Breast Cancer and Exercises for Recovery Post-Surgery

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, although it can also occur in men. Breast cancer can originate from different parts of the breast, including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal carcinoma) or the glands that produce milk (lobular carcinoma), as well as other tissues within the breast.

For Details you can go through the blog – Useful Breast Cancer Guide: Detection, Treatment, and Tips.

This blog is written under guidance of Dr. Harshit Srivastava : Best Surgical Oncologist in Lucknow.

Key points about Breast Cancer

Cellular Abnormalities: Breast cancer usually begins when cells in the breast tissue undergo abnormal changes (mutations) in their DNA. These changes can cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue known as a tumor.
Types of Breast Cancer: There are several types of breast cancer, with the most common being invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Other types include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), inflammatory breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer, among others.
Risk Factors: While the exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. These include age, gender, family history of breast cancer, inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), personal history of breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions, hormonal factors (e.g., early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy), lifestyle factors (e.g., alcohol consumption, obesity), and exposure to radiation or certain environmental pollutants.
Symptoms: The symptoms of breast cancer can vary widely and may include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes (such as redness, dimpling, or puckering), nipple changes (such as inversion, discharge, or scaling), and persistent breast pain or discomfort. However, some individuals with breast cancer may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Diagnosis: Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of screening tests and diagnostic procedures. Screening methods may include mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams. Diagnostic tests may include breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast biopsy (to obtain a tissue sample for examination under a microscope), and other imaging studies.
Treatment: Treatment for breast cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the presence of hormone receptors or HER2 protein, the individual’s overall health and preferences, and other considerations. Treatment options may include surgery (such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Treatment plans are often personalized to address the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.

Exercises for Recovery after post-surgery

After breast surgery, it’s important to do exercises to help you heal, keep your arms moving well, get stronger, and avoid problems like stiffness and swelling. But the exercises you do will depend on what kind of surgery you had (like lumpectomy or mastectomy) and how healthy and fit you are. Before you start any exercises after surgery, talk to Best Surgical Oncologist or Best cancer doctor or best breast cancer specialist. Here are some exercises they might suggest:

Breathing Exercises?

Breathing exercises help to improve your lung function and assist in the removal of secretions from your chest in addition to clearing the airway.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises help prevent complications such as pneumonia and promote lung expansion. Sit or lie comfortably and take slow, deep breaths, focusing on expanding the chest and filling the lungs fully. Don’t forget to hold the breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly.

Deep breathing exercises can be beneficial for relaxation, stress reduction, and improving lung function. Here are two deep breathing exercises:

1) Belly Breathing

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Place one hand on your chest & the other hand on your abdomen, just below your rib cage.
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you fill your lungs with air. Try to keep your chest relatively still carefully.
Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose, allowing your abdomen to fall as you empty your lungs completely.
Continue to breathe deeply and rhythmically, focusing on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body.
Repeat for several minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

2) Relaxing Breath or 4-7-8 Breathing

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and close your eyes if you prefer.
Place the tip of tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.
Inhale quietly through your nose for a count of 4 seconds, filling your lungs with air.
Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds.
Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound, for a count of 8 seconds.

Repeat this cycle for four complete breaths, maintaining a steady rhythm and focusing on the length of each breath.

As you become more practiced, you can gradually increase the duration of each phase of the breathing cycle.These deep breathing exercises can be practiced daily or as needed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Incorporating deep breathing into your routine can help calm the mind, reduce tension in the body, and enhance feelings of relaxation and peace.

Arm exercises

Arm and Shoulder Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle arm and shoulder range of motion exercises help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility. Perform exercises such as shoulder rolls, arm circles, and pendulum swings. Start with small movements and gradually increase the range of motion as tolerated.

Benefit for patient

Arm exercises form an important part of post-operative physiotherapy. It helps you to regain your normal shoulder and arm movements. You can start the exercises the very next day of your surgery. If not done properly, the shoulder may become stiff. So, make the exercises routine and enjoy doing them. These exercises will start a day or two after the operation.

Overhead Arm Extension Exercise

Sit in a relaxed manner;
take the affected arm with the help of the normal hand up over head as shown below.
Keep your arm straight throughout the exercises Return to your starting position
Repeat 10 times.

