Riding after mastectomy, neuropathy

[HaltatG]

Long-tme lurker, first-time poster. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year, just finished chemotherapy and am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy in a few weeks. I was hoping others with experience might be willing to share their stories of getting back in the saddle after a mastectomy. It looks like it will be 4-6 weeks before I’ll have the green light from the surgeon, which seems like an eternity. Especially since riding is the only time that I forget about having cancer!

The other issue I am having, unfortunately, is chemo-related neuropathy in my hands and feet. Mostly just tingling and numbness, no pain per se. I rode today for the first time since it began and sadly had a very difficult time keeping my feet in the stirrups since I just couldn’t feel them. :no: I was wondering if anyone had experienced this, and found any tips or tricks for dealing with it?

Thank you so much!

[Kyrabee]

No suggestions on the neurophathy but jingling that it is a temporary consequence of the chemo and will lessen as time goes on.

4-6 weeks is just a blip. I had a breast reduction and was off 6 weeks if I remember right. I did a lot of stroking a nice soft nose as the surgeon didn’t want me even handling the horse as an inadvertent jerk on horsey’s part could undo a lot of her hard work. It will pass quickly.

Jingles on a smooth surgery and being able to get on with life :).

Susan

[HannahsMom7]

I have no advice, but I hope you can get the green light as quickly as possible.

I just want to mention this as not everyone knows it is possible to get knitted or crocheted breast prostheses.

and you can get them( free) thru KnittedKnockers.org from your state.

I wish you the best!!!

[Roo]

I’m living with stage IV breast cancer and collateral damage from chemo that includes neuropathy in my hands and feet. Acupuncture, Pilates, physical therapy and riding have helped me recover enough feeling in my feet to feel secure on a horse. I’ve gone through chemo twice and both times the first few months afterwards were the most difficult. Initially, there were times when I would lose a stirrup as you describe. I also experienced a syndrome that I named “spaghetti legs” where one or both legs would briefly give out as if the nerves just stopped firing. Luckily, my balance is good and I was able to maintain my seat. After falling a couple of times at home, I actually felt safer on a horse! The neuropathy in my hands is annoying but it doesn’t cause any issues while riding.

My oncologist gave me the best advice when she told me to keep moving. I rode and jumped all the way through both chemo marathons.

I’m sending you positive vibes and well wishes. Feel free to send me a PM if you have other questions. I had a lumpectomy so I can’t advise on mastectomy issues.

[shea_smom]

Did you have reconstruction? I did not and started riding 10 days out.
the neuropathy sucks.It mostly bothers me when I walk a lot, i.e. Rolex XC day. I do get random pains.
Hugs to you and Roo.
I’m a 9 year survivor.
Kathi

[csaper58]

I second the Knitted Knockers we found them after my Mom 's mastectomy.

Can you safely ride without stirrups?

When I have numbness in my feet periodically, due to back issues, that’s what I do. Just at a walk, and try doing all the exercises that build leg strength, like posting sans stirrups. You can also work on balance in the saddle.

Doing this lets me feel positive about my riding as opposed to feeling like I’m failing at keeping my stirrups.

A positive out look is a great immune booster

A neck strap is a great confidence builder.

Do use good judgement and be safe, no falling allowed at this juncture.

(((hugs)))

[FlyGen]

I fought my way back into the saddle for a total of 2 years after a major motor vehicle accident. I’m lucky to have my leg etc. I lost all the feeling in my foot for over a year. It has come back somewhat. But it’s basically is numb so I understand exactly what you’re dealing with. Plus my ankle isn’t as flexible anymore.
Along with sheer determination and a great horse and trainer, my OnTyte boots got me riding AND jumping again with confidence!! I have the iron and the slip on bootie. Since I only use it to jump now I like the ability to take them off. But you can buy their actual boots with the magnet or just the sole to put on your own boots. Go to their website. It’s worth it!
Once you put your foot in the iron, the strong magnets keep it in place even in 2 point. No slipping at all! And it’s safe should you fall (God forbid!) since it’s just magnets and it will release with the pressure of a fall… unfortunately I know from experience lol. I sincerely hope that helps you. Also, they are legal to use for showing!
Wishing you all the best! Be strong! Those wonderful horses have a way of encouraging recovery and giving us strength when we’re weak physically, mentally and emotionally.

[HaltatG]

Thank you all for the support and well-wishes.

I may have to embrace “no-stirrup November” - lucky for me my young horse is truly a unicorn and hasn’t put a hoof wrong with me. However, the OnTyte irons look like a really good option.

Roo - I am in awe of women living with Stage IV cancer. I wish that in this era of pink ribbon this and “awareness” that, that there was more focus on research and support for women living with metastatic cancer. I have a friend who is raising two young kids and will be on chemo for the rest of her life (as long as it keeps helping). She is my hero.

Less than two weeks until surgery - trying to spend as much time in the saddle as I can.

[csaper58]

The power’s that be must have written this article just for No Stirrup November.

www.chronofhorse.com/article/tbt-ask-experts-why-how-ride-without-stirrups

[Taking_back_my_body]

HaltatG,
There is a supplement called Acetyl-L-Carnitine that helps with neuropathy. I took it myself when on chemo for breast cancer. I hope the mastectomy has gone well and that your recovery was swift.

[Taking_back_my_body]

Supplement for neuropathy

HaltatG,
There is a supplement called Acetyl-L-Carnitine that helps with neuropathy. I took it myself when on chemo for breast cancer. I hope the mastectomy has gone well and that your recovery was swift.

