Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Summer 2018

12 VITALITY Summer 2018 LYMPHEDEMA What to know about this cancer treatment side effect When you’re being treated for cancer, there’s often the potential for side effects. One you should watch for if you’re a breast cancer patient is swelling in the arms. The condition—known as lymphedema—usually develops within three years of surgery, but it can also appear years after the initial treatment. WHO GETS IT ANDWHY You’re more likely to get this type of swelling if you received radiation treatment or had surgery that removed lymph nodes under your arm. Lymph nodes and vessels carry a watery fluid filled with proteins, salts and white blood cells throughout the body to help fight infections. When nodes are removed or damaged, this lymph fluid may not drain properly from the fatty tissues just under your skin. CMH Outpatient Therapy can provide treatments to help ease the swelling and pain of lymphedema. Call 417-328-6453 for more information. Help is here Your health care team can provide treatments that can help ease the swelling and pain of lymphedema. They may include: Wearing a compression sleeve. A well-fitting sleeve can help prevent fluid buildup. Getting a massage. This type of therapy may help redirect and remove built-up fluid. Source: American Society of Clinical Oncology Signs of lymphedema can include swelling, a heavy feeling and skin tightness in the arm or hand on the side of your body that was treated for cancer. TAKE CONTROL While there’s no surefire way to prevent lymphedema, there are ways to reduce your risk or help keep the condition from getting worse. One way is to prevent infections and injuries to your arm. Cuts, scratches or burns prompt the body to create more lymph fluid to fight infection. To help protect your skin and avoid fluid buildup: » » Try not to have blood drawn from, or shots given in, the affected arm. » » Wear protective gloves when doing chores, such as cleaning or gardening. » » Be extra careful when shaving under your arms, and use a clean razor on clean skin. » » Wear sunscreen. » » Moisturize your skin to help keep it from cracking. If you suspect infection (signs and symptoms include redness, pain and fever), call your doctor immediately. Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute CANCER CARE