Hello Everybody
I just thought I’d mention that although it is nearly over now… this is Lymphoedema Awareness Week!
Lymphoedema can occur after cancer treatment, whether it be from lymph node removal or damage through radiotherapy and it can affect the face, neck, arms, breast, thorax, genital area and legs.
Although there sadly is no cure, the condition can be managed and there are more options out there now than ever before. The compression garments are getting better, kinesiotaping can be really helpful, flowtron machines, laser therapy, deep oscillation, MLD therapists (like me :smileywink:) NHS Lymphoedema Services and most of all patient understanding and education - LSN, BLS and even local lymphoedema support groups often have some great advice out there for patients.
There is even more research going into micro lymph surgery and although this is not currently available on the NHS, the NHS are funding this research, so one day it could be an option.
For all of you out there living with Lymphoedema - give yourself a hug. And for all of you out there who have any concerns, speak to your breast care nurse or GP.
I currently have lymphodema after breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, I visited my local Lymphodema clinic who have given me gentle exercises to do daily to release the build up of swelling under my arm. I have what they call ‘cording’ which they have told me to stretch out my arm as straight and as high as I can get it to try to snap the cord! I have been doing this every day whilst in the shower and I’ve now gotten into a routine that I try to slightly hang off the door frame to really out stretch it and it has definitely helped massively. I still have an aching and almost stabbing sensation under my arm where lymph nodes were removed and where my scarring is but I’m thinking that this is fairly normal after any surgery.
Sometimes my breast looks like I’ve had an implant as it gets swollen too but I use a soft round spongey ball in my good armpit, squeeze the ball with my arm 10 times to release anything out of the lymphatic system that side then just brush my skin with the palm of my hand 10 times from my bc area to my good area then brushstrokes with pain of hands 4 times upwards all around breast area and do the same from under my armpit down to my scarring. If I do this everyday it does help but if I forget and don’t do it for a few days it builds up again. I go to the lymphodema clinic every 3 months and they are very helpful. They haven’t said if this will just go or whether this will be how it will be from now on. But I can cope with it if I stick to it. Hope this helps a few people.
Hi Busybee42
I attended a recent workshop at the Haven and was told Lymphoedema can occur up to 2 yrs after surgery. I wasn’t aware of this. It’s important for anyone having surgery or radiotherapy to know this. During the workshop we were shown exercises to do each day to prevent or manage the condition and given an exercise sheet to take home which is useful. My physio told me about cording which is quite common after surgery. While I don’t have Lymphoedema, i try to do the exercises as I’ll be having radiotherapy.
Thanks for raising awareness and sharing your exercise tips.
Xx