Arm Lift and Lower Exercise

Sit in a relaxed manner, with palms facing downwards,
move your affected arm with assistance (therapist or relative) away from your body and up towards your head.
Keep your arm straight throughout the exercises Return to the starting position.
Repeat 10 times.

Shoulder Lift and Release Exercise

Sit in a relaxed manner;
gently lift your shoulders up towards your ears.
Hold for 5 seconds and then return to the start position.
Repeat 10 times.

Scapular Retraction Exercise

Scapular Retraction: Sit or stand with your arms at your sides. Squeeze your shoulder blades together imagine as if trying to hold a pencil between them. Hold for a few seconds, and then relax. Repeat several times.

Scapular retraction is a simple exercise that helps improve posture and strengthen the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. Here’s a breakdown of the exercise:

Sit or Stand Tall: Make sure you’re sitting or standing up straight.
Imagine Holding a Pencil: Pretend like you’re holding a pencil between your shoulder blades.
Squeeze Your Shoulder Blades Together: Try to squeeze your shoulder blades (the bones in your upper back) towards each other, like you’re trying to pinch something between them.
Hold for a Moment: Keep squeezing your shoulder blades together for a few seconds.
Relax: Let go of the squeeze and relax your shoulders back to their starting position.
Repeat: Do this movement a few times, squeezing your shoulder blades together and then relaxing them

Seated Side Bend with Arms Crossed exercise

it’s important to perform exercises that promote healing, maintain range of motion, and prevent stiffness in the upper body.

The Seated Side Bend with Arms Crossed exercise can be beneficial in this regard. Here’s how to perform it:

Seated Position: Sit comfortably on a chair or stool with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
Cross Arms: Cross your forearms over each other in front of your chest, placing your right hand on your left forearm and your left hand on your right forearm.
Clasp Hands: Clasp your hands together just below the bend of your elbows.
Raise Arms: Inhale deeply as you raise your clasped hands overhead, keeping your elbows slightly bent and your palms facing upward.
Side Bend: Exhale slowly as you gently lean your upper body to one side, feeling a stretch along the side of your torso. Hold the stretch for a few seconds while maintaining gentle tension.
Return to Center: Inhale again as you return to an upright position, bringing your arms back overhead.
Repeat on Other Side: Exhale as you lean your upper body to the opposite side, holding the stretch for a few seconds before returning to center.
Repeat: Perform the side bend motion on each side for a total of 10 repetitions (5 times on each side).

This exercise helps improve flexibility and mobility in the torso and shoulders, while also promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the upper body. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any exercise regimen post-surgery to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual condition and needs.

Ball Squeeze Shoulder Flexion Exercise

Here are the instructions and benefits tailored for this post-breast surgery exercise:

Seated Position: Sit comfortably on a chair or stool with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. Ensure you are in a relaxed position.
Hold Soft Ball: Hold a soft ball (such as a stress ball or foam ball) in your hand with a gentle grip. Make sure the ball is comfortable to squeeze and won’t cause discomfort or strain.
Raise Hand: Raise the hand holding the ball slightly above shoulder level. This movement should be gentle and controlled, avoiding any sudden or jerky motions.
Squeeze the Ball: With the hand raised, squeeze the ball firmly but not excessively. Focus on engaging the muscles of your hand, forearm, and shoulder as you squeeze.
Hold for 5 Seconds: Maintain the squeeze for about 5 seconds, feeling the tension in your muscles. Keep breathing steadily throughout the exercise.
Release Slowly: Slowly release the squeeze in a controlled and rhythmic manner. Focus on gradually relaxing your hand, forearm, and shoulder as you release the tension.
Repeat: Repeat the exercise for a total of 10 repetitions on each side, alternating between your left and right arms.

Benefits:

Improves Range of Motion: The shoulder flexion movement helps improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder joint, which may become limited following breast surgery.
Strengthens Muscles: Squeezing the ball engages the muscles of the hand, forearm, and shoulder, helping to strengthen these muscles and promote better stability and support.
Promotes Circulation: The rhythmic squeezing and releasing action can help promote circulation in the hand and arm, reducing the risk of swelling and promoting healing.
Enhances Rehabilitation: This gentle exercise can be a part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program following breast surgery, helping to restore function and reduce discomfort in the affected arm and shoulder.
Stress Relief: Squeezing a soft ball can also provide a calming effect and help reduce stress and tension, which may be beneficial during the recovery period after breast surgery.

