My Breastie Says Videos

You’ve had surgery: it could be, back or knee or mastectomy or breast reconstruction. It doesn’t really matter. At some point the surgeon will tell you it’s OK to start moving your body again. This should seem like a good thing, and it is! However it can also feel kinda scary. ☁️ What the surgeon doesn’t really get into is the fact that YES, IT IS NORMAL to feel some pain when you move! And let me explain why that pain will actually keep you safe! ☁️ So our bodies have these natural “pain barriers” built into them- it’s why we can’t just bend our fingers all the way backwards until we break a bone. The pain lets us know that we are approaching danger: we feel pain so we stop but we haven’t actually damaged anything. Continuing with the finger example: Say normally I can bend my finger back to 80 deg and that’s when warning pain starts. IF I had surgery on that finger, “warning pain” would start a lot sooner, at say, 30 deg (I’m just making up this numbers). It’s increasing the safety barrier for me! Pretty clever! ☁️ But if I didnt know it was a protective barrier, I might assume I’m causing damage and I shouldn’t move at all. ☁️ The TL/DR is, if the surgeon said you can move, it’s ok to experience pain while doing that AS LONG AS YOU CAN TOLERATE IT. Your own body’s protective system will kick in before you do any damage. ☁️ I hope that helps and if it’s still not clear, let me know and I”ll try again! and if it was helpful, please share so others can learn too!!! 💙🙏 #lifeafterbreastcancer #mastectomyrecovery #breastcancerthriver #breastcancersurvivor #pain #breastcancersurvivor #youngbreastcancer #diepflap

Stop scrolling if you just had surgery or are going to- here’s an import tip! ☁️ Dial down your expectations to “gentle.” Surgery is a big deal and your idea of “slaying” (as the kids say) recovery might actually look different in real life. It’s important to sleep and rest. It’s important to eat, so do your best and don’t fret if you’re not making the world’s most healthy choices. ☁️ And yes, movement is important too, but that should begin gradually. Don’t under-estimate how exhausting a shower can be! ☁️ If you begin your recovery gently and slowly you are only helping yourself in the long run. Do too much now and you could set yourself back bc of increased pain. Etc. ☁️ What are some of your fave post-op tips? And if this was helpful, please share so others can learn too! 🙏💙 #mastectomyrecovery #lumpectomy #diep #lifeafterbreastcancer #brca #tnbc #brcasisters #breastcancersurvivor

There are zillions of good stretches for after a mastectomy or breast reconstruction, but today I’m going to show one of my favorite for when you’re further along in your recovery. ☁️ This one is a variation on that old yoga standard, child’s pose, that allows for a deeper stretch into your shoulders as well as your tummy. You need something stable to rest your arms on, like a couch or chair, and that’s it! ☁️ Go slowly and pay attention to where you feel the stretch. The intensity needs to be TOLERABLE. If you push too hard or too fast you may end up pulling a muscle or creating more pain. Slow and gentle will give you the best stretch. ☁️ I also gave some tips on how to best stretch your tummy if you are someone who had a DIEP reconstruction. ☁️ Give it a try and let me know if you like it! If it was helpful, please share so others can have a delicious stretch too. 🙏💙 And as always, before starting a new exercise make sure it’s ok with your surgeon. 😉 #breastcancerrecovery #lifeafterbreastcancer #mastectomyrecovery #mastectomy #diepflap #breastcancersurvivor #youngbreastcancer #childspose #yogastretch

This is one of my FAVORITE stretches!! I was sitting in the park with my pup (@augustdogust ) stretching away and thought I’d share it with you. ☁️ In general we don’t stretch (or move) our side body much and as a result it can feel pretty tight. Add a mastectomy or lymph node dissection on top of that and that area can not only feel tight but can be sore to sleep on! ☁️ When you do this stretch or any stretch, it should NOT feel like “bad” pain., and if you recently had surgery make sure your doctor has ok’d stretching. It should feel tolerable and hopefully even kinda nice. ☁️ Take your time and breathe through it. The inhales especially will stretch you from the inside out. ☁️ Be sure and save this for the next time you want a delicious stretch, and as always, please share if you found this helpful! 💙☁️ #stretch #sidebodystretch #mastectomyrecovery #lifeafterbreastcancer #youngbreastcancer #breastcancerthriver