[nashgirl]

I had bilateral mastectomies almost exactly three years ago. My cancer is a rare one, and there is no data about recurrence relating to chemo so I opted to not do chemo. Are you having reconstruction? The mastectomies weren’t so bad, other than the drastic change in appearance. My reconstruction was a beast. I had various complications and was not able to do very much for a while. Make sure you understand lymphedema and where it can occur. Feel free to pm me if you want to chat.

[riverinthewoods]

My mom has a double mastectomy early this year with reconstruction of both breasts (at the same time as the mastectomy). They used skin and fat from her stomach and also some fat from her thighs to reconstruct.

If you are going the reconstruction route, definitely take it easy. It terms of riding, I’d suggest a good sports bra that really supports you well. My mom loves the ones that zip up the front. She doesn’t ride but has gradually gotten into working out/cardio. She also lived in the ugly front-zip regular bras in the beginning. They were much easier to work with, especially with drains in place. Also avoid anything with underwire.

Good luck with surgery and recovery <3

[HaltatG]

Thanks, everybody -

I’m five weeks post-surgery. Recovery certainly feels slow, but I was blessed with a clean pathology report so I’m very blessed and relieved. No need for radiation.

nashgirl - I got hooked up with a physical therapist who is a lymphedema specialist. She taught me the MLD massage and hopefully I’ll be able to avoid or at least minimize it. I am doing reconstruction, with tissue expanders placed at the time of surgery. I’m ambivalent about it right now. Hopefully down the road I’ll be glad I did it.

riverinthewoods - I can’t imagine putting on a bra right now, given where my incisions are, but my PT also gave me the underwire prohibition. Guess I need to do some shopping - every single bra I own is underwire!

On another positive note, my neuropathy seems to have improved greatly. When my surgeon heard about it, she prescribed gabapentin which really helped. I hope I’m back in the saddle soon.

[HaltatG]

Thanks, everybody -

I’m five weeks post-surgery. Recovery certainly feels slow, but I was blessed with a clean pathology report so I’m very blessed and relieved. No need for radiation.

nashgirl - I got hooked up with a physical therapist who is a lymphedema specialist. She taught me the MLD massage and hopefully I’ll be able to avoid or at least minimize it. I am doing reconstruction, with tissue expanders placed at the time of surgery. I’m ambivalent about it right now. Hopefully down the road I’ll be glad I did it.

riverinthewoods - I can’t imagine putting on a bra right now, given where my incisions are, but my PT also gave me the underwire prohibition. Guess I need to do some shopping - every single bra I own is underwire!

On another positive note, my neuropathy seems to have improved greatly. When my surgeon heard about it, she prescribed gabapentin which really helped. I hope I’m back in the saddle soon.

[2DogsFarm]

Sorry to be late to this “party”.
I was sent home from the hospital with a surgical bra (over dressings) that had front closure - post-mastectomy, implant, lat-flap reconstruction & reduction (to match) of the opposite breast.
I wanted One-Stop Shopping

I had to sleep in the damn thing for a month+, but when I finally got the go-ahead to sleep braless, found I was actually more comfortable wearing it.
So after 50-some years of no bra, I now am more comfortable wearing a bra all day & sleeping w/o.

What works best for me are High Impact Sports bras with a wide band.
I don’t need or like the front closure & taking it carefully, can get into the stretchy no-clasps ones by stepping into them - no overhead pulling.

If you are doing barn chores do heed the Nothing Over 5# restriction.
My relocated lat-flap let me know when I ventured to do too much!
Very odd to feel a back muscle contracting in front :eek:

My 1st surgery was in June, 2nd (more tissue for pathology - clear!) in August & I was cleared to ride again in September.

My plastic doc gave me a wide elastic band I use to strap down over the sports bra when I ride. At first to minimize bouncing, now I just use it to be safer.

Congrats on your clear pathology & Hurrah! for absence of lymphedema & adiosing neuropathy. :encouragement:

[goneriding24]

Thank you for posting this!!

Three years after surgery. Radiation only, no mastectomy, just an ugly scar and a frankenboob, but that is okie dokie. Various pains here and there, doc says all is fine, textbook case I am. Turned out my meds were driving me nuts plus big weight gain, so will be trying a different meds, have two years left.

I gave my saddle horse away and now regret it. They want to keep him so in the Spring will be on the hunt for a gelding to replace him. Not really sure what I want to do other than trail ride and play with horse. I have two three year olds out back, still think I’m 20 years younger than I am. Just need to get back in the saddle and do it!!

[goneriding24]

Thank you for posting this!!

Three years after surgery. Radiation only, no mastectomy, just an ugly scar and a frankenboob, but that is okie dokie. Various pains here and there, doc says all is fine, textbook case I am. Turned out my meds were driving me nuts plus big weight gain, so will be trying a different meds, have two years left.

I gave my saddle horse away and now regret it. They want to keep him so in the Spring will be on the hunt for a gelding to replace him. Not really sure what I want to do other than trail ride and play with horse. I have two three year olds out back, still think I’m 20 years younger than I am. Just need to get back in the saddle and do it!!

[BalancingAct]

I take Effexor for nerve pain and it has changed my life. I’m under 30 and my neuropathy was so bad that I couldnt hold my newborn daughter. So, out of desperation my neurologist put me on it (granted the first two weeks were hell) and I will never go back.