Ok, the cancer is gone, but so is your breast. You’ve had to say hello to a road map of scars and the new nude you. But there’s more than just the physical changes. What about how you feel about yourself? What about your relationship? What about sex?

Your self image, emotional chaos and perhaps general lack of energy are likely challenging your ability to think about intimacy or sex.

Are you concerned about intimacy, your relationship or being able to find a partner?

Exercising after breast surgery is so important. Exercise can help you:

• get back full movement of your arm
• reduce pain and swelling
• decrease joint stiffness
• improve your overall well-being

However, many women are not taught exercises after they have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Often, they are sent home with only printed instructions to read. Half an hour of an educator’s time and proper instructions can help women get back to their regular activities sooner and spare them weeks of unnecessary discomfort. This would not only improve their quality of life but save the health care system money.

I’d like to hear about your experience.
How did exercise post-surgery help you? Did you receive instructions at the hospital about how to exercise?