medium to high it doesn't feel so tight that I want to take it off immediately after I exercise. All the best with your recovery!
I agree! I had no idea what to wear post-surgery and especially when I had lymphedema. Let me know your feedback if you try one of the compression bras.
I am 8 days post op bilateral mastectomy with extenders. I feel incredible. No pain and i am just waiting for the other shoe to drop with cording and lymphoma. I was HIIT training 4 days a week prior for years. 41yrs old 5'3" 125lbs 20% body fat Fit AF. I am just waiting for it.....lol Your channel is awesome. 🎉🎉🎉🎉Subscribed 🎉🎉🎉🎉
That's great your recovery is going so well. It's amazing how different the process can be for everyone. If you do get cording or lymphedema there are so many things that you can do to address these side effects. Even better when you address them early on. Curious if your expanders are over or under the muscle considering how active you are?
@@breast-cancer-rehab thanks for writing back. I asked prior to surgery about over and under. Mine are over the muscle. Probably part of why I may be pain free and moving about. So freely. I'm in the SF bay area. Keep up your great content. I'll be cruising your channel as my journey continues. You're incredible
@stephanieanderson7208 Yes, over the muscle may be why you’re feeling quite well at this stage. That’s great you could get that. Even though my expanders were under the muscle I felt pretty good post-surgery too. So many factors contribute.
@@breast-cancer-rehab you have been such a HUGE inspiration along the journey I have embarked on. So grateful for your page and your athleticism. You're thriving
I had expanders put in on September 21 and got large hematomas on both sides. I had to go back in for surgery on the 30th to have the hematomas cleaned out! I am not having any pain from the expanders that tylenol doesn't help. After my second surgery heals I will have to wait at least 2 weeks for my first fill.
❤thank you so much! I have so much scaring and very uncomfortable. This is my second surgery after breast cancer and am trying to keep up with the pain by massage. Thanks for the new" tools" I can use
Glad you’re finding the new “tools” useful. If you haven’t seen a some of my rehab videos those may help too - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN. All the best with your recovery.
You might not know this. But after 7 weeks from my last surgery, I cannot raise my arm more than a hand over my head. I do, do daily stretching. Also When does the numbness leave your arm. There is an area under my arm pit that drives me nuts sometimes. Sometimes I think it even gets more numb if I don’t move much in a day. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Given how stubborn it sounds, you’ll need to do more than stretching. You can try some of these rehab exercises from this playlist of videos on the channel - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_QhhhxC3pzZ3JgkhpJhh_g6FCW&si=pj4T2bnhr3I3f1eN. If you have the resources getting some treatment will significantly help.
I still have some areas of numbness 3+ years after my double mastectomy. My sensation has improved overall since surgery but I’m assuming I’ll have some level of numbness that remains indefinitely.
In my recovery, I quickly realized that stretching the chest muscles was an everyday requirement! Even five minutes was better than nothing. Additionally, I use resistance bands, especially, before I play tennis, golf, run, and do weight training, which all help to keep the chest muscles stretched. In other words-I try to have some fun since I have to do some type of stretching every day!
Best of luck with your upcoming radiation. There’s a few more videos in my Radiation playlist that may be helpful (Prep/Tips) - ru-vid.com/group/PLALVgJH_Qhhijz2aNG81IkpvorblbIgog&si=WLZvmDnpmdEuSCjr.
I was given ZERO guidelines, I was not even told what they did. Despite me asking they patted my head as if i was a puppy (I'm 50) and was told to go to the restaurant and enjoy life...
Hi, as a chiropractor, at what point would you say it's safe for someone that went through a double mastectomy to go to chiro? Any particular positions/stretches are off limits like facing down or recommended for some relief?
I had my first treatment a week after my double mastectomy. The focus at this stage was on the soft tissues (neck, shoulder, midback, etc) because I was SO tight/stiff post-surgery. The positions that I was in were lying on my back and sitting only. I had neck adjustments soon after but waited until ~7 weeks to get my midback adjusted where I was lying on my stomach. This provided such of relief in midback tension. In terms of positions to avoid I would ask your surgeon how long you should avoid sleeping on your stomach. Then you'll have a better idea of how long to wait to get treatment when you're lying on your stomach. Another limitation is any movements that would stretch or put tension on your incisions. A good practitioner is adaptable so they can always work around any limitations. I typically see patients starting at ~3 weeks post-surgery. Hope that helps.
I just had a bilateral mastectomy 2 weeks ago and the just the idea of doing downdog or a few of the other yoga poses like upward facing dog would sent me to the hospital. I do not say this lightly and I am a 500 Registered Yoga Trainer with years of experience. I do however appreciate the rest of the video.
Yes, the yoga positions were just examples of what to work back to eventually, not necessarily what to do right away! Your yoga background will definitely help with your recovery. Before my surgery I wasn’t sure what I’d be able to do in terms of exercise post-surgery. I ended up doing a video reviewing what I did week by week after surgery…not sure if you’ve watched it already - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-t8bCo8OFSTk.html
I looked a lot of things up online. But I had a plan in mind. I only got information on clinical and technical things like tests I would need or what my pathology report showed from doctors on RU-vid. Things that were more practical and emotionally based I got from people who had been through it. I was surprisingly unemotional about my IDC diagnosis, probably because I had prepared myself mentally for it. When I went to the doctor's office to get my diagnosis (I didnt want to get it over the phone at work) they already had an MRI scheduled for me. I've only known about my cancer for a week and the barrage of appointments is hitting me. Glad I found you.
Hello i have a question i had radiation six month ago and i never went to a therapist to do a lymphatic massage and i was wondering if i can still go and get massage since my skin is kind tight even do I fallow you with your exercises mayb i did it wrong but mayb can i still help my sking to be more loose
You can definitely still see a lymphedema therapist at this stage. My lymphedema improved with a combination of self-treatment and seeing a therapist. You can have tension/tight skin post-radiation even if you do all the self-care strategies. It wasn’t anything that you did wrong…radiation side effects are just stubborn!
Hi, I'm a rarity, having a wide excision in my armpit for a rare malignant sweat gland tumor. Though no lymph nodes were removed, I had an site infection after the first shave biopsy; it remained after the wide local excision. It's 4 weeks post WLE and I'm itching to begin scar massage & cording treatment. Your videos are super helpful! Thanks.
It still surprises me how long the side effects/after effects of surgery and treatment last. Keep at it with consistent rehab and you’ll continue to see results…likely not as fast as you’d like though.
The electric massage is likely too deep, especially with reduced sensation after breast cancer surgery. They’re quite non-specific too. The hands-on approach really does help! All the best with your recovery.
Antiperspirants don’t increase the amount of radiation delivered to the skin. Some doctors recommend that patients avoid them during radiation because they’re concerned that antiperspirants, or any product applied to the skin in the treatment area could further irritate the skin beyond what the radiation is already doing. Breastcancer.org for more info - www.breastcancer.org/research-news/using-antiperspirants-during-radiation#
