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I don't have Lymphadema (yet, and hope to not get it). I had bilateral mastectomy Jan 28, 2009. I just started working out. I talked to my oncologist and she said to start with a 3 pound weight and once I feel comfortable with that, to go up to 5 pound weight but do not go over a 5 pound weight. If that is not enough to just do more reps. I had been having problems with my shoulder and right arm (the one the lymph nodes were removed) and the PT has been working on it. I really need to lose weight, which will help hopefully to not get lymphadema. Since I also had radiation, I have a triple threat of possibly getting it. (lymph nodes removed, overweight, radiation). I had heard stories both of not exercising and to exercise. I am glad I talked to my doctor first. She agreed with the exercise. I hope I never get lymphedema, but if I do, I believe some exercise is better than none.
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Phyllis, you make a good point. I have lived with lymphedema for 12 years now and know that whatever changes I make to my arm exercise routine must be done gradually. With this latest news, I upped my twice-a-week weight lifting from seven pounds to eight pounds, and will use the eight-pound weights for several months (if there is no increased swelling), and only then consider increasing to nine pounds. Soundbites are dangerous when it comes to a complicated and little-understood condition like lymphedema. Thanks for the precautionary advice.
Jan
I'm glad to hear that you are exercising your arm. I haven't been as consistent as I should in developing a regular strength training program. I have found that wearing a compression sleeve when I exercise is very helpful. Thanks for adding your experience to the conversation. I'm sure it will be helpful for people who are considering starting arm exercises.
When I started exercising the arm with lymphedema, I lifted only a one-pound weight and then gradually increased to three pounds. At that time the experts advised lifting no more than three pounds with the affected arm. Then I read somewhere that five pounds was ok as a limit, so I increased it, again gradually and ALWAYS wearing the compression sleeve. Then later on I heard it was ok to do 7 pounds and that is where I am now. I haven't experienced any increased swelling. But each individual is different and must watch his/her arm for any volume increase. Seven pounds may be too much for some people.