Choose Language

Close language selection.

Up Her Sleeve

by
7 Comments

One common side-effect of cancer treatment is lymphedema- a condition that some survivors may experience after treatment. Lymphedema causes swelling in the arms and legs and is a condition in which lymph fluid does not flow freely in the body. Some cancer survivors may experience lymphedema as a side effect of the surgical or radiation treatment they needed for their type of cancer. If lymphedema is identified early, treatment may prevent the progression of the condition. This can help to improve the quality of life after cancer.

A recent study states that in some cases of breast cancer, multiple lymphnodes may not need to be removed thus reducing the risk of lymphedema. We highly encourage you to discuss this with your doctor and ask if you are a candidate for this less invasive procedure. For those that are post-treatment survivors and have had lymphnodes removed, there are things you can do to help improve your quality of life and lessen the discomfort.

Below is a video of long-time LIVESTRONG staffer and two year cancer survivor Renee Nicholas talking about how she deals with lymphedema. Along with helpful tips, Renee offers her story and a fashion show of various compression sleeves.

Please submit your questions or offer your own advice in the comments below. We will reply to them all.

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Up Her Sleeve -- Topsy.com

  • Kate

    I had stage 3a melanoma and had a lymph node dissection of my left groin in August. Everytime someone talks about lymphedema it’s in relation to breast cancer which of course relates to lymphedema in the arm.

    I would love some information about about lymphedema from a groin lymph node dissection. Obviously, how the arm and leg are used in our daily lives are very different – sitting, standing, walking, exercising. I wear compression stockings which appears to help – to be honest I’m not even sure if I have lymphedema but I’d like more info to keep any swelling at bay – specific to melanoma & a groin dissection.

    Thank you!
    Kate

    • http://www.lymphedemasleeveco.com Carolyn

      I am spreading the word about a new sleeve that is way more comfortable and really works. See it at lymphedemasleeveco.com I hope this helps, I know these sleeves have helped us all feel more comfortable living with this. They are really different. I just saw pictures someone did with another sleeve and then the Arm Care and if was amazing how much smaller–normal size the arm was after wearing, it was shocking to see it in a photo though.

      Good luck!

  • Ann

    While, as always, I applaud LIVESTRONG for wanting to strengthen our knowledge and provide resources, there are several other important issues, in addition to those that are provided here.

    The lymphatic system is integral in moving lymphatic fluid throughout the body to fight infection, which is why it’s so crucial to health. It is because our ability to protect our bodies against infection has become impaired that we must take the precautions that Renee references.

    Fortunately, lymphedema is not fatal and can be treated. Unfortunately, there is no cure and it offers a daily, ever present reminder of our cancer. While always moving forward, it never, ever allows us to push the ramifications of cancer too far away, as it is only through constant vigilance that we can keep it controlled.

    My lymphedema (following breast cancer surgery) requires constant wearing of gloves, sleeves,and a compression bra, no matter where I am, what I want to do, regardless of the weather and humidity. My compression garments are quite the show stoppers on the beach.

    While speaking in front of groups, and teaching my classes, eyes are always riveted on those garments. Most people try to be polite, but cannot help but stare. Even after I politely and briefly explain, their eyes nonetheless wander…there are only so many times one can answer total strangers without becoming exasperated and sometimes very sad.

    Oh, yes, mostly I’m polite, informative and even share some LIVESTRONG wristbands, but it is a constantly visible and emotional vestige of my treatment. It is a true quality of life issue for which there is no cure.

    This is not to say that through my massage treatments (if you have been diagnosed, run don’t walk to the nearest comprehensive cancer treatment facility with licensed lymphedema massage therapists!) and my compression garments and ALWAYS monitoring my actions (no lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying!) with my dominant arm, I am not able to lead a successful, busy life, I am…but, it’s just not as simple as slapping on a compression sleeve and getting on with your life!

    One has to re-learn how to do almost everything with one’s other arm and hand…sigh…takes time and is frustrating as hell.

    I repeat, I’m grateful every day that it is NOT fatal, but nonetheless I rue the day it came into my life.

  • Pingback: 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport Official Photos and Info ? Auto Shows | leandrosaek

  • Julie Bauer

    Hi. I am suffering from lymphedema in the face to to oral cancer – hypopharyngeal. Any infomation on this? It was doing really well with physical therapy then sudeenly came back with laryngitis and a skin infection.

    • http://livestrong.org Brooke McMillan (LIVESTRONG Staff)

      Sorry to hear you are having these side effects. This is what I would suggest. Go to http://bit.ly/lslymphedema to read about ways to reduce risk for flareups, find out treatments for lymphedema and other organizations that have good info for you to continue your research. A really great group to check out is National Lymphedema Network at http://www.lymphnet.org.