I dont post this to be a Debbie Downer, even though it kinda seems that way. Instead, think of me as your Friendly Francesca, helping you set appropriate expectations so you are prepared AF when the time comes. ☁️ Other ways to help your body recover from chemo include: 💙 Regular movement, such as walking to build up stamina, and weight lifting when you feel up for it. A healthy diet is always important. 💙 @lj.amaral is a great follow for ideas, plus she’s super smart about diet and cancer if you have questions. 💙 We also need our sleep and if you’re really struggling with menopausal symptoms, my pal @functionalcancercare is a wealth of knowledge! ☁️ The end of chemo is soo exciting and each day you will get stronger and stronger! And as always, if you found this helpful please share. 🙏💙 #lifeafterbreastcancer #breastcancerthriver #chemohair #brca #tnbc #breastcancersurvivor #breastcancerunder40 #brcastrong #mastectomyrecovery

Every once in a while I like to jump on here to apologize on behalf of our medical system. Today seemed like as good a day as any. ☁️ Just bc you had cancer DOES NOT mean any other ache or pain is insignificant, or you’re a wimp for even complaining about it. What infuriates me the most is that cancer treatment itself leaves so many new symptoms in its wake and our health care system is not set up to give you the support you need for this. Yes, you can be grateful the cancer is gone, but you can also complain about the tingling in your hands or the weight gain or the fatigue or whatever else the treatment caused. ☁️ And please follow this account for suggestions and strategies for dealing with these issues, bc there actually are a lot! And as always, if this was helpful please share so others can find relief too. 🙏💙 #lifeafterbreastcancer #mastectomyrecovery #chemolife #tnbc #triplenegativebreastcancer #brca #youngbreastcancer #breastcancerunder40 #breastcancerthriver

Hi! As a physical therapist who specializes in breast cancer, I usually post about that stuff. But I’m also a woman in her mid-forties who has perimenopausal skin and today I’m sharing my experience with 3 products. *PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT BEING REIMBURSED FOR ANY OF THIS. I PAID FOR ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS*. ☁️ Marula oil: Truth be told, I originally bought this bc I saw an influencer say that Trader Joe’s sold a high quality product for a low price and not to waste money on Sephora versions. I obviously couldn’t pass up that bargain so I purchased it not knowing what it did or why I needed it. I half to say I love it! It’s the first part of my morning and night routine and it soaks into my skin effortlessly. I recently did some digging to see if it’s actually doing anything or if its just in my head and this is what I found: -It’s been used in Africa for thousands of years for its skin care benefits. - it has tons of antioxidants (like vitamin C and E) that help fight gross City air AND sun damage! - it can soften fine lines and reduce acne. ☁️ Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: I am so pleased with this one. My skin is uneven in both color and texture. So not a huge make up girl. Which is why I love this Ilia product, bc I put it on and it checks so many boxes: plumps my skin so the make up doesn’t settle in the eye creases, evens out the skin color, AND adds sunscreen!! Can never have too much of that! Il Makiage: Now this does do what it says it does, which is plump up under the eyes, reduce bags and wrinkles. However in doing so it left kind of a powdery, drying surface to my skin, and we ladies with the bags also tend to have drying skin so I just dont see who this works for. Good news is they have an easy return policy! ☁️ Was this post helpful? I personally enjoy hearing about products my friends have tried and if there is something you love/hate please share below!! #lifeafterbreastcancer #menopausalskin #skincare #mastectom

Let’s play, “WHY AM I SO TIRED?: BREAST CANCER TREATMENT EDITION!” ☁️ Go ahead and take a screenshot to determine why you’re so tired today! ☁️ All kidding aside, there are sooo many reasons you should be tired during AND after treatment for breast cancer.( Please notice not one of them is “because you are lazy.” ). ☁️ Your body, mind and soul have been through so much but as women it’s easy to almost forget that and just get angry for being so tired. ☁️ For more info re: hormones, gut biome, and all things blood labs follow my bestie @functionalcancercare. ☁️ For cancer nutrition, I love @lj.amaral and @cancernutritionhq. They both provide research backed info along with easy recipes. ☁️ For the best microsurgery AND fashion content you MUST follow @drdhivyasrinivasa! Trust me. ☁️ Drop a 😴 in the comments if you struggle with fatigue during and/or after treatment. If so, have you found anything that works for you? And if this was helpful please share so others have the resources they need 💙🙏 thank you! #lifeafterbreastcancer #chemolife #cancerfatigue #breastcancerrecovery #diepflap #tamoxifen #mastectomyrecovery #breastcancerthriver #cancernutrition

