Breast Cancer and Lymphedema (cont.)
How Is Lymphedema Diagnosed?
Lymphedema is
diagnosed after a careful evaluation of your medical history, including past surgeries and treatments, an evaluation of
current medications and symptoms, and a complete physical examination. Sometimes, additional tests may be needed.
How Is Lymphedema Treated?
Lymphedema treatments vary, depending on the stage and cause of the illness.
The most important aspect of treatment is learning how to care for your health. Your doctor or nurse will teach you and your
family how to follow your prescribed treatment.
If the initial signs and symptoms of swelling are caused by infection,
antibiotics may be prescribed. Other treatments may include bandaging, proper skin care and diet, compression garments, exercises,
and manual lymphatic drainage, a gentle form of skin stretching/massage.
How Can I Help Prevent Lymphedema?
Lymphedema can be prevented or controlled (if it develops) by following the recommendations below.
Maintain good
nutrition
Reduce foods high in salt and fat.
- Include at least two to four servings of fruits and three to five servings of vegetables in your daily meal plan.
- Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need.
- Use the package label information to help you to make the
best selections for a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat foods high in fiber such
as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of water -- eight 8-ounce glasses
of water a day.
- Maintain your ideal body weight. (A registered dietitian or your health-care provider can help calculate
your ideal body weight.)
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Exercise regularly
- Always check with
your physician first before starting a new exercise program.
- To improve cardiovascular
fitness, you should perform aerobic activities (including walking, swimming,
low-impact aerobics or specially prescribed exercises) for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times a week.
- Take time to
include a five-minute warm-up, including stretching exercises, before any aerobic activity and include a five to 10-minute
cool down after the activity.
- If your normal exercise routine includes weight lifting with your arms, check with your
doctor about the best time to resume this activity and if there are any weight restrictions.
- Discontinue any exercise
that causes unexpected pain. If your arm or leg (on the side where you had surgery) becomes tired during exercise, cool
down, then rest and elevate it.
Avoid infections
- Wear gloves while doing housework or gardening.
- Avoid cutting your cuticles when manicuring your nails. Use care when cutting your toenails.
- Frequently wash your
hands with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food, and after using the bathroom or after touching soiled
linens or clothes.
- Protect your skin from scratches, sores, burns and
other irritations that might lead to infection. Use electric razors to remove hair and replace the razor head frequently.
- Use insect repellents to prevent bug bites.
- Immediately report any signs of infection to your physician.
Stay alert for signs of infection
- Fever over 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)
- Sweats or chills
- Skin
rash
- Pain, tenderness, redness or swelling
- Wound or cut that won't heal
- Red, warm or draining sore
- Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when
swallowing
- Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones
- Persistent dry or moist cough
that lasts more than two days
- White patches in your mouth or on your tongue
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms (chills, aches, headache
or fatigue) or generally feeling "lousy"
- Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination
-
Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Avoid tight clothing, shoes or jewelry
Women should wear
well-fitted bras; bra straps should not be too tight, avoid underwire styles, and wear pads under the bra straps if necessary.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and avoid tight hosiery. Wear watches or jewelry loosely, if at all, on the affected arm \
(surgical side).
Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm (even a purse or bag)
Also avoid repetitive
movements of the affected arm (such as scrubbing, pushing or pulling). Do not carry a purse or bag on your shoulder (the side
where you had surgery).
Keep your skin meticulously clean
Dry your skin thoroughly (including creases and
between fingers and toes) and apply lotion.
Take precautions during visits to your doctor
Ask to have your
blood pressure checked on the unaffected arm (nonsurgical side). And avoid injections or blood drawing on the surgical side
if possible.
Inform your doctor of any symptoms
Notify your doctor if you have redness, swelling, a
skin rash or blistering on the side of your body where you had surgery, or if you have a temperature over 100 degrees F
(38 degrees C). These warning signs of infection could be an early sign of lymphedema and should be treated immediately.
Next: What can I do if I already have lymphedema? »
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