Hi,I am now 2 years post dx I had WLE and only 5 nodes removed that were all clear,Chemo then Rads.
I just wanted to know if there are any limits to lifting objects now? and are there still risks of lymphodema 2 yrs on?
Thanks so much
Hi
My undestanding is that the risk is lifelong, but maybe others can confirm this…
Sadly I think lolly is right;
If you read Bahons threads you will hear from someone with a wealth of experience & she thinks that some of us are pre-disposed to lymphoedema and will get it - despite appearing to be low risk - and others will escape even though who would seem to be at high risk.
The trouble is, none no-one has yet devised a test to determine who is high risk and who isn’t - and lymphoedema CAN appear years after treatment
I am 3.5 years from full node clearance and classed as high risk.
Luckily no signs, I still have to do lifting as kids and housework but am more wary of anything that can affect circulation or infection from cuts or bites in my arm.
I still go bowling with my kids, I use the lighter bowls, I do pressups etc at my gym classes, I wont use the repetitive arm machines, heavy weights or go to a body pump class.
Debbie
Hi all
Yes, the risk of developing lymphoedema is a lifelong one unfortunately as once the nodes are gone, they’re GONE (altho’ lymph node transplant surgery is slowly evolving)! The AVERAGE (ie this is a statistic) time seems to be about 3.5 years later, but it can strike at any time.
It’s difficult (and probably not a good idea from a muscle tone point of view, I would say) to avoid lifting altogether. And anyhow some of us just HAVE to lift - small children are a good example.
I think we just have to try to do as little really heavy lifting as possible and as carefully as possible. I have a ‘healthy back bag’ (worth googling) and it’s possible to fill it on a shop counter, put the single, wide strap over the good (or least bad!) shoulder and be on your way rejoicing without having to take any load on your arms whatsoever. Ditto handbag - I’ve got a small one, turned out regularly, but with a wide strap.
I also find it helps to either ‘dribble’ suitable large objects with my feet or ‘end for end’ them, rather than lift. Furniture I shift with my ample behind. If I’m unloading the car, I’ll make more trips rather than overload myself. Also, it probably makes sense to buy 2 x 2pt milk rather than 1 x 4 pt - stuff like that.
I find when lifting that it helps to keep your elbows tucked into your sides, so that they are sort of supported there by your ribcage. I prefer this to having a bag, etc of any signficant weight dangling from my arms - just can’t tolerate it. I think this is also the best way to lift little ones, but I haven’t been able to test this yet as mine are now fully grown and pick their mother up instead.
Sorry, I’ve wittered on…
X to all
S
Hi everyone and Bahons
I have a pretty uncomfortable arm and hand at the moment, still going to physio, she says its not swollen and I do exercises daily and try to swim too.
However, she says its not doing my arm or hand any good by spending a lot of time on the computer, which is unfortunate, as Bahons knows, I have to work via the computer. I try to only do about 4 hours each day, but break it up by having plenty of breaks and moving my arm around in between.
Is computer use also putting the arm at risk of lymphoedema?
Take care all
P xx
Hi all
Peacock, I would say that pc work does nothing to improve your chances of not getting lymphoedema. I think it was a contributing factor for me.
My French physio tells me she sees so many people who do not have lymphoedema with RSI, etc from working at a pc. Trouble is, more and more of us earn our living this way.
Also, breast cancer surgery seems to increase the likelihood of other arm problems such as tennis elbow and damaged rotator cuffs.
I hear the vertical (or ergonomic) mice are better for all arms than conventional ones, altho’ I’ve yet to invest in one, as they are quite expensive. There are also ergonomic keyboards, but I know even less about them - must find out.
I mouse most of the time with my right hand (least bad side) with buttons set for a left hander. Sounds weird (and took a bit of getting used to), but I also had terrible tennis elbow and reducing the amount of work my index finger had to do has made it so much better and not aggravated the lymphoedema in the process.
If my right arm is having one of its occasional grumpy days, then I swap the mouse over and use my worst arm for a bit.
A physio in my OH’s family e-mailed me recently with these suggestions…
‘There is a program called “dragon dictate” that allows you to use a microphone to talk to a program on the computer……then you can email what you’ve told it to write….you may want to look into it – it’s not cheap, but it sounds like something that would be of long term benefit given the long term issues with lymphoedema. Another option: consider relocating the keyboard to a mounting system at the couch. Type in a reclined position with arms supported on pillows……sounds weird but it can work well once it’s set up……means mounting the monitor on a pole or from the ceiling……’
I haven’t yet felt the need to go to these lengths. I’ve got a gel wrist support and I’m seriously considering the vertical mouse. However, reversing the buttons on the mouse really did improve things for me.
I’ve also got some computer/desk stretches that were sent to me by a lymphoedema physio friend. Can e-mail those if anyone wants to pm me.
Bye for now, everyone
X
S
I very rarely use a shoulder bag on my left side now. I always opt for a bag with 2 handles that I can carry in my right hand, or I use a leather “messenger” type bag which goes across the body on a wide strap. I have a really nice soft leather one of these which has a pocket on the front for my mobile phone and a load of compartments inside. It was only £20 from a Sunday supplement and I have been using it since I had my lymph nodes cleared. It came in tan and red as well, so I think I might invest in another couple for autumn.
Thank you everyone for your comments and help I will now be more careful and def look out for a new messenger type bag
Thanks again
Hello
Great thread …so informative thanks guys, my lymph node clearance was on my right side and i am right handed but am starting to re educated myself. On another thread i read one of those stress balls can be good to squeeze too. Swimming and aqua aerobics ( used to be scornful of aqua in my hard core excersise days LOL i now eat my words)really do help
thanks everyone Rhian
hi, can anyone offer me any advise please, i had lumpectomy 2007 and chemo plus radiotherapy last year, so its a year on now, but i have this terrible pain in the area where my op was, have been to docs and had a scan , nothing showing , thank goodness , doctor said he can only put it down to the after effects of radiotherapy, it takes a long time apparantly , has anyone else got any suggestions , thanks