Lymphedema can be a lasting reminder of breast cancer, but there are ways to prevent it.
Women who undergo surgery for breast cancer often have lymph nodes under the arm tested to determine if the cancer has spread. If cancer cells are present, the surgeon removes the axillary lymph nodes. This removal can create a complication with the proper flow and filtration of lymphatic fluid, which is the clear, protein rich fluid that helps rid the body of toxins.
The lymphatic system works near the surface of the skin in conjunction with the intricate blood vessels of the circulatory system. When large lymph nodes are surgically removed, the burden shifts to these tiny blood vessels to move the fluid from the arm and channel it throughout the rest of the body.
If the lymphatic fluid does not filter to these smaller channels it can cause a condition known as lymphedema, a swelling of the tissues caused by trapped lymphatic fluid inside the arm, hand, fingers, breast and chest.
Instructions
1. Avoid extreme heat such as washing dishes in hot water.
Reduce the production of lymphatic fluid by avoiding certain activities to help to prevent lymphedema. They include extreme heat, such as hot baths and doing the dishes; strenuous repetitive exercises, such as mopping, sweeping and raking; sunbathing, sun exposure and sun burn; and extreme cold, such as the use of ice packs.
2. Don't carry heavy bags with your affected arm.
Monitor the highways of your lymphatic vessels. Don't create traffic jams that could restrict the circulation. Wearing tight clothing or jewelry around the wrist can cause the hand to swell. Tight bras can cut off the circulation, blocking the lymphatic flow. If there is an indentation in the skin after the bra is removed, it is too tight. Carrying grocery bags or a heavy purse with your affected arm can increase the lymphatic fluid to that arm and create swelling. Switch arms or make a couple of trips to unload the groceries, rather than carrying them all at once.
Inform all health care professionals which arm to use for blood pressure monitoring. If both arms are affected, in the case of a bilateral surgery, blood pressure can be obtained from the ankle.
3. Quickly clean a cat scratch with peroxide and follow with antibiotic ointment..
Watch out for infections. Infections can not only be made worse by lymphedema but they can also cause it. Since the trapped lymphatic fluid cannot filter out bacteria, a simple infection can become quite serious and require immediate medical attention.
Extreme care must be taken when shaving under the affected arm with a regular razor. Manicurists should not to cut cuticles and all instruments should be sterilized in an autoclave between customers. Wearing long gloves in the garden can prevent cuts. When sewing, use a thimble. Pet's claws should be trimmed regularly to reduce the risk of scratches. Wear bug repellent when outdoors to protect skin from insect bites.
As with blood pressure monitoring, blood should not be drawn from the affected side.
4. Take protective measures to prevent lymphedema. Get extra links put in your watchband or wear it on your "good" side. In the case of insect bites, animal scratches or other cuts, clean the area thoroughly with soap and hydrogen peroxide. Then apply a topical antibacterial ointment and cover with a bandage. Watch for any unusual swelling. If swelling develops, call the doctor. This may be a sign that oral antibiotics are necessary.
5. Recent studies show weight-bearing exercise helps to prevent lymphedema.
Maintain your ideal weight. This is one of the best ways to fight or control lymphedema. Being overweight adds pressure on the vascular system, thus adding pressure to your lymphatic system. Stick with a low-fat diet high in vegetables and fiber.
Exercise that increases whole body circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid
helps to rid the body of trapped lymphatic fluid. Recent studies out of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine's "PAL" trial show that weight bearing exercises can actually improve lymphedema by as much as 70 percent in women who have had five or more lymph nodes removed.
Swimming laps is one of the best exercise to reduce and prevent lymphedema. The pressure of the water creates a natural arm massage. Swimming helps to create lean muscle, which works as a natural pneumatic pump pushing the lymphatic fluid up and out of your arm.
Before starting any exercise program, discuss the risks thoroughly with your doctor.
Tags: lymphatic fluid, lymph nodes, prevent lymphedema, blood pressure, trapped lymphatic
