Exercises to speed breast Ca surgery recovery: slow is definitely the way to go when it comes to exercise after surgery to prevent muscle atrophy.(EXERCISE RX)

A major problem in patients who are undergoing rehabilitation after cancer surgery or chemotherapy is that platelet counts go down, and patients develop thrombopenia and bleed easily.

In addition, the peripheral nervous system may be impaired, and patients may lose some sensation--for example, they may not feel the floor beneath them when they step down.

Although movement is crucial to prevent muscle wasting in cancer patients, slow is definitely the way to go. Patients should move carefully as to avoid trauma, because too much friction can cause bleeding.

To avoid friction, cancer patients should avoid using weights, especially early in recovery.

When patients can do 10-12 repetitions of an exercise comfortably, they can add weights, but they should be sure to pad their wrists and ankles before using weights, to reduce the risk of cuts and infections.

In this month's column, we will look at some exercises for patients recovering from mastectomy. (See illustrations and instructions for patients shown at right.)

Even if they feel weak, patients must be encouraged to get out of bed and take a few steps every day to reduce the risk of atrophy.