While breast cancer patients are busy dealing with the effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, they are often not warned about Lymphedema, often called "the dirty secret" of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors share their first hand experience of dealing with lymphedema.
What is Lymphedema
Lymphodema is the accumulation of lymph (tissue fluid) below the skin. Lymph is normally drained by the Lymphatic system, which when obstructed can lead to accumulation of the lymph. This may happen if the lymph nodes are damaged, removed or blocked by diseases such as cancer, surgery, radiotherapy or infection.
A few breast cancer survivors talked about this. When Some of them were not told about it and they had to deal with the consequences, some were asked to exercise but the reasons were not explained while others had physiotherapists who worked with them at the earliest.
As Breast cancer surgeon Dr. D.G. Vijay from HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad says in the webinar (video link below) "Fluid can collect in the mid-arm, fore-arm and even the wrist. The best time to start working with a good physiotherapist is as early as possible. Also work with the physiotherapist on the range of shoulder movement"
Lets hear from some of our breast cancer survivors:
Mamta Goenka
In 2003, my arm started swelling. During my breast cancer surgery, my lymph nodes had been removed but I was never warned about this side-effect. I was caught unaware! Not finding the right resources to guide me through this in India, I sought a therapy course in the USA for lymphedema management. The therapy was extremely helpful and most effective! I returned to India and felt the need to spread the word about this condition. I started talking to individual patients at the hospital where I was treated. Soon the word spread and people started coming to ask me about how to deal with their lymphedema. I soon filled the gap in the system that provided little or no education about such a condition! I currently conduct the Br Ca post-operative care classes at the hospital for patients and their caregivers. This class includes counselling, discussion on wound/suture care, arm care and physiotherapy exercises.
Read more about Mamta Goenka here
In my view, one should do all the exercises taught after mastectomy in the hospital for prevention of lymphoedema. They are taught in hospitals but the pros and cons of those exercises are never explained/ emphasised well. Doing exercises should become part of our life like brushing our teeth.
https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/exercise-control-lymphoedema-…
Jayshree Guru
The Breast Cancer treatment was over and mentally I had written off the word Cancer from my life. Little did I know that there are other side effects of treatment which can become a part of life. My hand was a swollen hand and the swelling extended to my fingers.
In my view, one should do all the exercises taught after mastectomy in the hospital for prevention of lymphoedema. They are taught in hospitals but the pros and cons of those exercises are never explained/ emphasised well. Doing exercises should become part of our life like brushing our teeth.
Parul Banka
My arms could lift only two porcelain dinner plates at one time. Any more weight was too much; I could no longer lift basic objects like a laptop, an electric iron or a kettle. My hands were too weak and the grip too poor, so I kept dropping my phone; no wonder my phone died soon after!
I have slight lymphedema in my left arm. I also have severe scar tissue build up from a mix of surgery and radiation therapy. I don’t need to wear a sleeve but I must make sure that I exercise regularly, otherwise my arm gets stiff and the pain can be excruciating. Whilst I am mostly disciplined about exercise, I do specific lymphedema exercises at home on days when I do not have access to my fitness centre or my fitness instructor like when I am travelling.
Read here how Parul Banka regained strength and stamina through exercise
Anita Nanda
,I’ve taken to yoga to keep my lymphedema under check and I must say, it is really helping me.
Read Anita Nanda's attitude towards cancer
Nandita Muralidhar
I had a good physiotherapist who put us through the paces everyday. It was extremely painful during the physiotherapy but it was worth it. It eventually saved me from lymphedema and mobility issues.
Listen to Nandita's journey of breast cancer survivorship here
Comprehensive Prevention and Treatment of Lymphedema
Dr. Subathra Muthukumaran of Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust shares a complete guide on how lymphedema can be managed with simple exercises, care tips and what to avoid in such a situation.
As Jayshree Guru says:
Don’t let the swelling set in as the skin may become hard. Learn to take breaks and rest your arm whenever you are doing a task. Don’t use force on the affected arm while doing tasks. Keep a positive mind and don’t get scared or worried.
Exercises and manual lymphatic drainage are the way to normal life.
The responsibility is yours."
Don't miss her 10 tips on How to Control Lymphedema
