Lymphedema side effects
If you have had lymph node dissection or radiation therapy to regional lymph nodes you may be at risk for lymphedema.
Lymphedema occurs when the body fluid is not fully circulated back to the blood streams and accumulate in the arms or legs.
Goals of self-care:
- maintain optimal lymphatic flow
- to protect against increasing the lymph systems work load and
- to minimize the chance of infection.
Precautions
The effect of these varies depending on the individual
- Restrictive clothing or accessories, if clothing leaves red marks on the skin the lymph fluid can not move across
- No blood pressure cuffs or needles on the affected side
- Avoid working to the point of aching on the affected side
- Be active, keep the muscles pumping to promote circulation
- Avoid extreme temperatures, if the skin turns flushed or red it is too hot or too cold
- Prolonged exposure to high elevations; for example 8000 ft. above sea level (flying longer than five hours)
Skin care
- Prevent irritation to the skin; cuts, burns, insect bites, rashes
- Prevent infection – use gloves, wash cuts and scrapes with soap and water, infection (characterized by redness, heat, pain and swelling) requires medical attention
- Improve skin condition: prevent drying, avoid products that contain fragrance or dyes on the affected limb and trunk
- SELF – MONITORING Measuring around the affected arm or leg to monitor the swelling.
Exercises for Lymphedema
- Exercise slowly (3sec. contract / 3sec. relax) to support the natural contraction rate of the lymph vessels.
- Exercise the neck first, then deep breathing, then the trunk, proceed out the limb.
- Exercise should be done once or twice a day depending on regular level of activity, and for about 30 minutes each session.
- The intensity of the exercise should be such that there is no ache in the limb during or after the exercise.
- If there is aching after exercise, continue next session but with fewer repetitions or less vigor.
Self-Drainage for Lymphedema
Learn the basic principles and manual techniques to promote lymphatic drainage. (Taught in the Lymphedema Clinic.)
Compression for Lymphedema:
Non-elastic compression is used to reduce swelling, elastic compression is used to keep swelling from returning.
Lymphedema treatment options
Lymphedema ignored usually becomes worse and more difficult to treat.
More resources:
Other common side effects after cancer treatment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Lymphedema
- Memory loss
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain
- Sexual changes
- Weight gain
