Hi every one
I had my max in June and now my arm has decided to swell. I have rung my breast care nurse and she is sending me an appointment. Can any of you lovely people give me some top tips on how to look after my arm until I get my appointment through.
Julie
Hi Flygirl
Have a look at Fizbix’s training… very helpful
Just read it. very useful, but could anybody tell me what excersises to do.
Julie
Did you read part 2 as well that has the exercises.
I also contacted Breast Care Haven. They will post you a video of the exercises to do. Have a look at their website
Good Luck
Hi flygirl
Sorry you’ve had to join us here, but welcome.
I think exercises are best done wearing a sleeve, which I am assuming you don’t have yet. However, swimming is really good for lymphoedema, so if you have the medical all-clear for a dip, I’d thoroughly recommend that.
Another activity which you can do whilst waiting for a sleeve and, hopefully, some treatment, is deep breathing (but not too many at a time or you’ll get dizzy!) which helps to move lymph fluid away from your arm. Shoulder rolling also helps.
I would suggest that, in the meantime, you are as ‘nice’ as possible to your arm. By this I mean:
No heavy lifting, not too much repetitive movement. I would say also to keep the skin well moisturised, elevate/support your arm when resting (especially the elbow), wear rubber gloves when washing up, avoid tight jewellry/watches on that hand, avoid hot baths and spas, drink plenty of fluids, make sure your bra isn’t too tight and that the straps are not too narrow, don’t sleep on your ‘bad’ side… sure there’s loads I’ve forgotten…anyone else?
No injections, BP or blood draws on that arm (or hand) - but I’m guessing you would have been told that at the hopsital anyway.
Oh yes, try to avoid being bitten, scratched, stung (use insect repellent) or cut on that arm and if you do, disinfect it straightaway. If you are a gardener, wear gloves and long sleeves.
Of course, you may have been doing all this and still got this rotten condition. It’s the beastly lymphoedema lottery, I’m afraid.
Hope this helps a bit…
X
S
Thank you so much for that. I had a tattoo last week ready for my radio therapy and I swear this is what has caused it.
Julie
Hi topper
Didnt read part two. I shall print it off. many many thanks to the both of you
Julie
You’re welcome, flygirl
I’m intrigued - what exactly did they do when they tattoed you that makes you think it triggered the lymphoedema?
X
S
They tattooed me under my arm and made me very sore. Do you think it is a coinsidence? Maybe I do not know enough about the condition.
Julie
Hi Julie
In addition to the helpful advice you have received here, the following link will take you to a publication which you may find helpful to read, it is a factsheet containing information about lymphoedema prevention:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/reducing_risk_of_lymphoedema_0.pdf
You are welcome to contact our specialist nurses regarding your specific query, please call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 or you can also email our specialist nurse team via the ‘Ask the Nurse’ service which you will find on the front page of the website.
Best wishes
Lucy
Hi flygirl
Under your arm - do you mean your armpit? - that could be a well be a tender spot…what rotten luck…did you end up with your arm in an awkward position for a long time, too?
It’s 4 years since I had rads - and I all recall of the planning (I was ill at the time and actually an inpatient and was away with the fairies, so my memory is a bit hazy) was the onc dotting me with a glorified biro. Is the procedure different nowadays?
Coincidence? I think it’s really hard to tell. It sounds as tho’ the tattoing was quite traumatic for you and your bod, which suggests it might not be. TORONTO’s post here today about her lymphoedema starting straight after a hand massage has raised a similar question. It’s a shame that so little is understood about how lymphoedema is triggered (or not).
Hope your appointment comes through soon, keep us posted, won’t you?
X
S
Hi Flygirl
Bahons is so right about the swimming I was troubled by Lympho on my chest and underarm but it all went after I was swimming most days on holiday. Sometimes i do swimming type movements, (arms only…) around the house ( oops mind the ornaments) and that seems to help me.
Topper x