Radiation
Just started radiation today. I really don't want to do it and was wondering if anyone else felt the same when they started. I just want to quit. I'm scared that it will leave me with lymphodema as th...
Forum Discussion
Hi Julie,
Such good advice from others and you have talked to the specialist again to get more facts.
I had a lumpectomy on the right side in' 98 ( 11 nodes removed, one had cancer ), and a lumpectomy on the left side in 2003. ( sentinel node only removed and was clear ) I had radiation both times, and chemo the first time. So radiation to both sides of the chest and bottom half of the axillas.
I have mild lymph drainage problems. I do self massage daily. There are different techniques slightly, but from what I know:
The main drainage lymph duct drains in the LEFT side of the neck, near the clavicle. It takes lymph from the lower body, (ie both legs), left arm some abdomen and back left shoulder blade area, I think.
The RIGHT lymph duct drains into the right side of the neck, and it takes drainage from the right arm and abdomen and back areas.
SO, the left side takes more? Maybe that is because most people are right handed perhaps?
You can google heaps on lymph anatomy, which, for me was important to understand HOW it works and drains etc.
Gentle exercise, water therapy, tai chi.. etc all help to keep the lymph circulating also and not pooling in one spot. After surgery you can imagine it may pool..which in my case it did, although it was a " mild " case, to me it was still a problem to overcome and adjust to. In time the lymph vessels can grow some new pathways to help drainage etc.
I also had severe flushing ( vasodilation of blood vessels ) after the first chemo. Doing too much when that is happening.. is in hindsight.. not a great idea.. LOL Take it easy for now especially.
When travelling on a plane, or anywhere: I take it s l o w l y ..do self massage and breathing before flying. I have a bag on wheels..so I do not have to carry sustained weight; even 2 kilos can strain etc.. especially early on.
To most people I look ok.. but I feel in my arm the lymph and swelling comes up if I do too much at once. There is still a lot of ignorance in the lay community and medical community about lymph issues I feel.
I did feel somewhat " ignored and abandoned " by some of my concerns by " professionals" and consequently.. I feel I did TOO MUCH, when in hindsight I wish I had stopped and assessed things, and had more understanding and advice.. eg work issues.I think I was in DENIAL about some things also at the time. Anyway.. what is done is done. The body tries to heal itself I think, but that may take some time, after surgery and then radiation on top of it.
The more you strain and push the lymph system.. the worse it can be, so..learning to do things slowly, gently and carefully was not easy for me initially. Being overweight and your lifestyle may affect things. Also.. after menopause and the ageing process, may effect things slightly too.
Using gloves when gardening etc.. and keeping skin moisturized etc.. can help stop skin infections.
I have had scanning laser also, which I feel has helped my scars to soften, and reduce discomfort and aches and pains, and some swelling I had. I do tend to get get thick keloid scars. I " pace " myself now and am good at pottering. I do a bit each day etc.. I have slowed down a lot..but am now soon to be 57. I was 42 and busy time of life then.
Approximately 70% are superficial lymphatic capillaries located just under, the skin. The remaining 30%, which are known as deep lymphatic capillaries, surround most of the body’s organs. The deep ones can be stimulated only by Yoga. Like veins, the lymphatic vessels, which are known as lymphangions, have one-way valves to prevent any backward flow.
The lymphatic system drainage is organized into two separate, and very unequal drainage areas. The right drainage area clears the right arm and chest. The left drainage area clears all of the other areas of the body including both legs, the lower trunk upper left of the chest, and the left arm.
I have BP taken on left arm, but I prefer manual not with the machine, to reduce amount of time arm is compressed.
Any SUDDEN, SUSTAINED, PROLONGED, REPETITIVE movements.. can put a strain on the lymph, especially after surgery and radiation and depending on where it is too I guess. Everyone is different.
So ..take it easy.. " slowly, gently, carefully " is my motto these days.
Listen to your body, find a GOOD massage person to show you how to do manual lymphatic drainage and slow breathing. The lymph vessels pulsate SLOWLY and have one way valves, like veins, I think.. They contract.. about 10 times a minute; where the blood vessels contract 70 or more etc.
Maybe the radiation can be adjusted slightly..so the node area is done.. but maybe not too far around the side ?..etc
It is good you are asking questions and getting answers. I think it helps with the huge emotional journey we go on after a diagnosis.
Keep searching, all the best, Kathy.