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Is it safe to walk my dog less than a week after having a lumpectomy?

Elara
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This may sound so trivial but I am a little confused over different information.  I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal on Friday 6th September. I just wondered when it is safe to walk my dog. She is a boxer labrador.  Thank you. 

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    Hi Elara, 

    I hope you are recovering well following your lumpectomy and lymph node removal and I can imagine you are looking forward to a bit of normality (and fresh air) walking your dog. I am not sure myself when is a safe time for you to resume your dog walking routine but I imagine you have been given the number of a breast nurse following your surgery who will be able to advise you or find this out for you. Alternatively, you could ring your GP or get in touch with your surgery and they can check this for you. Our cancer nurses may have further guidance for you on this or may be able to point you in the right direction so feel free to give them a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Other members of our forum may be dog owners who have had a lumpectomy and lymph removal and I hope that they will come and tell you more about when they themselves were able to take their four-legged friends for a walk. 

    I hope that you will be able to get out and about soon.

    Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    I think you have to listen to your body really - my breast nurse told me not to do anything for two full weeks, but I was going stir crazy sitting around the house so walked mine about a week after surgery (I had WLE with mammoplasty & sentinel node biopsy). I was very surprised how quickly I got tired though, so maybe aim for shorter walks for now. Also definitely don't hold the lead on the affected side. My Patterdale is a bit of a live wire and I switched hands without thinking....big mistake! 

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