Komen: Lifting Weights After Breast Cancer Surgery

MIAMI (CBS4) -- Many women try to get back to normal life following breast cancer treatment and sometimes that involves exercising. But some women who experience swelling in their arms after surgery are warned against strenuous exercise. In today's Komen for the Cure report, there's a new study that suggests lifting weights may actually be beneficial.

"I would look at the different arms and this one was obviously bigger than this one," explained breast cancer survivor Starr Fisher.

When Starr Fisher was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, she had many of the lymph nodes under her arm removed. It caused her to develop lymphedema.

"My rings were tight, and my hand was hard because there was swelling inside my hand," said Fisher.

The swelling is a common side effect of surgery.

"The lymphatic system is normally responsible for removing all the excess fluid in our bodies and when that system is interrupted there can be a backup of fluid and protein which causes an increase in swelling," said Lisa Berman, Cert. Lymphedema Specialist, Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

In the past, doctors recommended patients not lift anything more than five pounds. But lack of exercise could be counter-productive by creating a lack of strength and a loss in range of motion.

New studies now suggest lifting weights can be helpful.

"The new studies actually show that patients that went through a very slow progressive weight training program actually showed decrease in their symptoms of lymphedema, they're showing an improvement of the lymphedema symptoms that they do have," said Dr. Berman.

These new studies indicate, with help from a lymphedema specialist, many patients may be able to lift weights and eventually have greater physical activity.

"They will be able to go about their daily activities in a more normal manner," according to Berman. "They will be able to resume athletic activities and really just maintain a more normal lifestyle.

"I haven't really stated lifting weights. I think now I need to," said Fisher.

For more information about breast cancer education, diagnosis and treatment, just go to this website, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter.