Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 And no one gave you a list of exercises to do??? I got a whole list from the breast care nurse at discharge. Our hospital also has a Women's Center to get info. Lots of books (about breast cancer) will talk about exercises, might try the American Cancer Society as well. Barb Michigan Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Jami, I was told to take my fingers and walk them up the wall. Each day go a little higher. I never had stiffness or problems. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hi . My surgeon suggested that when in the shower, put the affeced arm on the surgery side next to the shower wall and gradually walk your fingers up as far as you can; I never got to the point where i was able to have my arm flush against the wall, but almost. another exercise he told me was to put the arm over your head and attempt to get to where you can touch your ear with it and then go as far as you can down from there. these two exercises really helped. if they got to hard to do or was painful then just stop and do them again later or the next day. Hope this helps! Ellen in Alameda, Ca/ -------------- Original message -------------- It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 my surgeon gave me 3: the walk your hand up pretend to be brushing the (in my case not there) hair on the back of your head bend at the waist so arm is hanging down, and rotate arm in small circles from the shoulder It did hurt to do for a while, but it definitely helped. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Thank you so much . I am going to try them. I appreciate it. Take care. Jami -- Re: Exercise question my surgeon gave me 3: the walk your hand up pretend to be brushing the (in my case not there) hair on the back of your head bend at the waist so arm is hanging down, and rotate arm in small circles from the shoulder It did hurt to do for a while, but it definitely helped. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Ellen in Alameda, Thank you for your information. I appreciate it also. I have noticed that my showers are longer than they used to be. Seems as though the warm water just feels so good and I don't want to get out. Now I have an excuse " I'm doing my exercises " HAHA Take Care, Jami -- Re: Exercise question Hi . My surgeon suggested that when in the shower, put the affeced arm on the surgery side next to the shower wall and gradually walk your fingers up as far as you can; I never got to the point where i was able to have my arm flush against the wall, but almost. another exercise he told me was to put the arm over your head and attempt to get to where you can touch your ear with it and then go as far as you can down from there. these two exercises really helped. if they got to hard to do or was painful then just stop and do them again later or the next day. Hope this helps! Ellen in Alameda, Ca/ -------------- Original message -------------- It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 nne, Thank you for that input. I am a little worried that this pain and pulling in my arm isn't going to go away. I keep thinking that it's only been 2 weeks but I guess I'm getting anxious, and want it to feel closer to normal before I start my Chemo treatments. By you not having any problems, that's comforting. Thanks, Jami -- Re: Exercise question Jami, I was told to take my fingers and walk them up the wall. Each day go a little higher. I never had stiffness or problems. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami ---------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 You know Barb, they gave me so many books......I honestly don't know where to begin. I have flipped through some of them looking for exercise info but nothing has jumped out at me. Maybe I should dig a little deeper. I have got several replies from the group, and will try them out for starters. Thanks you, Jami -- Re: Exercise question And no one gave you a list of exercises to do??? I got a whole list from the breast care nurse at discharge. Our hospital also has a Women's Center to get info. Lots of books (about breast cancer) will talk about exercises, might try the American Cancer Society as well. Barb Michigan Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hi My surgery was 2 weeks ago also and in my doc said start by holding your arm as stright up as you can get it and hold for a minute and then longer. It has been amazing just in the last 2 days the difference that has made. You are going to be fine just keep your chin up. B Tulsa Re: Exercise question nne, Thank you for that input. I am a little worried that this pain and pulling in my arm isn't going to go away. I keep thinking that it's only been 2 weeks but I guess I'm getting anxious, and want it to feel closer to normal before I start my Chemo treatments. By you not having any problems, that's comforting. Thanks, Jami -------Original Message------- Recent Activity a.. 21New Members b.. 5New Photos Visit Your Group Y! GeoCities Share Your Resume Show off your talent and skills. Y! Toolbar Get it Free! easy 1-click access to your groups. Yahoo! Groups Start a group in 3 easy steps. Connect with others. