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footprintsangel
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Signs Of Lymphedema
.Arm or body part with feels full or heavy
.Skin feels tight
.Less movement or flexibility
.Difficulty fitting into clothes or socks
.Rings,watches and bracelet feel tight
.If you have had lymph nodes removed or radiation treatment. If you notice any of the signs listed above, And they last 1 to 2 weeks, Call your doctor or nurse.
When to call your Dr or Nurse
. If you notice any swelling, With or without pain that last for 1 to 2 weeks.
. If any part of your body become affected or hot, Is red or sudden swelling. These symptoms could signal an infection and may require antibiotics.
. If you develop a temperature of over 100.5, That is not related to cold or flu.
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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American Cancer Society www.cancer.org 1-800-ACS-2345
Lymphedema: What Every Women With Breast Cancer Should Know
Women who have been treated for breast cancer may be a risk for lymphedema. Most women who have had breast cancer will not develop this side effect, But many will.
This Document describes what lymphedema is.
What Is Lymphedema?
Our bodies have a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that carry lymph fluid, Similar to the way blood vessels circulateblood to all parts of the body. The lymph fluid contains white blood cells which fight off infection. During surgery for the breast, The doctor usually removes at least one lymph nodes from under the arm to see if the cancer has spread. Some lymph vessels that carry fluid from the arm to the rest of the body are also removed because they are intertwined with the nodes.
Removing lymph nodes and vessels from the underarm changes the way the fluid flows within that side of the upper body. This makes it more difficult for the fluid in the am to circulate to other parts of the body. If remaining lymph vessels cannot remove enough of the fluid in the breast and underarm area, The excess fluid builds up and causes swelling or lymphedema. Radiation
treatment to the lymph nodes in the underarm can affect the flow of the lymph fluid in the arm and breast area
in the same way,Increasing your risk for lymphedema.
Lymphedema usually develops slowly over time. The swelling can range from mild to severe, And it can develop months or years later. Women who have many lymph nodes removed and women who have had radiation
therapy to the underarm area may have a higher risk of develping lymphedema.
Doctors still do not fully understand why some patients
are more likely to have the problems with fluid build
up then others. As breast surgery and treatment continue to become more conservative and as research
advances are made with procedures such as sentinel
lymph node biopsy, Doctors expect that fewer women
wiil develop lymphedema. Although much remains to be
learned about this condition, There are ways that you can care for your arm and breast area to reduce your chances of having future problems. Once lymphedema has started, It can not be cured. But early and careful
management can reduce symptoms and keep the condition
from getting worse. |
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footprintsangel
Moderator
Posts: 624
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Lymph Node Areas
Right Unseen Body Left
Cervical Cervical
Preauricular Preauricular
Upper Cervial Upper Cervial
Median or lower cervical Median or lower cervical
Supraclavicular Supraclavicular
Mediastinal Axillary
Paratracheal Axillary
Hilar
Retrocrual Epitrochlear
Epitrochlear
Axillary
Axillary Mesenteric
Splenic(hepatic)
Epitrochlear Hilar
Epitrochlear Portal
Celiac
Para-aortic Mesenteric
Para-aortic
Common illac Inguinal
External illac Inguinal
Inguinal Popliteal
Inguinal Popliteal
Fermoral
Popliteal
Popliteal
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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A place that shows you how to wrap your arm
http://tamako.milkcafe.to/luv/le_wrapping/index.htm
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/24 05:05
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/24 05:54 |
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Hamsa
 Admin
Posts: 158
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I am impressed!! This most certainly is very comprehensive help  Hopefully many people needing to know this will take advantage of it. I really would like to know how to get the support system working here but probably this couldn't take off before having more members reacting to this very valuable information.
Thank you ever so much, Debbie. It is highly appreciated. |
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footprintsangel
Moderator
Posts: 624
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lbbc.org website or pamplet has a article on; Open studies focus on early and advanced breast cancer,Lymphedema prevention.
(888) 753-LBBC-(5222) Survivors Helpline
Maybe they will sign you up for a flier too.
