Hi post radio to axillary and sc LN’s 15 sessions. Obviously concern re longbterm lymphoedema.
Hi ojrobo
Thank you for your post.
We often hear from people who have had radiotherapy who have concerns about lymphoedema and are keen to reduce their risk of developing it. It is good to hear that you are wanting to exercise, travel and to do things safely. There are many benefits to physical activity after a breast cancer diagnosis.
As you have very specific questions about exercise, when you can put weight through your arm cycling and carrying your rucksack it is best to talk to your treatment team or breast care nurse. They will be able to answer based on your individual situation. The Breast Physio has some videos about exercise and lifting weight after breast surgery, which you may find helpful to watch.
Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body. This can happen as a result of damage to the lymphatic system following surgery and/or radiotherapy to the breast or armpit (axilla). Sometimes it can be caused by cancer cells in the lymph system or when having chemotherapy. Other risk factors include being overweight and infection in the arm or hand.
It’s not clear why some people develop lymphoedema and others do not, but lymphoedema can develop soon after treatment or may occur many years later. The risk is greatest for those who have both surgery and radiotherapy to the axilla (armpit). People who have had a sentinel lymph node biopsy only, have a reduced risk of developing lymphoedema compared to people who have had a number of lymph nodes removed.
Symptoms of lymphoedema include swelling in the arm, hand, fingers, breast, or chest wall on the side of the body where you had your surgery or radiotherapy. The arm can feel tight and uncomfortable, and the skin can become dry.
There are ways in which to help reduce the risk of lymphoedema developing. Try to use your arm normally as you’re more likely to increase your risk of lymphoedema by overly protecting your arm and not using it enough. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising (as able) will reduce the burden on the lymphatic system. Infection in your ‘at risk’ arm can cause swelling and may damage the lymphatic system leading to lymphoedema. It’s important to keep the skin clean and well moisturized to reduce the risk of skin damage and infection. Tips on how to help reduce the risk of infection can be found in the link above.
If you develop any symptoms that sound like lymphoedema tell your breast care nurse, your treatment team, or your GP as soon as possible. The more time passes, the more likely it is that lymph fluid will build up in the tissue and cause more problems.
You may also find information published by the Lymphoedema Support Network and Macmillian useful.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward services which include our Moving forward booklet and Moving Forward courses that feature a session on lymphoedema.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often also be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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