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Published Articles
October 2006 Fitness Tip
One of my main concerns after having the mastectomy was
if I was still going to be able to do weight training. I
knew the medical community recognized the benefits of
aerobic exercise, but because lymphedema caused by the
removal of lymph nodes causes fluid retention, the old
wisdom was that you shouldn’t lift anything heavy.
Lymphedema is a condition in which excess fluid called
lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling.
Lymphedema may occur in the arms or legs. This often
happens after lymph vessels or nodes in the armpit are
removed by surgery or damaged by radiation, impairing
the normal drainage of lymphatic fluid.
My doctor told me I could do anything except put a
tourniquet on my arm, which I wasn’t planning on doing
anyway. But, many people have misconceptions based on
outdated information that lifting anything once you have
lymphedema can cause it to worsen. This is not true! The
updated studies confirm that exercise which causes
muscle contractions, especially in the arm and calf,
help to promote lymph flow to veins in the neck region
where it returns to the blood circulation. Exercise also
helps the proteins in lymph fluid to be reabsorbed. Both
result in a lesser severity of lymphedema.
The other benefit of doing weight training again is that
it is helping me get back the range of motion in my
arms. This is important to maintain, just to be able to
perform daily living skills. This is similar to people
with arthritis. The old wisdom was that they shouldn’t
move or the pain would increase and worsen. That myth
has also been proven wrong. Moving and lifting (within
reason) is a good thing. Like a rusty hinge the longer
you don’t use it the harder it will be to get it
unstuck.
A study done by Dr. Susan R. Harris, PhD, PT, School of
Rehabilitations Sciences states that “ Results of a
series of case reports suggest that women who have
received axillary dissection and, in many cases
radiation, for treatment of breast cancer can safely
engage in strenuous upper extremity exercise without
developing lymphedema. Because many women who have been
treated from breast cancer are at increased risk for
cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis due to premature
menopause, the opportunity to partake in competitive
recreational activities with both aerobic and
bone-building benefits is extremely important.”
It is never too late to improve your health and fitness.
Get moving!!!! |
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Breast Cancer
August 2006
September 2006
October 2006
February 2007
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December 2008
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