lymphedema - here are some facts, and some things i have learned

no one talked to me about lymphedema. NO ONE. women who have breast cancer surgery, especially mastectomy ( to refresh, i had bilateral mastectomies), can have lymphedema. there are other causes of lymphedema, but i am not going to talk about those. this is a blog about breast cancer, after all.

 i have had shoulder problems in my right shoulder and arm area. i have been going to physical therapy, and getting therapeutic massage for this problem. lymph nodes were removed from my left side- hence, the lymphedema. i was told that i should not have blood pressure taken, or blood drawn from my left arm, as these things could be harmful. since i am in health care, i knew that taking blood pressure or drawing blood could contribute to lymphedema so i was always quick to stick out my right arm when the need arose.

i have mentioned the statement that my physical therapist made  to me about " the traffic in  ten lanes of highway having to now merge into two lanes" before. that is a very descriptive way to explain the swelling ( congestion)  associated with lymphedema. just as a quick reminder, our lymphatic system is part of our immune system. the lymphatic system is involved in the removal of waste products from the body, as well as producing cells that fight off infection in our bodies. i.e, it is very important.

lymphedema can occur immediately, or even years after surgery for breast cancer. mine did not start until one year after my surgery. the swelling in my left arm ( it can occur in the legs or arms, as well as  other areas of the body) is not horrible, but it is noticeable to myself, as well as the physical therapist and the masseuse. it is uncomfortable at times. sometimes my arm gets numb, too. i was fitted for  a compression sleeve for both arms. i use the one for my "good arm" as pain relief for my shoulder. it is very important to go to a person who is a licensed compression garment fitter. when i went to get my compression sleeve, the fitter took several measurements of my arms and the correct size for me had to be ordered.

here is the sad part. lymphedema can never be cured. but, it can be managed through compression garments, exercise, physical therapy, diet, and some lifestyle changes- such as getting enough sleep and reducing stress. i sometimes think that stress is involved in just about everything that is bad for us. i suppose that it did serve a purpose at one time in the development of man kind. think, big tiger approaching- run, run, run.

i am thankful to my physical therapist and masseuse for helping me with my lymphedema. i know this is quite a "dry subject" to be discussing, but i am hoping that it may help someone who , like me, was not quite prepared for this side effect from breast cancer surgery. i have just hit the high points about lymphedema. there is some good information from reputable websites, like the mayo clinic, dr. susan love's website on breast cancer, the american cancer society website, just to name a few. as with any journey, it is good to know as much about where you are going as you possibly can. i encourage those who may be dealing with, or suspect they might have lymphedema, to be as informed as possible.