Recovering from Breast Surgery: Exercises to Strengthen Your Body and Relieve Pain [Paperback]

Diana Stumm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 1995

A practical guide for women to accelerate and ease recovery from breast cancer surgery and other breast-related surgeries offers exercises to strengthen the body and relieve pain, uses real women's stories as examples, and addresses emotional issues involved. Original. IP.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Diana Stumm, a physical therapist for breast cancer patients for nearly 30 years, describes the physical difficulties, such as severe pain and loss of motion, that patients may encounter after breast cancer surgery. Utilizing her experience and understanding of breast surgery and recovery, she writes eight concise and well-organized chapters on how to speed up the process of recovery. The tone is anecdotal, as she tells the story of numerous past patients struggling with their recovery. Using interesting dialogue about common breast-surgery recovery complications as well as the various treatments or rehabilitation procedures, Stumm tells an engaging story to recovering patients or soon-to-be ones of successful and self-fulfilling rehabilitation. "Terry was experiencing the most intense period of the skin hypersensitivity phase, which I call the 'novocaine effect.' During the first week after surgery, the skin of her upper inner arm was numb. Then, as feeling returned, she had predictable sensations of irritation and hypersensitivity. Now her arm felt sunburned and raw."

As she walks "Terry" through the exercises, Stumm concurrently coaches the reader in a nonthreatening and memorable way. Exercises and illustrations to help strengthen and restore full movement in one's arm texture the book as they relate to specific recovery stages. Stumm explains the complications that can happen after an implant and tissue transplant and illustrates exercises to help overcome them. In addition, she prepares readers for radiation and makes them aware of what to expect from the treatments. When asked whether treatments will make a patient sick, Stumm responds, "No. That's because your digestive tract is not exposed. You may well notice some fatigue, especially during the last few weeks. Your body feels drained of energy because it is working hard to repair normal cells damaged by the radiation. It is also tiring just to get yourself into the hospital every day for the treatments." Not only does Strumm provide a wealth of useful information, she does so with utmost compassion. --Cate Bick

Review

Post-surgical experience rather than the usual pre-surgical decision-making process is the focus of an important coverage which explains what to do after breast surgery to encourage complete recovery. This outlines everything from physical restrictions and exercises to self-care, telling women just what they can expect in the weeks and months after surgery. Different surgeries are covered in an excellent title. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Hunter House; 1st edition (April 12, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897931807
• ISBN-13: 978-0897931809
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,269,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Basics for Breast Cancer Patients, April 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Recovering from Breast Surgery: Exercises to Strengthen Your Body and Relieve Pain (Paperback)

This book told me so much more than all of my doctors put together, and in a very concise, practical, and friendly way. I plan to give it to all of my friends with recent breast cancer and to give some copies to my surgeon to give to other patients.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book made a major difference in my recovery., January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Recovering from Breast Surgery: Exercises to Strengthen Your Body and Relieve Pain (Paperback)

This is a practical book, in that it gives one step- by-step instructions on moving physically through surgery and recovery from breast cancer. In addition, it is clear that the author cares deeply about her patients, indeed all breast cancer patients, and wants to communicate to them ways to get past the shock of this illness, both physical and emotional. I would wish that every doctor would give it to every breast cancer patient before her treatment. Kudos to this compassionate, energetic author.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book made a major difference in my recovery., January 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Recovering from Breast Surgery: Exercises to Strengthen Your Body and Relieve Pain (Paperback)

This is a practical book, in that it gives one step- by-step instructions on moving physically through surgery and recovery from breast cancer. In addition, it is clear that the author cares deeply about her patients, indeed all breast cancer patients, and wants to communicate to them ways to get past the shock of this illness, both physical and emotional. I would wish that every doctor would give it to every breast cancer patient before her treatment. Kudos to this compassionate, energetic author.