Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of any medical institution.
Lymphedema is essentially swelling of the arm in relations ship to the removal and /or radiation treatment of axillary nodes as part of the treatment for breast cancer. This condition can be painful and can also include the arm and hand and I have seen it up into the neck area although that is not common. Lymphedema can develop in weeks, months or even years after treatment and varies in how pronounced it is but it will be on the same side as the surgery or what we call the affected side. It is important to reduce the chances of developing lymphedema and that includes moderate exercise, avoiding using the affected arm for blood pressures and blood draws, learning what exercises can help and knowing the importance of using sun screen, insect repellent and garden gloves. We also talk about manual lymph drainage or wrapping the afftected arm to treat lymphedema. You may also hear of what is called a compression sleeve which may be worn at night or during the day as well and especially during airplane travel. When you visit the doctor you will find that they have measured each arm and are comparing the measurements to keep a close watch on any possibilty of lymphedema developing. Know that not everyone has lymphedema. I met one person that didn't believe there was any such thing until he actually saw a woman that had lypmhedema and the difference in size between her two arms. Most insurance companies will pay for treatment for lymphedema and also will determine coverage for compression sleeves as needed. As always if you have concerns or questions, feel free to call your healthcare professional that is working with your care directly. We are learning more each day and new options are being developed. I remember my grandmother's compression sleeve and it was not something that I would want to wear but there are companies out there now that have really beautiful and useful compression sleeves from ever day wear to evening wear. As always, Make it a great Day! S
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of any medical institution.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
Categories |