It is so common to feel disconnected from your body after surgery, especially when it is related to your breasts. (This is another one you can file under “things no one tells you after mastectomy.”). ☁️ This is one of those symptoms that might even lurk in the background, like you just feel “off” in your body without even being able to put words to it. ☁️ If you think about it, for years you operated in this world with a particular set of breasts. Sure, they changed if you gained/lost weight. But that typically happens gradually- not in the matter of a few hours. ☁️ Your brain takes some time to update its “map” of you. It’s still operating on the old model, and that can contribute to that feeling of being “off” in your own body. ☁️ Taking time to intentionally touch your expanders/implants/reconstructed breast or the scar/chest if you opt for a flat closure will help your brain perform its recalculations. This takes time. Even just being aware and having compassion for yourself can help, as can a good therapist to talk to! And if this helped at all, please share so other breasts can benefit, I greatly appreciate it! 🙏💙 #mastectomyrecovery #lifeafterbreastcancer #breastcancerbefore40 #flatclosure #diepflap #brcastrong #breastreconstruction

Great news if you have lymphedema and Medicare! ☁️ Starting in 2024 Medicare will pay for 3 compression garments/bandages every 6 months and 2 night time garments every 2 years! 😲 ☁️ You must have a diagnosis of lymphedema from your physician, PA or NP and purchase supplies from a durable medical supplier that contracts with Medicare. ☁️ Spread the word! It is so rare Medicare gives us a holiday present!! #lymphedema #lymphaticdrainage #lymphedemaawarenessmonth #breastcancersurvivor #lymphie

A lot of influencers show you their fave exercises, I however, am going to do the opposite. Follow @mybreastiesays for more of “exercises I hate!” ☁️ These are a handful of exercises that seem to always pop up in classes and as a physical therapist I find them fatally flawed and refuse to do them and think you should too. Instead I’ll give you an alternative so you don’t have to just stand there in class glaring at the instructor. This overhead tricep extension exercise and I have been enemies ever since the first time my neck went out in my 20s. Reasons I can’t stand it: -You have to kinda bend your head out of the way so you don’t knock yourself with the weight. -You need perfect shoulder motion and stability (which MOST of us don’t have) to be in the right position. -Without perfect shoulder positioning you will aggravate other muscles. -Even if you start with perfect positioning as you get tired you will easily overuse a neck or rotator cuff muscle. -To sum up, it’s awkward AF. And unless your job is to hammer ceilings all day, there is no reason to do it. Just swap it out for the other, more sane and responsible tricep exercise I demonstrate that has the added bonus of strengthening your upper back (ie posture muscles), too. ☁️ Want info on another exercise? Drop it in the comments! #tricepworkout #breastcancersurvivor #cancerexercise #mastectomyrecovery #cancercoach #chemo #lifeafterbreastcancer

I have a new hobby! Just learning how to use @lifelapse_app to create stop animation and this is my first attempt! What do you think? ☁️ Anyone who follows this account knows I’m obsessed with George’s Always Active Aloe Vera juice for its spring water taste, hydrating properties, gut healing abilities etc (available on my link tree) so seemed like a no brainer to begin my stop animating journey there! ☁️ #lifeafterbreastcancer #aloevera #stopanimation #gutbiome #guthealth #breastcancer #breastcancersupport

Sunday inspiration and #ASMR! ☁️ Watched @augustdogust lose himself in what he loves: digging for gophers. And it reminded me of that all to elusive feeling of “flow.” ☁️ As we begin this new week in the holiday season, my wish for you is even 47 seconds worth of your own flow. 🙏 ☁️ #lifeafterbreastcancer #breastcancersupport #selfcare #flow #cockapoo #terrier #dig #joy #findyourjoy #mentalhealth #nature #breastcancerunder40 #brca #breastcancerfree #breastcancerwarrior

