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Deanne's avatar
Deanne
Member
12 years ago

Lymphedema clinic visit

What I learned: The earlier you take action the better the result. Their approach is an intensive daily treatment program to get rid of the extra fluid. They train you to massage and bandage yourself during this time and also educate you about exercise. Water aerobics and weight training are the best forms of exercise. The good news for me is that I will probably only require a 5 day intensive program and may not need to bandage myself after this unless it flares up. There is a very good chance that with ongoing monitoring, self massage and exercise I will gradually be able to reduce the massage and be virtually Lymphedema free in 12 to 18 months. I will always be at risk though so maintaining my weight, exercising and wearing a compression sleeve for high risk activities like flying will be ongoing preventative measures. Lymphedema is under diagnosed and many patients have difficulty getting treatment so be persistent if you have signs such as a heavy feeling in the arm, tightness, swelling (my wedding ring was tighter despite the cooler weather and no weight gain), tingling or numbness. The Lymphedema Clinic at Icon Cancer In Chermside Qld has one of the few and possibly the most experienced doctors specializing in this complication. His theory is that some people are predisposed to developing lymphedema because of genetic issues about where they carry any excess weight. While I am a healthy weight (BMI of 22) I have bigger upper arms and calves in proportion to the rest of me! Hope this info might be helpful to others. Deanne xxx

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Went through some more assessment details yesterday but don't know about the weight question yet. Have not got a start date for the program yet. Will ask about weight size then. From what I understand there is no limit on weight size but it is important to go with gradual increase so as not to strain the arm. This could cause swelling and worsen the problem. Building muscle is good because the movement of the muscle helps the lymp system to work better. The other important thing is to do some deep breathing on 5 occasions everyday (waking up, lunch, afternoon, after dinner and before bed). The deep breathing exercise is a bit like how you would welcome a friend. You start with your fingers towards your chest. Slowly open your arms out and breathe in deeply. While still breathing in open your arms out as much as you can ensuring that you stretch and tighten your muscles in your hands, forearms and upper arms. Hold your arms like this for 3 or 4 seconds (holding your breath). Relax your muscles and slowly breathe out as much as you can, returning your arms to the chest again. The whole exercise should be done slowly and each one should take about 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. This exercise will improve lymph flow from the arms and help reduce the size of your arms. Xxx
  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Deanne,

    Would you please let us know the size weights you will be training with?  I am very interested as I would like to do weights, but my Instruction Sheet said I was not to carry or lift weights over 2 kgs due to nodes removed (6).

    I know everyone has different programs.  If weights help with occasional puffiness under the arms, I would really like to try them.  Advice appreciated :)

    Michelle x

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Sounds like an amazing centre. Good luck, you are obviously in good hands. Was just thinking of you today :) Paula x
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have had some cording too but this doctor I saw did not seem to think this was related to the Lymphedema. Keeping an eye on your measurements and just being aware of any changes in how your arm feels is all I did. Many people will never have a problem especially if you look after your general health. I am very relieved that mine is so mild and very treatable. Take care. Xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Michelle. Yes I think we do need to listen to our bodies. I am not above having a little pick me up nap some days! :)
  • jenpen's avatar
    jenpen
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Deanne

    Great info and thanks for sharing!

    I hope your program is a great success and you can put this behind you along with all the other "stuff" that you've already encounted.

    I have continuing "cording" in my arm - 7 months since my mastectomy, and hoping this is not a precursor for lymphodema....the tightness is alot better than it used to be but I am still aware of it when I reach for something, and sometimes notice it running from under my chest scar to my wrist.  I am having physio on it so hope it disappears soon! Not sore, just inconvenient.  If it were heading toward lymphodema, do you think I would have swelling in my fingers etc? Not noticing this and did have measurements taken a few weeks back to compare to my good arm...but all seemed to be ok.

    Take care and best of luck...Jenny x

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    I hope your 5 day intensive program does the trick, and the massage and exercise work 110% for you.  The tiredness is normal  - we have switched a lot of dinners with friends to lunches instead.  I really feel that your body sends you messages and you are better off to listen to them. Your sleep is so important - I know you advise others to put themselves first - please follow your own advice.  Take care.  So glad to hear you had a positive prognosis.   Michelle xx

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    12 years ago

    I hope your 5 day intensive program does the trick, and the massage and exercise work 110% for you.  The tiredness is normal  - we have switched a lot of dinners with friends to lunches instead.  I really feel that your body sends you messages and you are better off to listen to them. Your sleep is so important - I know you advise others to put themselves first - please follow your own advice.  Take care.  So glad to hear you had a positive prognosis.   Michelle xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Thanks Sophie. I am very relieved. How are you recovering from radiation? It took me about a month to feel I had turned the corner after radio. Hope you are starting to feel better. Deanne xxx
  • All_smiles's avatar
    All_smiles
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Deanne , So glad for you that you seem to have caught things early and that it looks like you are able to manage it and keep things under control with minimal issues . Take care , Sophie xxx