Lymphedema An Introduction For Breast Cancer Patients

Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling of a body part. The lymph vessels that carry the fluid are damaged and/or overwhelmed leading to the build-up of fluid, protein and wastes in the tissues. Lymphedema is a chronic, non-curable but manageable condition if recognized and treated early.

One in five breast cancer survivors will experience Lymphedema in their lifetime. The risk of developing Lymphedema in your lifetime increases if you have had more than one of these treatments:

• Surgery
• Lymph node removal
• Radiation

Body copy: Lymphedema can present itself soon after surgery or not until years later. The majority of women will show signs within the first three years of treatment.

Remember, you have a life long risk of developing Lymphedema. It may not be preventable, but you can monitor your activities in order to prevent the mechanisms that can initiate swelling in the at risk arm.

The following guidelines can help you be proactive:

• Keeping the hand and arm clean and dry. Use non-perfumed, gentle soap and apply a pH-neutral moisturizing cream daily.
• Protect skin with sunscreen and insect repellent.
• If possible, avoid skin punctures, blood tests, IV’s and blood pressure monitoring in arm.
• Wear a compression sleeve when flying or with strenuous activity.
• Wear gloves for gardening and dishwashing.
• Use an electric razor to shave underarms.
• Avoid pressure on the shoulder of the treatment side. Choose bras that have wide straps or slip a shoulder pad under the straps.
• Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, soreness, heaviness or firmness.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs or saunas for longer than 15 minutes.
• Maintain an ideal body weight.

Lymphedema can be managed effectively by combined decongestive therapy (CDT). This is accomplished by the following: