Forum Discussion
Sentinel lymph nodes removed - Chemo & Radiation treatment
I have my first appointment with Oncologist next week and I'm writing down any questions that pop into my hear and seeking useful tips from others who can offer suggestions for what helped during day ...
Hi @4Coco
Always best to check out these things early but here are a few things to consider:
An initial check by an occupational therapist is fine but I’d be looking for a follow up with a specialist lymphoedema therapist if you can.
It’s hard to know what tests will be applied - it may be just visual/tactile or there may be scans of some type or bioimpedance spectroscopy, which will indicate excess fluid.
The therapist will advise if lymphoedema is present and probably suggest some treatment. The most common treatments are exercise, massage and compression. A compression garment helps the reduced lymphatic system move fluid as it should. An off the shelf garment may be a good move, to see how well compression works and how you adjust to using it.
It may not be lymphoedema, it may not be permanent but even if it is, it’s manageable! That’s the point at which a specialist therapist is well worth having.
Best wishes for your consultation.
Always best to check out these things early but here are a few things to consider:
An initial check by an occupational therapist is fine but I’d be looking for a follow up with a specialist lymphoedema therapist if you can.
It’s hard to know what tests will be applied - it may be just visual/tactile or there may be scans of some type or bioimpedance spectroscopy, which will indicate excess fluid.
The therapist will advise if lymphoedema is present and probably suggest some treatment. The most common treatments are exercise, massage and compression. A compression garment helps the reduced lymphatic system move fluid as it should. An off the shelf garment may be a good move, to see how well compression works and how you adjust to using it.
It may not be lymphoedema, it may not be permanent but even if it is, it’s manageable! That’s the point at which a specialist therapist is well worth having.
Best wishes for your consultation.