A cancer complication that's all but forgotten

A cancer complication that's all but forgotten
by Roni Rabin

Excerpt: 'The lymphatic system removes cellular waste and excess fluid from the body. When it's not working, fluid backs up, causing swelling. Lymphedema develops when the lymphatic system is impaired, which isn't always due to cancer.'

Excerpt: "Doctors say a new approach, sentinel node biopsies, may reduce the lymphedema risk, because lymph nodes are removed selectively. Still, too few breast cancer patients are aware of the risk. A medical journal article once called it the "seemingly forgotten complication." It develops, after all, in the survivors - the success stories. Many patients with lymphedema have said they felt abandoned by the medical system. An oncologist told me she's had patients who panicked when their arm became swollen - they thought it was a sign the cancer had returned."

Doctors are very unaware of lymphedema. They will diagnose it only if your arm is visibly swollen and warn to the touch. Ask for a prescription to see a physical or occupational therapist who is specialized in lymphedema if you have any pain in your arm.  The lymph flows right under the skin, where the nerve receptors are. Mild swelling, not visitble to the eye, will cause pain. I have a 15% swelling of my left (non-dominant)arm. It is completely invisible, and yet painful.

Excerpt: "Lymphedema is tricky; it may develop immediately after surgery - or it may pop up 10 or 20 years later."

In fact, the longer you survive, the higher your risk of developing lymphedema is.

Excerpt: "Experts say it's important to identify it early and to be on the lookout for the first telltale signs; the affected limb can easily become infected. Treatment can reduce the swelling and help return the limb to its normal size, but it is intensive and time-consuming and not always covered by insurance."

Anyone who has had lymph nodes removed needs to treat their arm as if they have lymphedema. In fact,  disturbed lymph flow in the arm makes healing of infections in other parts of the body more difficult as well. Any kind of infection should be treated aggressively because you have a compromised immune system.

Excerpt: "Exercise may be helpful, by activating the lymphatic system; a new book, "Staying Abreast," written by Annie Toglia, a former dancer and breast cancer survivor, with help from a cancer specialist, outlines a series of rehabilitation exercises and stretches designed for women recovering from lympectomy or mastectomy (see www.stayingabreast.com)."

Best exercise for lymphedema is swimming. The slight pressure of the water on the skin along with the pumping action of the muscles really helps encourage lymph flow. A good belly laugh once or twice a day is also good.