Weight Lifting Can Ease Arm Swelling in Breast Cancer Survivors

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I'm a cancer survivor and was thought to be secondary lymphedema. It was not until I developed lymphedema in other areas after injuries that I found I was a primary lymphedema patient with secondary triggers one of included cancer. Repetition and weight lifting such as groceries heavy ones make me suffer extreme pain and swell. So on this note, also noting the studies are relatively small and not really long term, I have to say it's not a great idea unless you can screen primary from secondary patients. Why not suggest yoga, isometric stretches, walking, other exercises that promote lymph flow but are not as much trauma to one area? I would hate to see someone having cancer surgery and not having lymphedema yet do weight lifting and bring it on.
Tina Budde
Lymphland.com
Lymphland International Lymphedema Online Support Group
ELymphnotes.com lymphedema magazine content editor

tina budde of NY 7:32PM August 17, 2009

When I had my surgery at age 37 in 1990, no one told me that I could not exercise with that arm. As a result, after I could "walk the spider" on the wall, I went back to my regular workout routine, weightlifting (no more than 15 lbs) and other exercising methods including running, biking, kickboxing, etc.
I am now 56 and I have never had any swelling in my arm.
In the first year after surgery my arm would ache and feel like things were being torn inside but I never stopped exercising and the pain was all gone within a year.
So pick up those weights and get moving!

Ann of Pa of PA 2:31PM August 13, 2009

I AM AN RN WHO RECALLS WORKING WITH WOMEN POST SURGERY IN THE 70'S WHEN THEY WERE ADVISED TO KEEP THE AFFECTED SIDE ARM ELEVATED AND GIVEN LIGHT EXERCISES TO DO (anyone remember doing the spider walk with your fingers up the wall?).
DEBRA IN KANSAS CITY

debra cordero of KS 1:57PM August 13, 2009

I like seeing ANYTIME, news and discussion about Lymphedema! It is a topic much ignored by the medical community. And tho I know arm LE is very much more common, there are those of us with LE in much more difficult places to deal with. I have genital/abdominal LE. Diet seems to be a huge factor, particularly anything in the Lipid family - since the abdominal nodes have the job of picking up Lipids and fat soluable proteins from the intestinal track.
I have had also, some success with doing excercise on an excercise ball... particularly laying across the ball to add compression to the stomach excercise.

mary rabchuk of WA 1:23PM August 13, 2009

well I have stage Iv metastic cancer spread to spine in REMISSION. I was living with lymphadema for somtime till I used the lymphapress for therapy. It completly took my problem away longterm. For 2 ywars I have been withot incident. I owe my thanks to this compression pump...Thank You, Monijolica

Monica R Goldstein (Monijolica.com) of CO 12:54PM August 13, 2009

Cutting down on salt and salty food also reduces swelling.

Margaret Wilde 6:45AM August 13, 2009

I've been on and off with the lymphatic arm for years now. I find keeping active is essential to keeping the fluids flowing. And I also like lifting weights, which, contrary to advice, seems to always help drain lymphatic fluid. Plus, we need to be strong, ladies!
This study is promising (though it's pretty obvious anything that helps keep us in shape is going to help with blocked fluids). I'd like to see more researchers taking this topic seriously.

ML of WA 1:02AM August 13, 2009

I had continued my activities after my mastectomy lifting my grandbaby, groceries, luggage,etc. I didn't have any problems until I started back to work 7 months later. At first I thought my shoulder was sore because of my heavy purse. I quit carrying it. Then I was told it might be from using the computer mouse or holding the phone with that arm for twelve hours a day. I readjusted my chair which didn't help. I went to therapy twice and it was so tender and painful I quit going and decided I'd exercise it myself. Sometimes it is sooo painful it feels like the bone below my shoulder is on fire and the pain is excrutiating. I'm continuing to lift and exercise the arm. At night I have a hard time getting to sleep because it is uncomfortable and in the morning it's just as bad as it was before I exercised. I don't know what the answer is!

Patricia of TX 11:37PM August 12, 2009

Yes, on weight lifting after breast cancer. It works and friends tell me I look better. Also, I've had good luck minimizing lymphedema with a cheaper stocking for arms from www.compressiondynamics.com In the $20 range and is much more comfortable.

Jo Constantine of WA 9:11PM August 12, 2009