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Jami, Everyone is different and responds differently but you do need to gently exercise your arm so it doesn't stiffen up. The other thing the surgeon had me do was put a piece of rope or something over the door and then pull down with one hand, pulling the other up and then keep going back and forth. I did my walking the wall exercise several times a day but don't over do. You are in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami ---------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Thank you B. I have been doing similar things, but wasn't sure of the effectiveness since I wasn't doing " the wall " exercises. Although, last week I was having a hard time helping my 3 year old daughter with her bath and this week that has been a lot easier. So I must be doing something right I hope everything continues to go well for you. Thanks again, Jami -- Re: Exercise question Hi My surgery was 2 weeks ago also and in my doc said start by holding your arm as stright up as you can get it and hold for a minute and then longer. It has been amazing just in the last 2 days the difference that has made. You are going to be fine just keep your chin up. B Tulsa Re: Exercise question nne, Thank you for that input. I am a little worried that this pain and pulling in my arm isn't going to go away. I keep thinking that it's only been 2 weeks but I guess I'm getting anxious, and want it to feel closer to normal before I start my Chemo treatments. By you not having any problems, that's comforting. Thanks, Jami -------Original Message------- Recent Activity a.. 21New Members b.. 5New Photos Visit Your Group Y! GeoCities Share Your Resume Show off your talent and skills. Y! Toolbar Get it Free! easy 1-click access to your groups. Yahoo! Groups Start a group in 3 easy steps. Connect with others. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 nne, I have been using it, cleaning the house, cooking, stretching, etc., but I just wasn't or couldn't do the " wall " , and was concerned of the effectiveness of what I was doing.....I received a phone call today from a BC survivor, 6 years now, and she suggested the rope over the door exercise. She said that really helped her too. I appreciate your information. Take Care, Jami -- Re: Exercise question Jami, Everyone is different and responds differently but you do need to gently exercise your arm so it doesn't stiffen up. The other thing the surgeon had me do was put a piece of rope or something over the door and then pull down with one hand, pulling the other up and then keep going back and forth. I did my walking the wall exercise several times a day but don't over do. You are in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami ---------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 , I feel the same way about the showers - lol. I found the hand over the head trying to reach lower and lower was really the hardest of the exercises for me to do, but I tried to do them every day. I was diagnosed 4 years ago and have been on chemo on and off since then. I was doing good for about a year and a half then bingo, tumor markers went up again so here I go again! Ive been off work since the end of Sept. but hope to get back sometime in January. It's good being able to talk to people and look at the e-mails to get other perspectives on this. Although most time I wish it were someone else and not me of course, but I guess we all learn to live with 'glitches'. thanks for the return e-mail! Ellen --------- Re: Exercise question Hi . My surgeon suggested that when in the shower, put the affeced arm on the surgery side next to the shower wall and gradually walk your fingers up as far as you can; I never got to the point where i was able to have my arm flush against the wall, but almost. another exercise he told me was to put the arm over your head and attempt to get to where you can touch your ear with it and then go as far as you can down from there. these two exercises really helped. if they got to hard to do or was painful then just stop and do them again later or the next day. Hope this helps! Ellen in Alameda, Ca/ -------------- Original message -------------- It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hey Jami, This is Theresa and I haven't wrote in awhile but the docs told me the same thing. I was skeptical so I took it upon my self to start some light stretching exercises. I also scheduled an apt with an occupational therapist one who specializes in lymphedema. She is really wonderful and the exercises she showed me have made a world of difference. Ask your doctor about some light stretching moves to start out with. One, is to just extend your arm out to your side at shoulder length hold it for a few seconds and do that for about 8 to 10 reps a few times a day. Best of luck to you. TT. jlyn0868 thewrightway@...> wrote: It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Hi Jami, I know I preface most of my posts with 'it's been 21 years', but I want all of you to take what I say with that thought in mind. When I had my masts, my first doctor had me standing with my shoulder toward the wall and with a straight arm 'walking' the hand like a spider up the wall. As I progressed, he told me to stand closer and closer to the wall. He said just go as far as you can until some pain starts, then stop. The second surgeon 'doctor no bedside manner', said " use the hand up the wall " . My friend the onc said to do the same thing as the first doc told me to do, but not to cause myself pain. There's three docs and three opinions. I have full use of my arms today. Now I can't play tennis, but then I never could. *smile* Blessings, prayers and positive thoughts for all. -- Angel (A.K.A. Mari) mfgershman@... Please click each day to help others, IT'S FREE! http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 hi ladies, after my op i was given gentle exercises to do for my arm to help strengthen it, one of which was to use a towel or scarf, and put it behing your back the good arm at the bottom end, the operated side at the top and gently pull the arm up only about 5times and very gentle, another was to put my operated arm to the oppostie side of my body and gently strech it to as far as could with comfort to my shoulder area, eg right arm goes to left side of neck. after this i was told to do the walking up the wall with my fingers, i hope i have explained this right. tc sandy jami wright thewrightway@...