HOW TO TRY AND REDUCE THE RISK OF LYMPHOEDEMA

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Hi Guys

I have recently undergone a full masectomy with reconstruction and my lymp nodes have been removed under my right arm. Will be starting Chemo 6th Sept 4 x AC and 4 x PAX. I do not have lymphoedema and want to try and reduce to risk. I know that I have to be careful with this arm i.e. getting bitten, gardening, no blood tests and read recently not to sleep on my right side. Is there anything else I can do to try and prevent this? Thanks Angela xx

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My advice would be keep doing the exercises you were given. I did them every day for 6 months after mx and (touch wood) no lymphodema. I did get bitten on that arm but think I have got away with it.

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Hi there

Yes, you do need to do the exercises every day. Other advice includes not having hot baths or using saunas, hot tubs etc. Don’t get sunburnt on that arm. Avoid injections and blood pressure readings on that arm. Don’t do heavy lifting with that arm. BCC has a leaftlet on it all and the Haven website has a very good video of exercises to do.

With regard to cuts and bites - they are impossible to avoid. Clean with something like an antiseptic wipe and use something like savlon spray or teatree on them. Cuts should be covered. What you want is to avoid infection.

As to avoiding sleeping on the side at risk - I had read that. I have gone on to develop very mild lymphodema in spite of doing all the above including not sleeping on that side for 18 months following surgery. I asked my lymphodema nurse and she said not to worry and be comfortable. You could check with the helpline though.

Please remember that the majority of women do NOT go on to develop lymphodema. Many of us had other factors that increased our risk - in my instance large, ongoing seromas, a portacath on that side etc.

Be careful but don’t let the worry take over your life. Even now I have it, I’m careful but don’t avoid things like gardening which I love.

Elinda x

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Hi Angela

As Elinda has mentioned BCC have a publication relating to your query and you download or order it here:

breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/treatment-and-side-effects/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/103/

Best wishes
Lucy

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Thanks Guys

Angela xx