Lymphedema for breast cancer patients

 

Following surgery and/or radiation treatments, you may notice swelling in
the area being treated.

  • The amount of swelling and its location is influenced by the type of surgery (i.e. mastectomy; number of lymph nodes removed).
  • The swelling may be present in the breast, front of chest, and/or the arm on the side being treated.
  • The swelling may result from the lymph node drainage being altered following surgery or radiation therapy.

The lymph system drains fluid from the arm and breast.

  • If the drainage is impaired, the fluid may collect in the interstitial space resulting in swelling (lymphedema).
  • If left untreated, can interfere with wound healing, and can result in infection.

Breast and arm edema from radiation therapy is usually temporary.

  • If you have had previous surgery and if there was swelling before your radiation treatments, the swelling may last longer.
  • Symptoms associated with lymphedema are: heaviness or fullness of extremity, increase in size of extremity compared to opposite extremity by increasing tightness of clothes or jewelry on the affected side, weakness, limited range of motion, stiffness, numbness, redness and warmth.

Self-Care Measures

  • Avoid constricting clothing such as tight sleeves or jewelry.
  • Avoid carrying a purse or heavy object.
  • Keep hands and arm extra-clean. Avoid use of harsh soaps, such as Ivory or Dial.
  • Protect extremity from trauma (e.g. fingersticks, IVs, blood pressure checks);
  • Wear gloves if working in the garden, cutting meat, or washing dishes with detergents; wear a thimble if sewing; avoid cuticle damage.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to any insect bites or torn cuticles.
  • Keep skin well-lubricated to prevent dryness and cracking.
  • Avoid sunburns and exposure to temperature extremes. Use sunscreens. Use oven mitts. Avoid use of icepacks and heating pads on extremity
  • Avoid high –heat hot tubs, saunas, or steam baths.
  • Avoid heating pads, hot compresses to the arm, neck, shoulder or back.
  • Avoid prolonged dependency of extremity. Elevate the arm whenever possible.

The Lymphedema Class for Breast Cancer Patients is meant for all breast cancer survivors – with and without lymphedema. 

  • The class is a one time, two hour class which gives you the tools you need to recognize early warning signs that you might be developing lymphedema and to educate you in lymphedema preacuations

Individual Appointments to evaluate girth, range of motion, scar mobility, etc are available via physician referral. 

  • We will work with you individually to help you regain and maximize your function following your treatment for cancer. 
  • If you have lymphedema, we will assist you in ordering the proper compression garments and individualize your treatment and home management program.

For more information about lymphedema, please click the link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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