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/23 04:20
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Medical Decisions
Step1 Know Your Options
Step2 Discover The Data
Step3 Be Skeptical
Step4 Contemplate The Meaning
Step5 Be Confident
Never give up! Keep Fighting,  Til you get the help you need!  |
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Here are some tips to help you take care of you:
Try to make some time for yourself.
Take good care of your body.
Beware of how you are feeling emotionally.
Accept help from friends and family.
Seek support from others.
Listen to your heart.
Rest when needed.
Be good to yourself. Remember lymphedema doesnt go away but we can handle it better if we take care of ourselves.
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/07/31 05:23
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Online info about Cellulitis www.medhelp.org (look up Lymphedema, has meds and all medicial info) www.mayoclinic.com Very good info about cellulitus and lymphedema www.answers.com/topic.cellulitus www.en.wikipedia.org(look under lymphedema, Very good article and pictures on cellulitus www.organizewisdom.com look under cellulitus(has everything medicial you need to know) www.lymphland.com cellulitus.html
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/28 18:23
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/06/28 18:35 |
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Lymphedema is a condition that will be very different for each person. Treatment programs and home care programs will very depending upon many factors. Everyone must take into account their own personal needs,Family and work responsibilities and medical history. The important idea is to work with your health care providers in developing strategies that meet your physical and emotional needs as well as your lymphedema needs.
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Health Care Professional Who are They
Medical Oncologist A physician who specializes,
in the treatment of cancer.
Surgical Oncologist, A physician who specializes
in surgical removal cancerous tumors.
Lymphedema Specaialist, A health care specialist
with expertise in the
mangagement of lymphedema.
Radiation Oncologist, A physician specializes
in the use of radiation
therapy for the treatment
of cancer.
Plastic Surgeon, A physician who performs
surgical restoration
reconstruction,correction
or improvement of the
shape and appearance of the
breast.
Oncology Nurse, A registered nurse with
training and experience
in the delivery of cancer
treatment.
Oncology Pharmicist, A pharmacist who is trained
to prepare drugs that treat
cancer and provide medicines
that decrease effects of
treatment.
Social Worker, A trained professional who
provides information on
Support services such as home
care, Support groups and
transportion, to help you
cope with cancer.
Nutritionist, A trained professional who
can help you manage your
diet during and after your
cancer treatment.
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/07/01 07:43
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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footprintsangel
Moderator
Posts: 624
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Precautions: (Living with Lymphedema)
1. Avoid allowing skin openings to occur,(cuts,burns,bug bites,bee stings, pin pricks,etc) If a skin opening occurs, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the open immediately. Keep the opening clean and covered.
2. Do not have injections,vaccinations,flu shots blood draw,IV placements or blood pressure taken in the affected exremities
3. Keep the skin clean and dry.
4. Utilize antibacterial and hypoallergenic soap to wash extremites.
5. Keep cuticles moist with cream or lotion.
6. Push cuticles back, But do not cut them.
7. Do not shave the affected extremity,arm pit or bikini area. If you must shave, it is recommended to use an electric or battery operated shaver with a narrow head rather than a straight razor. Under no circumstances does one use depilatory(hair removal)creams.
8. Use insect repellant as necessary to prevent insect
bites and stings. If the bee stings you, try to remove the stinger and apply antibiotic ointment and cover immediately.
9. Be careful of pet scratches/bites.
10. Always wear compression garments when working.
11. Avoid saunas,hot tubs, sunbathing or overheating.
Be careful around and when handling floor heaters.
Specific precautions for patients with lymphedema of the arm:
1. Wear rubber gloves while doing housework,especially
that which involves cleaning with harsh chemicals or
detergents,steel wool,etc
2. Wear protective gloves with other work that may result even in minor injuries such as gardening or
cleaning out the basement.
3. Use a thimble when sewing by hand:avoid needle and
pin sticks.
4. Be care of skin injuries when making arts and crafts.
5,Wear a padded oven mitt when reaching into a hot oven, removing foods from the microwave or cooking
on the grill.
