I did the excersises and my surgeon told me i would not have full range of motion because of the side i had cancer on they had to take alot of chest muscle were the tumoer was embedded cuz ofnthe size aand also over 20 lymph nodes removed alot of nerves and i wasnt going to not have full range so i pushed myself and i do have it, but i have alot of arthritic pain in my elbow and lymphedema in the arm. But good luck with yours i hope it comes out just fine

I am sorry to hear U will be needing surgery. U will do great! I think being left handed has helped me because I naturally used that arm constantly. I also had what is called a PECS 1& 2 block. I get deathly sick on anything narcotic and this block decreases the need for any narcotic with anesthesia. It worked like a charm. No pain after surgery and zero pain meds. Sending prayers and good wishes!

Thank U! I have been doing a lot of ROM but may go to PT at point.

I also experienced cording post surgery and it was very uncomfortable! Massaging the area while you are in the shower when your skin/muscles are warm helps. Good luck.

Thank you in advance - I am glad to hear from someone who had left @mastectomy, no reconstruction. My sister-in-law had the same and said she started exercising quickly and that it was key in getting full range of motion. My surgeon noted there would be some tightness, and I can understand that much depends on how many lymph nodes are removed. My surgery will happen on April 11, and I am quite nervous about recovery.