Hi,

The lymph node clearance is a bit more unpleasant than the mastectomy but not everyone gets lymphoedema.  At the beginning, I had a touch in my mastectomy site, and went to a clinic where I had drainage exercises and massage and it all cleared up.  No sign of anything in my arm, just had a bit of cording but the hospital physiotherapist massaged it away as easy as you please.

Three years down the line, everything is great. I am doing everything I ever did, I take the hormone therapy, which does give menopausal symptoms, but is no biggie. A hot flush when the weather is getting cold is quite welcome sometimes!  I don't see why you won't be able to keep up with your activities once you've got over the immediate post surgery irritations. 
Good luck, and don't worry, the anticipation is often far worse than the experience.

Christine xx

Thank you for sharing - it's really helpful. :)

Hi,

I went through Breast cancer in 2021 and had a full mastectomy and reconstruction and 15 lymph nodes removed chemo, radiotherapy and 4 months later i had the implant removed due to infection and didn't get another as it would have set me back 6 months if not more and being an active person myself with horses this was not viable. I continued to ride and compete through all of my treatments apart from the post op recovery where i had to be inactive for 4-6 weeks i never stopped. I am at a risk of getting lymphodemia but so long as i am (careful easier said then done around horses) i can live my normal active life. Don't give up keep up the active side as best you can it gets through thehardest of days.

Thank you for taking the time to reply, its so helpful and to see that you have been able to continue with the sport that you love is great. :)