Lymphedema: The Frequently Asked Questions     p.5

How can I prevent Lymphedema?

Unfortunately, lymphedema cannot be prevented. Some women do everything wrong, and never get it; others do everything right, and still get lymphedema.  Some precautionary measures have been found to be helpful.

Be informed.  If you develop lymphedema, you will have to be aware of swelling and infection for the rest of your life.  Any swelling, skin breakdown, weeping, or reddened area must be taken seriously.  Even a simple puncture in the fingertip can cause serious long-lasting problems.  Protect the skin from irritation.  Use gloves when doing dishes, housework or gardening.  Be careful when handling plants with thorns or prickles, especially roses.  If stung by an insect in the affected arm, watch closely for infection.  Care should be taken when trimming cuticles.  Have an injection, blood drawn, or blood pressure taken in the other arm.  Carry a prescription for antibiotics with you whenever you travel.  If you travel outside the United States, have the prescription filled and carry the medication with you.  Some women feel that it is important to wear a compression garment when they fly in an airplane.  Maintain good hygiene by keeping your skin clean and dry.  When shaving your underarms, use an electric razor rather than a safety razor.

Exercise.  When you first start your exercise program after your breast cancer diagnosis, take it easy. You might want to speak with your physician before you engage in a rigorous exercise program.  You might also want to contact a physical therapist or exercise physiologist trained to work with cancer patients. Begin with flexibility training on the side of your body where the lymph nodes were removed. After that, a combination of strengthening, range of motion, and flexibility training should be used to enhance lymphatic flow.  In the absence of swelling, there is little need for additional precautions.

Do not immediately return to your pre-cancer levels of exertion but rather begin gradually.  Do not make the arm on the side of your body where you had breast cancer ache with tiredness.  Some feel that a compression stocking is helpful when they exercise.

Begin weight lifting in a supervised setting with an exercise specialist trained in treating cancer patients. It is most effective to use light weights with multiple repetitions, rather than heavier weights with fewer repetitions.  Use your arm naturally.  If you are uncertain of the safety of a particular exercise, err on the side of caution and avoid an activity until you talk with an exercise specialist.  Recent recommendations from the American Cancer Society also include regular aerobic exercise.

Proper nutrition is important.  Maintain your ideal weight through a well-balanced, low-salt diet.  Consume generous amounts of fluids.  If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. Some research has shown that women who gain weight after cancer treatment or who are obese have a greater risk of developing lymphedema.

Constricting items may worsen an already compromised system.  Make sure that jewelry is not too tight around your arm or fingers.  Avoid excessive lifting, pushing and pulling motions.  Use care when carrying heavy objects, including your purse or briefcase, with your affected arm.

Many women report that their arm swells more in humid, warm weather.  You might want to limit your exposure to extreme temperature changes such as are evident in a sauna or hot tub.  Avoid overexposure to the sun.  Wear sunscreen.

Page 5