Lymphoedema Breast Cancer Recovery Phase
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| Illustration of Lymphoedema Breast Cancer Recovery Phase |
Lymphoedema Breast Cancer Recovery Phase. Lymphoedema (lymphedema) is the swelling that occurs in certain parts of the body (such as an arm or leg above) due to disruption of the flow through the lymph vessels (lymph). Experts estimate that 5-40% of women who underwent surgical removal of the lump / breast lymphedema experienced at a certain level.
Risk of having lymphoedema will be higher if :
Risk of having lymphoedema will be higher if :
- has breast cancer that has invaded the lymph nodes
- undergoing chemotherapy
- underwent surgical removal of the entire breast (mastectomy)
- lymph nodes and lymph vessels also entirely removed (lymph vessels in the underarm / axillary nodes).
- undergo radiation after surgical removal of lymph nodes
- fat / obese
- heavy smokers
- have diabetes
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| Illustration of Lymphoedema Breast Cancer Recovery Phase |
How to Prevent Lymphoedema ?
Once you hit lymphoedema, then this condition will tend to persist or recur with different levels of seriousness. Because it's the best way to avoid lymphedema is prevented. Skin care (skin care) is the main base your defense. If you are new to undergo surgical removal of the breast, then nourish the skin around the breast and underarm area with well operations. Avoid the dry skin, sun-baked, abrasions or insect bite. Slight infection is enough to cause lymphedema in the arm. The following are signs of infection: fever, skin redness, swelling / warmth in the arm area at risk. When lymphedema is the case, then you should start taking an antibiotic when blisters occur in areas that are at risk. Antibiotic consumption is intended to kill bacteria to prevent infections that worsen lymphedema. Patients with lymphedema should also consult with your dentist if you are having problems teeth / gums. Doctor may need to provide preventive antibiotics before the procedure patched / tooth extraction done.
Tips Do :
- use moisturizing lotion (moisturizing lotion) or regular vaseline on your skin
- often frequent hand washing with mild soap and keep cleaning your hands
- Wear gloves when you wash dishes or clothes
- Wear gloves when you are gardening
- use cloth / tissue when holding plates / cups hot
- When you shave, use an electric shaver rather than manual
- brush antibiotic ointment (like Bactroban) if you are bitten by an insect or your fingers hurt when manicure / nail cutting.
- protect your skin from sunburn arm. Lotion with UV protection - SPF 15 is enough.
- rest your arm often often when you're doing housework, especially repetitive activity that causes your arm feels tired, heavy or itching.
- rest your arm elevated position, but fouled so that your arm muscles do not fatigue
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
- You lose weight and limit your consumption of salt and sugar to prevent the buildup of body fluids.
- when a patient lymphedema want to travel by plane, use compression bandages or a compression sleeve and glove on the arm area at risk
Picture Sleeve Compression and Compression Bandage
Tips Do :
- advised not shower or soak in warm water or steam bath / sauna
- Do not move the extreme temperature (hot to cold or vice versa) when you shower or wash
- Do not use heat patch, heat pad or hot balm to the area of the arm, neck or shoulders.
- If you are massaged, masseur sure not to use a heater or warm lotion to your body
- Do not be carrying heavy things on the arm at risk, especially with the position of the arm carrying down
- Do not wear tight-sleeved shirt
- Do not wear watches or jewelry in the arm area at risk
- Do not use artificial breast / heavy prosthesis after a mastectomy.
- Do not smoke or drink a lot of alcohol
- Do not allow examination of blood pressure in your arm is at risk
- Do not allow the arm to accept risky injection / injection
- If you have a mastectomy on both breasts, then if necessary blood sampling, chose not dominant arm (left arm for example).
How to Cope with Lymphoedema ?
Exercise / sports with moderate rhythm combined with a bandage on the arm-risk area is an effective way to pump the lymph fluid back into circulation. Enlist the help of an expert to teach nurses how to use bandages correctly. Some useful exercise, among others: the arm stretching exercises, light weights (0.5-1 kg) or swim. Be careful not to do strenuous exercise that involves repetitive arm movements because it may increase the risk. When lymphedema is very disturbing, the doctor may suggest surgery (a common practice in Europe). But it needs to be considered carefully with all its consequences by you.
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