Breast Cancer DIY

...created by women with breast cancer, for women and men with breast cancer!

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can occur when a clear fluid, known as lymphatic fluid, builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg.

There are two types of lymphedema:

Inherited lymphedema

Acquired lymphedema


Symptoms:


• Aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs

• Less flexibility in your wrist or ankle

• Tight-fitting rings or shoes 




Tests For Lymphedema:

• Lymphoscintigraphy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) scanning
• Duplex ultrasound
• Lymphangiography



Click Here For More Information on Lymphedema

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Suggested Precautions

These suggested precautions can help to prevent or minimize symptoms:

• Clean your affected limb regularly, remembering to dry it thoroughly and apply lotion

• Wear gloves while gardening and cooking

• If you shave the affected area, use an electric razor

• Don't go barefoot

• Do not cross your legs when you sit

• Do not carry a handbag with your affected arm



Avoid having injections and blood pressure readings performed on your affected limb.

Also wear a special bracelet or necklace to notify medical personnel of your risk for lymphedema and the risk for complications: infection.


Click Here For More Information Tests

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Risk Reduction

Alert Bracelet

Emergency Care personnel need to be advised of your condition.  Many people feel they do not need to wear a bracelet, but if you are unconscious - nobody will know!  Be pro-active with your Lymphedema:

National Lymphedema Network
http://www.shop.lymphnet.org/product.sc?categoryId=7&productId=190

If you are going to have surgery and want a bright bracelet to alert surgical staff:
Peninsula Medical offers a free wristband:
http://www.lymphedema.com/alertband.htm


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Articles and Videos

 Articles of Interest:
>  Routine Screening Of Breast Cancer Patients For Symptoms Of Sub-  Clinical Lymphoedema Leads To Better Clinical Outcomes
- by Cancerworld.org
 
> Pre-Operative Assessment Allows Early Diagnosis And Successful Treatment Of Lymphedema
- by Medical News Today
 
> Lymphedema Risk For Breast Cancer Survivors Increased By Obesity: Medical News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/133691.php
Truncal Lymphedema:  LymphNotes.com  
http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/149/

   Video:
 >  Lymphedema: CancerQuest
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di5E_KXbAnU
 > Surviving Breast Cancer often marred by breast swelling
    
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeyZoj8hiac   

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