By Katie Boaldin, PT, DPT

​Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues1 . It can occur when there has been trauma to the lymphatic system, such as surgery or radiation for cancer. Symptoms may occur immediately following surgery or may present a few months or even years later.

Lymphedema is a condition that can worsen without treatment. At this time there is no cure, however it can be managed successfully with collaboration between the patient and medical team (physician, therapist, and certified garment fitter). The earlier treatment begins, the more successful the management.

The goal of treating lymphedema is to decrease the swelling and keep it down1 . There are a variety of causes of lymphedema. As stated above, a common cause is surgery or radiation for cancer. This can result in lymph nodes being removed or damaged, which decreases the ability for that area of the body to transport fluid.

Other possible causes of lymphedema include: infection, injury (such as a burn causing scar tissue), venous insufficiency (veins unable to pump sufficient fluid back to the heart), and developmental abnormality1 . Signs and symptoms of lymphedema include: swelling in the affected area, skin tightness, a sensation of fullness, or tight clothing/jewelry (that was not previously tight).

It is important to contact your doctor if you feel you have symptoms of lymphedema so that the necessary treatment can be initiated. A person at-risk for developing lymphedema should be aware of certain precautions to decrease the likelihood of developing the condition:
• Avoid strenuous or repetitive activity/exercise.
• Avoid extreme heat or too much sun.
• Avoid injuries to the skin as this provides an area for bacteria to enter and increases the chance for infection.
For example, avoid injections and IVs in the affected arm, avoid bug bites, wear gloves when gardening, and use an electric razor to shave in the underarm area. • Avoid blood pressure tests in the affected arm.
• Avoid constrictive clothing.
• Practice good skin care techniques including keeping skin clean and moist (use fragrance-free alcohol-free lotion).
• Wear your compression garment while traveling, particularly long distances or on an airplane.

Remember, lymphedema is a very manageable condition in which early detection and treatment leads to the best outcomes.
The first step is education and awareness. If you think lymphedema is affecting you, please consult your physician.

Bibliography 1Zuther. JE. Lymphedema Management.
The Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners.
2nd ed. New York: Thieme, 2009


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by Jane Clark

​During my yearly mammogram a lump was found in one of my breasts. EARLY DETECTION saved my life!

April 2005 I had a lumpectomy. The surgery went well. I went back to work. Because of the very aggressive cancer I had and the results of an Oncotype test, I had to decide about chemotherapy. My chemotherapy started in June 2005 with eight treatments of very strong chemotherapy given every other week. After each treatment I slept four to six hours. I did lose my hair, didn't have much of an appetite, but didn't get sick.

After a month off I began my second round of chemotherapy plus Herceptin (her2neu drug) which was not nearly as strong as the first round. In November, I developed heart valve damage on my left upper chamber. All chemotherapy and Herceptin treatments were stopped. I was on two different blood pressure medicines to keep stress off my heart, had several CT scans, bone scans and echocardiograms to make sure the cancer was not spreading and/or caused heart problems.

In December I began radiation treatments (33) which were given every day, Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sundays I had off. The treatments did not burn my skin, but I was very, very fatigued. The two types of chemo put my body in a fake menopause mode. The hot flashes and not sleeping at night were the worst!

My last radiation treatment was in January 2006. I lost my hair a total of two different times during this journey, but when it grew back for good, it was thicker, darker and with a little curl.

In February 2006, I began taking tamoxifen. Then in November I went to Dr. Singh in regards to some pain in my lower right calf. It was a blood clot. Within two weeks I had eight more blood clots. Immediately I stopped the tamoxifen (one of the side- effects) and began taking a blood thinner. In February 2007 I had a hysterectomy due to blood clot complications.

I have been released from taking the blood pressure medicine and blood thinner, but I continue having 6-month checkups with Dr. Singh, and 6- month checkups (mammogram once a year and MRI once a year) with Dr. Duven, my surgeon. All is A-OK. I feel great and am LIVING A HEALTHY LONG LIFE!