Most of you are familiar with this little box, right? Those of us on Facebook see it every time we log on to our accounts.
One of my morning rituals is to sit down with a cup of coffee and log on to FB to see what my friends are up to. I typically scroll past the "What's on your mind?" box since I'm generally not coherent enough to share my thoughts until after my second cup of coffee. This morning, however, I just sat glaring at it while thinking.......
"Want to know what's on my mind, Facebook? Lymphedema SUCKS! That's what's on my mind! Thanks for asking!"
I didn't share that thought on FB, but I decided to share it here because I'm really frustrated. I did warn Y'all that I'm prone to pitching the occasional hissy fit, and I am definitely in hissy fit pitching mode today!
Maybe I was hesitant to mention my lymphedema flare-up on FB this morning because the last time I spoke about it there, someone asked, "Isn't lymphedema just a little swelling? Like when you consume too much salt??" I felt like SCREAMING!! NOOO, it is NOT JUST A LITTLE SWELLING!
In all fairness, most people not affected directly by lymphedema probably don't know much about it. I had no clue what it was myself until my surgeon talked to me about it before my mastectomy.
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA
Here is a brief description of lymphedema from a pamphlet I was given after my mastectomy--
Lymphedema is tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms and legs but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck, and genitals.
Lymph nodes are an essential part of your lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage your lymph nodes. In addition, any type of problem that blocks the drainage of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.
Severe cases of lymphedema can affect the ability to move the affected limb, increase the risks of skin infections and sepsis, and can lead to skin changes and breakdown.
TWO TYPES OF LYMPHEDEMA
Primary Lymphedema. Primary lymphedema is a rare disease that occurs when the lymphatic system has not developed adequately or is not functioning as it should from birth due to a genetic condition. It is called primary because the impairment is not due to a secondary cause like illness or injury.
Secondary Lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema can happen if the lymphatic system is damaged from surgery, trauma, or radiation therapy. It is most common in people who have had breast cancer treatment, but not everyone who has breast cancer treatment gets lymphedema.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Unfortunately, I was one of the ones who developed lymphedema shortly after my radiation therapy.
My surgeon had warned me that I was at high risk for developing lymphedema since he would be removing several lymph nodes (it turned out to be 11) and because I would undergo 33 radiation treatments.
I am so thankful that my incredible surgeon, Dr. Quill, discussed the importance of watching for any signs or symptoms of lymphedema. He explained that diagnosing and treating mild and early-onset lymphedema is critical for halting the progression of this lifelong and often debilitating condition.
Dr. Quill said that even the best oncologists rarely discuss lymphedema with their patients. Instead, they treat your cancer but don't address other aspects of the disease that can impact your life afterward, both emotionally and physically.
SYMPTOMS OF LYMPHEDEMA INCLUDE:
- Swelling
- Heaviness and tightness, which might include tighter-fitting jewelry
- Small blisters that leak clear fluid
- Dull aching or other pain
- Skin thickening or hardening, which can sometimes look like an orange peel
Symptoms may occur gradually over weeks, months, or even years after cancer treatment.
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS OF LYMPHEDEMA
Skin infections (cellulitis). The trapped fluid provides fertile ground for germs. The slightest injury to the arm can be an entry point for infection. The affected skin can appear red and swollen and is usually painful and warm to the touch. Your doctor will most likely want to prescribe antibiotics to keep on hand so you can start taking them immediately.
Sepsis. Untreated cellulitis can spread into the bloodstream and trigger sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues. Sepsis requires immediate emergency medical treatment.
Skin changes. In people with severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden to resemble an elephant's skin.
Cancer. A rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the most severe cases of untreated lymphedema.
So, NO, lymphedema isn't "just a little swelling."