Honestly this is one of the easiest (in theory) and most bang for your buck exercise you can do- targets big muscle groups, very functional, all you need is your chair. Notice how the back of my legs are close to chair and my butt lands square in center of chair- that’s important bc it keeps knees happy. Start with even just one set of 5, and sprinkle through the day and it will make a difference! Don’t forget to breathe! ☁️ #breastcancerunder40 #breastcancer #exercise #squats #exercise #selfcare #brca1 #menopause #bonedensity #brca2 #triplenegative #breastcancerthriver #cancerwarrior #cancersucks #breastcancerthriver

Quick Ab Strengthening Tip! ☁️💪 A little hard to see in video (not yet comfortable with body close ups! 😝) but the point is, if you’re doing crunches, make sure you are taking the time to BREATHE! Especially exhale as you are lifting up! ☁️💪 I will be posting more of these little videos to help us work-out from home-ers learn how to monitor our own form like a PHYSICAL THERAPIST would! Once you know what to look for it’s not hard! ☁️💪 If you’re taking a class and the instructor is having you do crunches so fast you can’t take a moment to breathe, your going to pooch your belly out, and as I mentioned, what we train is what we’re going to end up with. So slow it down and do it correctly. Less is more. ☁️💪 Any exercises you struggle with? Post below and I’ll make a video! #ExerciseLikeaPhysicalTherapist #breastcancer #exercise #coreworkout #breastcancerunder40 #breastcancersucks #selfcare #mastectomy #breastcancerwarrior

Back from my #Disney vacation, haven’t even unpacked but still need to stretch! ☁️ Love this one bc it really gets your upper spine and front of your shoulders/chest. Allow your head to follow your hands so your neck gets some love, too. ☁️ #breastcancerunder40 #breastcancer #stretches #radiation #posture #radiotherapy #brca #pten #brca1 #brca2 #mastectomy #lumpectomy #stageivneedsmore #breastcancersurvivor #cancersupport #fightingcancer #cancersucks #chemosucks #breastcancerthriver #lifeaftercancer

Today’s #breastcancer stretch location….Epcot Center! ☁️ We call this the “butterfly stretch” @rehab_specialists_inc and I’ve shown a few variations to not only stretch your chest/shoulders but also to get your upper back moving. ☁️ Personally, I like to do this one seated with some back support where I can kinda lean backwards into the chair a bit- really great chest opener! ☁️ Follow this account for more #stretches designed to do anywhere, which is especially helpful when you have been through radiation and need to stretch most every day. ☁️ #breastcancerunder40 #radiation #radiotherapy #mastectomy #posture #lumpectomy #cancerwarrior #breastcancerthriver #breastcancersurvivor #breastcancerawareness #breastcancerfree #morethanapinkribbon #brca #brca1 #brca2 #triplenegative #triplenegativebreastcancer #selfcare #wellness #survivor #motionislotion

Here it is! My surprise location and first stretch you can do every and anywhere, such as in front of the castle in Magic Kingdom! ☁️ Start by linking your hands together, then flip so palms face away from you. Reach over head and then bend side to side. Drop your arms crisply like you’re reliving your high school cheerleading days (lol) and repeat as needed! ☁️ Follow @mybreastiesays for more every day chest stretches perfect for after radiation- coming to you from @waltdisneyworld all week!! ☁️ #breastcancerunder40 #breastcancer #mastectomy #lumpectomy #stretches #radiation #radiationtherapy #radiotherapy #posture #selfcare #chemo #chemowarrior #chemosurvivor #cancersucks #cancerthriver #breastcancerthriver #diep #breastreconstruction

Sunday relaxation….sound on if a giant pig snuffling around in a muddy puddle does it for you. ☁️ Went with my sis @coffeybecki to @junefarms in #UpstateNY yesterday and it was like a spa day for my soul. I live in a big city and Altho I love it the overstimulation is real. Reconnecting with nature is so needed. ☁️ So I recorded this piggy just doing her thing. If you’re currently stress scrolling, take a moment, put the sound on, deeply exhale and just enjoy. Our days are packed full with stress, esp if you are in the middle of breast cancer treatment, and even 30 seconds of slow breathing can make a positive change in your body. 🐷 Hope Piggy Smalls here brought a smile to your day! ☁️ #selfcare #breastcancerunder40 #mentalhealth #farmlife #breastcancer #breastcancerunder30 #breastcancerwarrior #justbreathe #selflove #mastectomy #chemo