Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling of the arm on the side of the body where breast or lymph node surgery and/or radiation of the lymph nodes was performed. The swelling is caused by a build-up of lymph fluids that are unable to drain from the arm due to the treatment received. While lymphedema can be a permanent condition, many women experience no swelling or only mild swelling. Lymphedema can be treated, but prevention is the best course of action.
The following suggestions are adapted from the National Lymphedema Network and have proven helpful to many survivors:
- Do not ignore any slight increase of swelling in the arm, hand, fingers, or chest wall (consult with your healthcare provider promptly if swelling occurs).
- Never allow an injection or blood to be drawn from the affected arm(s).
- Never allow blood pressure to be checked on the affected arm.
- Keep the "at-risk" arm very clean.
- Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements with the affected arm (scrubbing, pushing, pulling).
- Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. Avoid carrying heavy (more than 12 pounds) handbags, luggage or totes on the affected side.
- Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or arm.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing, washing dishes, or sunbathing (no sauna or hot tub).
- Keep the arm protected from the sun.
- Avoid bruising, cuts, sunburn or other burns, sports injuries, insect bites, cat scratches, etc., but treat them immediately if they occur.
- Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening or any type of work that could result in even a minor injury.
- When manicuring your nails or having a manicure done, avoid cutting your cuticles.
Consult your physical therapist before engaging in strenuous exercise. Do not overtire an arm at risk; if it starts to ache, lie down and elevate it. Recommended exercises: walking, swimming, light aerobics, bicycling, and specially designed ballet or yoga.
Would you like to talk with someone who has lymphedema? Call the YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center at 1-800-221-2141 and speak with a trained peer counselor who is a breast cancer survivor.