6. Do not reach over boiling pots or heating pans. Avoid steam burns.
7. Be careful when using an iron.
Specific Precautions for Patients with leg lymphedema:
1.Do not wear high heel shoes, tight shoes,or constricting buckles.
2. Do not walk outside bare foot. This will greatly
reduce your risk injury.
3.Remember to rear enough socks in cold weather:
to avoid frostbite.
4. In case of fungal infections of the toes, Visit
the physician immediately.
5. Do not allow vascular surgeon to inject or remove
varicose veins in the affected leg.
6. Remember to maintain your desired weight.
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/07/10 06:55
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Open on another line is a place to talk and learn from others about lymphedema. It is new, But I plan to make you feel easy when you need to talk or just tell me your story cause I think I have been there. I will enjoy just an email saying you have been there. Thanks I hope to see you on- New Beginning2,Let's Talk Take care, Debbie PS Hansa is doing a good job!
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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To all the lymphedema people that are or have been fighting breast cancer (or have someone fighting) You can put their name with others on www.CelebrationChain.com Please take care and again, We can win! Love,Debbie
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/07/22 07:11 |
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Pink-Link WWW.PINK-LINK.ORG
Pink-Link is a nonprofit organization which proides a online support for women affected by breast cancer. Connect with other women with similar breast cancer.
Our members can create a journal. Get help from the professional help regarding nutrition, exercise, skin care and alternative medicine. All services provided on the website are completely FREE. |
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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MLD was developed in 1932 in Denmark by a doctor and his wife, It was widely used in Europe and now is accepted as therapy for lymphedema patients in the United States. In MLD a series of rhythmic,light strokes are made in a specific sequence along the lymphatic vessels and the adjoining tissues. These movements remove the lymph fluids from the tissues and return them to the circulatory system, thus reducing swelling in the affected area.
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Keeping a Journal of lymphedema and pain
Your health care team wants to know or you need to tell them about swelling and pain. So they can help you.
Where is it worse
How often or big is the swelling or pain
How long or big is the pain or swelling
How is it affecting your daily living
Side affects from already on meds
When is the worst time of day or night
Wheather anything helps, ice, heat,rest or medicine
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Books for Lymphedema
Lymphedema:A Breast Cancer Patients Guide to Prevention and Healing
Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage
A Primer on Lymphedema
Use of Aromatherapy in Lymphedema Management
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/07/31 05:49
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Hamsa
Admin
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That is a lot to read, Debbie |
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Cancerlifeline has a disc called:Lymphedema Awareness and prevention Preserving quality of life post breast cancer treatment. There is a 1 800 number
Post edited by: footprintsangel, at: 2008/08/09 05:38
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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I want my life to be purposeful and rich. I don't want just to talk about something or dream about it. I want to do it. by Kim Rider
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footprintsangel
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Posts: 624
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Financial Matters
Organization and help are crucial in the managing your finances during treatments
Call on friends and loved ones to help you
Rank the bill in order of priority
Work out a payment plan
Talk with a social worker at the hospital
Talk with the oncology about financial aid
This is sometimes very stressful so please take time while you are fighting to relax and unstress. Fighting is hard, I know I am fighting for help. But we must not give up! Debbie
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footprintsangel
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Pain Control
Severe lymphedema is a condition where the lymphedema has progressed to the stage of hard, fibrotic swelling and often characterized by tough, brawny skin. The person with severe lymphedema that has not responded to conservative therapy may be referred to a surgeon for consideration of surgical techniques to help dimmish the swelling and promote lymphatic circulation, With the goal of preserving funtional use of the limb. Pain management is a concern and may include the use of nonprescription,analgesics,nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation units, and positional support such as a slings. The goal is to decrease the degree of edema of the extremity and promote lympatic circulation
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footprintsangel
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Herbal remedies
Horse chestnut extract was reported to be useful in decreasing lymphedema, Theoretically by strengthening the lymph vessel walls. Cayenne pepper,goldenrod,and parsley have also been reported as being helpful.
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