> wrote: nne, I have been using it, cleaning the house, cooking, stretching, etc., but I just wasn't or couldn't do the " wall " , and was concerned of the effectiveness of what I was doing.....I received a phone call today from a BC survivor, 6 years now, and she suggested the rope over the door exercise. She said that really helped her too. I appreciate your information. Take Care, Jami -- Re: Exercise question Jami, Everyone is different and responds differently but you do need to gently exercise your arm so it doesn't stiffen up. The other thing the surgeon had me do was put a piece of rope or something over the door and then pull down with one hand, pulling the other up and then keep going back and forth. I did my walking the wall exercise several times a day but don't over do. You are in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami ---------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.18/586 - Release Date: 12/13/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 Hello Jami and others. The exercises that you are all describing is common for rotator cuff rehabilition. I am not sure of the connection other than all of the supporting tissues are connected together in a very small area. Maybe other rotator cuff exercises can help as well. Any physical therapist could show you the 4 or 5 exercises normally prescribed. There is also the thought that weigh lifting can have a positive effect with cancer survivors. See article on I posted on my website. http://www.clickitforthecure.com/Breast%20Cancer%20Info.htm#Study:%20Pumping %20Iron%20Helps%20Cancer%20Survivors Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 hi kieth, thanks very interesting web site, i would love to be able to go to the gym i have other health problems that prevent that, also ladies i have decided after a lot of thought decided to stop the arimidex due to many factors, i have tried this drug for 6mths now and yes sometimes i was so ill i could not even get off the sofa, my heart used to race, the sweats were bad, and i have to shop ect to get the food in the house as i live alone, i do not have support, . my onc said before the pills were around they used to remove a womens ovaries,i may try them every other day instead of every day , but i do not think it will make much difference. after one week of the armidex i feel like my old self with the aches and pains due to my other problems, and the armi has put my lipids up which i used to be able to control with diet, even with the increase of my lipid drug(lipitor) they are on the rise, as i have said before catch 22, and yes it was not an easy decision. hope all of you as well as you can be, hugs sandy in oz. March keithmarch@...> wrote: Hello Jami and others. The exercises that you are all describing is common for rotator cuff rehabilition. I am not sure of the connection other than all of the supporting tissues are connected together in a very small area. Maybe other rotator cuff exercises can help as well. Any physical therapist could show you the 4 or 5 exercises normally prescribed. There is also the thought that weigh lifting can have a positive effect with cancer survivors. See article on I posted on my website. http://www.clickitforthecure.com/Breast%20Cancer%20Info.htm#Study:%20Pumping %20Iron%20Helps%20Cancer%20Survivors Take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 Jami My surgeon didn't give me any exercises either. But my oncologist sure suggested some, LOL. He had me do wall walking-you put your fingers on the wall in front of you and " walk " your way up as high as you can. No cost involved and it sure did work for me. hugs Pam 15 year survivor of IBC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 , I began with this: Putting (resting) non-effected elbow on waist high counter (like leaning on the counter) and letting effected arm hang down doing small circles.........as I did this the circles became larger and I began to be able to do the wall climbing......thought I'd just pass this one........you take care Darlene jami wright thewrightway@...> wrote: You know Barb, they gave me so many books......I honestly don't know where to begin. I have flipped through some of them looking for exercise info but nothing has jumped out at me. Maybe I should dig a little deeper. I have got several replies from the group, and will try them out for starters. Thanks you, Jami -- Re: Exercise question And no one gave you a list of exercises to do??? I got a whole list from the breast care nurse at discharge. Our hospital also has a Women's Center to get info. Lots of books (about breast cancer) will talk about exercises, might try the American Cancer Society as well. Barb Michigan Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 15, 2006 Report Share Posted December 15, 2006 Jami, sounds like the group has given you some suggestions. I also had a rope which I put over the top of a door and pulled down one arm at a time. Then I tied it to a door knob and stood back so my arm was straight out and did circles, one way and then another. I think you'll be surprised how well it comes back. I still feel a pinch when I stretch that arm, but can do just about anything with that arm. Just have to be careful not to carry too much... Barb Michigan Exercise question It has been 2 weeks since my second surgery. Lymphnode removal. My surgeon suggested I " push up against the wall " with the affected arm. Well, I know there has got to be something just as effective but not so harsh, I just don't know what. That's where you all come in!! Any other suggestions? Has anyone else been unable to lift their arm straight up or out to the side after this surgery? Thanks, Jami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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