Eighteen Steps to Prevent Lymphedema
For the breast cancer patient who is at risk of lymphedema, and for the breast cancer patient who has developed lymphedema.
WHO IS AT RISK?
At risk is anyone who has a simple mastectomy, lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy in combination with maxillary node dissection and, often, radiation therapy. Lymphedema can occur immediately postoperative, within a few months, a couple of years, or 20 years or more after cancer therapy. With proper education and care, lymphedema can be avoided or, if develops, kept under contro1. The following instructions should be reviewed carefully and, if necessary, discussed with your physician or therapist.
- Absolutely do not ignore any slight of swelling of the arm, hand, fingers, or chest wall. (Consult with your doctor immediately).
- Never allow an injection or a blood drawing in the affected arm(s).
- Have blood pressure checked in the unaffected arm.
- Keep the edemic arm or "at-risk" arm spotlessly clean. Use lotion (Eucerin, Nivea) after bathing. When drying it, be gentle but thorough. Make sure it is dry in any creases and between fingers.
- Avoid vigorous repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm (scrubbing, pushing. pulling).
- Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. Never carry heavy handbags or bags with over-the-shoulder straps.
- Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or arm(s)
- Avoid extreme temperature changes, when bathing, washing dishes, or sunbathing (no sauna or hot tub).
- Keep the arm protected from the sun.
- Avoid any type of trauma (bruising, cuts. sunburn or other burns, sport injuries; insect bites, cat scratches).
- Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening or, any type of work that could result in even a minor injury.
- When manicuring your nails, avoid cutting your cuticles (inform your manicurist).
- Exercise is important, but consult with your therapist. Do not overtire an arm at risk; if it starts to ache, lie down and elevate it. Recommended exercises: walking, swimming, light aerobics, bike riding, and specially designed ballet or yoga. (Do not lift more than 12 lbs J.
- When traveling by air, patients with lymphedema must wear a compression sleeve. Additional bandages may be required on a long flight.
- Patients with large breasts should wear light breast prostheses (heavy prostheses may put too much pressure on the lymph nodes above collar bone). Soft pads may have to be worn under the bra strap, Wear a well fitted bra that is not too tight and with no wire support.
- Use an electric razor to remove hair from axilla. Maintain electric razor property replacing heads as needed.
- Patients who have lymphedema should wear a well fitted compression sleeve during all waking hours. Warning: If you notice a rash, blistering, redness, increase of temperature or fever, see physician immediately.
- Maintain your ideal weight through a well-balanced, Low sodium, high fiber diet. Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages. Lymphedema is a high protein edema, but eating too little protein will not reduce the protein element in the lymph fluid: Rather, this will weaken the connective tissue and worsen the condition - thanks!
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