Unfortunately, I can honestly say that there hasn't been a single day in the past few years when I haven't experienced at least mild pain from lymphedema. Most days, the pain level is much higher than mild. I wish I could pinpoint exactly when lymphedema became a problem for me, but it seemed to appear one day and has never gone away. In fact, it has worsened significantly over the past year. I now struggle to sleep because I can't find a position that doesn't make either my arm or underarm hurt worse.
I have talked to so many people who seem to be under the impression that lymphedema is a slight, temporary swelling like the one you might get in the summertime or when you have too much salt.
I wanted to share information about lymphedema due to widespread misinformation, as it can significantly impact your life once you develop it.
Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a type of swelling in the arm or hand and sometimes in the breast or chest wall that can be very uncomfortable.
It can occur when some or all of the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes are removed as part of treatment for breast cancer or after the lymph nodes have received radiation. In both instances, the lymphatic fluid that’s normally filtered from the tissue collects and causes swelling. The more lymph nodes affected, the higher the risk of lymphedema, which can last for life. The swelling can become severe. Skin sores, infection, pain, and other problems can develop.
SIGNS OF LYMPHEDEMA INCLUDE:
- visible swelling in the arm, hand, breast, or chest wall
- a sensation of heaviness, achiness, or tightness in the arm
- easy fatigue of the arm
- pain in the arm
- thickening of or changes in the skin
- bra, clothing, or jewelry don't fit as usual
TREATMENT FOR LYMPHEDEMA
Treatment depends on the severity of the problem and focuses on ways to help prevent and manage it.
TREATMENT MAY INCLUDE:
EXERCISE. Exercise helps improve lymph drainage. Your healthcare team--certified lymphedema therapists will recommend specific exercises for you.
BANDAGES. Wearing an elastic bandage, a compression sleeve, or other compression garments may help to move fluid and prevent further swelling. They can also prevent fluid buildup. Your lymphedema therapist will instruct you on how to use these garments as needed.
DIET AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT. Eating a healthy diet and controlling your weight are important parts of treatment. Sometimes, seeing a nutritionist can be helpful.
ELEVATION. Raising your arm above the level of your heart when possible lets gravity help drain the fluid.
INFECTION PREVENTION. It is essential to protect the skin in the affected area from drying, cracking, infection, and breakdown.
MASSAGE THERAPY. Lymphatic massage by a certified lymphedema therapist can help move fluid out of the swollen area.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE PUMP. A lymphatic drainage pump can be a big help, especially if other treatments aren't working. These pumps are often covered by insurance.
You will need to make these precautions part of your daily life habits.
WORK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
Don't wait for lymphedema to develop. Talk with your healthcare team about what you can do to try to keep lymphedema from happening to you. Ask for a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist. This is a provider who specializes in lymphedema teaching and management.
Compare your hands and arms. Look at them in the mirror. Learn what's normal for you so you can notice changes right away. If lymphedema does develop, let your healthcare team know right away. You can take steps to try to keep it from getting worse.
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