What to Do / Keep in mind after post-breast surgery

Do wear a loose rubber glove on your hand when washing dishes or gardening
Do protect your hand from pin pricks, scratches or cuts of any kind Careful manicure should be practiced
Use an electric razor with a narrow head for underarms shaving, reduce the risk of nicks and scratches.
Use a thimble while stitching
Use insect repellent to avoid bites.
Follow what your doctor says: Listen carefully to what your surgeon or healthcare provider tells you to do after surgery. This might include how to take care of your wound, what activities to avoid, what medicine to take, and when to go for check-ups.
Rest: Give yourself enough time to rest and get better after surgery. Don’t push yourself too hard or do too much too soon.
Wear comfy clothes: Choose loose and comfy clothes that don’t press on the area where you had surgery. Your doctor might suggest wearing special bras for extra support and comfort.
Move gently: Do gentle exercises and movements that your healthcare provider recommends to keep your body flexible and help blood flow. This could include breathing exercises, moving your shoulders, and stretching your arms.
Eat well: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of healthy foods to help your body heal. Drink enough water and try to avoid having too much caffeine or alcohol, as they might slow down healing.
Deal with pain: Take the pain medicine your doctor gives you to help with any discomfort. You can also use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
Talk to your healthcare team: Stay in touch with your healthcare team and let them know if anything unusual happens. Tell them if you have more pain, swelling, redness, or any other concerns.

Don't do these activities post-breast surgery

Do not allow injections of any kind on the affected arm
Do not allow blood to be drawn for tests from the affected arm
Do not take blood pressure recordings on the affected arm.
Do not wear tight clothing or jewelery on the affected arm.
Do not expose the affected arm or hand to extremes of temperatures
Don’t lift heavy things: Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing activities that could strain your surgery area. Follow your doctor’s advice about when it’s safe to start lifting things again.
Don’t smoke: Try not to smoke or use tobacco products, as they can slow down healing and make complications more likely.
Don’t miss check-ups: Go to all the appointments your doctor sets up for you. They’re important for checking how you’re doing and making sure you’re healing well.
Don’t ignore signs of infection: Watch out for signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or fluid coming from your surgery area. If you think you might have an infection, tell your doctor right away.
Don’t rush back into activities: Take it easy and don’t rush back into things like heavy lifting, exercising hard, or doing lots of physical work until your doctor says it’s okay. Ease back into your normal routine slowly.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself: Look after your emotional well-being by doing things that help you relax and feel good. This could include doing relaxation exercises, practicing mindfulness, or talking to friends, family, or a counselor if you need support.
Don’t ignore your body: Pay attention to how your body feels and don’t push yourself too hard during your recovery. Rest when you need to and put your health and well-being first.

Rules to remember after post-breast surgery

Please remember, starting exercises after your surgery is crucial for your recovery. Your surgeon will advise you when it’s safe to begin. Typically, exercises should commence on the second day after your surgery or as directed by your surgeon.
It’s important to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine. Aim to perform them three times a day, with 10 repetitions of each exercise during each session. Consistency is key to achieving the best results, so please continue doing these exercises for a minimum period of 6 months post-surgery.
Even if you’re undergoing radiation therapy, it’s essential to maintain your exercise regimen. Exercise can help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in your arms and shoulders, which is particularly important during treatment.
If you experience any swelling or discomfort in your arm during or after exercising, it’s essential to notify your healthcare provider promptly. Swelling may indicate lymphedema, a condition that requires early intervention for optimal management.
If you notice any swelling of the arm, please contact us at the following address [insert contact information here]. Your healthcare team is here to support you throughout your recovery journey and address any concerns or questions you may have.

Conclusion: It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid pain during exercise. If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult with your healthcare provider or you can directly contact Dr. Harshit Srivastava for Consultation. If you are from Lucknow city, you can search for Best Surgical Oncologist in Lucknow or Best Cancer Doctor in Lucknow . They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific surgery and recovery needs.

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