Living With Lymphedema

Information, helpful tips, and news items of interest relating to lymphedema.

"Musicians: The Life and Livelihood Study"

This message is for lymphedema specialists and doctors who specialize in cancer rehabilitation. This study is a unique opportunity for you to take part in research concerning the role of music during or after their treatment for breast cancer.

Air Travel Recommendations

Air travel guidelines and tips for those who have, or at risk of developing, lymphedema.

Avoid HOT Water!

Exposure to extreme heat is not recommended for those with lymphedema because heat causes vasodilation and this results in an increase in the flow of fluid from the blood vessels and into the tissues.  To avoid this effect, there are some activities that should be avoided, or at least approached very cautiously.

Be More Comfortable this Summer!

Hot weather can make life very miserable for those of us with lymphedema. However there are ways to reduce this discomfort. Our thanks to Cassie, of www.StepupSpeakout.org website, for generously sharing some of these excellent cooling ideas with us.

 

Coping Emotionally with Lymphedema

This article contains a brief excerpt from the book Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema by Elizabeth McMahon PhD. Here book Dr. McMahon helps the reader recognize normal and problematic responses to lymphedema.

In addition, she provides practical suggestions and helpful worksheets to aid the reader in overcoming problematic responses.

Dental Treatment and Lymphedema

Because our mouths contain bacteria, there is always some risk of infection associated with dental treatment. This risk occurs if the tissues are penetrated thereby creating an opening for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. There is a long standing "discussion" as to whether or not those with lymphedema would benefit from taking a preventive course of antibiotics when having oral surgery.

Exploring Lymph Notes

Helpful getting acquainted information for visitors and new Lymph Notes members.

Fatigue Happens

For some individuals with lymphedema, fatigue is a major problem; however, there are ways in which you can learning how to prevent, overcome, or work around this problem.

Introducing LSAP

The goal of the Lymph Science Advocacy Program (LSAP) is to engage and motivate patients and caregivers to action in issues of treatment and research of the lymphatic system through education and a more comprehensive understanding of the scientific and clinical research aspects of primary and secondary Lymphedema and related disorders.

Komen for the Cure

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, which is a very successful in fund raising organization, awards many grants for research and treatment relating to breast cancer. A frequently asked question is, “Does this foundation support lymphedema research or treatment? The answers to ths question are “NO” and “YES.”

Lymph Notes Search Function

The Lymph Notes search function enables you to search the Lymph Notes forums and to use Google for an Internet search. The link for these search functions is located in the footer of each page.

Lymph Notes Table of Contents

Easy Access to find informative Lymph Notes articles.

Native Americans and the Treatment of Lymphedema

The healing ceremonies of Native American’s can require modifications in order to protect those with lymphedema from the danger of infection. The Native American Cancer Research website includes excellent lymphedema information and detailed instructions on how these necessary modifications are made.

New Sunscreen Labels

This is important information of things to come. It can help you better protect skin that is delicate or already delicate risk due to lymphedema damage.

Family fun on the beach.

 

 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on June 14, 2011, that it will implement new rules for sunscreen products, in order to help Americans reduce their risk of skin cancer and early aging. This is important news and you should pay attention  to the announcements as they are made.

Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking, had its origin in Finland in 1997, and is now rapidly becoming popular all over the world. This sport has special benefits for those with lymphedema and is a very enjoyable activity to share with a group.

Nutrition and Lymphedema

Eating more greens and beans, and less fats, will minimize the swelling of lymphedema and risk of infection. In addition, if you  are at risk of developing lymphedema, this eating plan will help you reduce your risk of developing lymphedema.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Pain Management and Lymphedema

Pain is often a lingering aftermath of breast cancer treatment and it can also be an early warning sign of the onset of lymphedema. Once lymphedema develops, pain can be a chronic problem and drug-free methods of controlling it are helpful.

Pets and Lymphedema

Having a pet, or pets, can be a great joy; however, when you have lymphedema there are some risks you should be aware of and precautions that you should take. Also you might be interested to know that your pet could be at risk of developing lymphedema.

Pilates and Lymphedema

Pilates is a mind/body exercise technique that stretches and lengthens the body with flowing movements. These exercises are well suited for those with lymphedema, or concerned about developing it because the exercises include deep breathing and muscular contractions help to propel lymphatic fluid out of the area at risk.

Pregnancy and Primary Lymphedema

Doris Laing, an experienced lymphedema therapist, has learned that having primary lymphedema should not prevent a woman from planning to raise a family. Doris shared her advice for these women in the book “Voices of Lymphema” and this advice is reprinted here with permission of the publisher.*

Proper Care of Finger and Toe Nails

Appropriate nail care is an extremely important for those who have lymphedema that affects their extremities. This is essential because any damage to the nails, or the skin surrounding them, can cause painful problems and potentially serious infections.

Protecting Lymphedema Patients During Surgery

As a surgery patient, it is your responsibility to be certain that those involved in your treatment understand your specialized needs. To aid you, LymphNotes.com invites you to copy this article and use it to help in raising the awareness of your surgical team.

Safely Removing Unwanted Hair

Many Lymphedema therapists recommend that women with lower extremity lymphedema do not use leg waxing.  This article answers the question, ”Why not?” It also addresses other unwanted hair removal systems.

Salt and Lymphedema

There are no official guidelines stating that a low-salt diet is beneficial in controlling the swelling of lymphedema; however based on common sense, questions arise about this issue.

Support Group Tips

Lymphedema support groups are an important part of living well with lymphedema and this article contains planning suggestions that can help you have more successful support group meetings.

Surgery and Lymphedema Precautions

If you have lymphedema, or are at risk for lymphedema, you should take basic precautions to protect your self from having the "at risk" limb used for taking blood pressure, blood draw, or injections. This is the story of Emily P. Bees' adventure in protecting her at risk arm during surgery. We aappreciate Emily's sharing her story here. 

 

 

We also want to say THANK Peninsula Medical Company, and their staff who make these Lymphedema Alert wrist or ankle bands available without charge. Your work on this project is appreciated

Request Your Band

If you do not already have one of these bracelets be prepared by visiting this website http://www.lymphedema.com/alertband.htm and requesting  your alertband as a precaution. The kindness of these employees who send out these alertbands, and your precaution of requesting a band can make a big difference in your care and recovery!

Tattoos and Lymphedema

There are situations, such as recreating the nipple area in breast reconstruction, where tattooing is considered to be medically indicated. There are other situations, such as tissues affected by lymphedema (or at risk of developing lymphedema) in which make a tattoo contraindicated.   

 

  

If you are considering getting a tattoo, it is important to carefully weigh the risks.

 

 

 

 

The Benefits of NLN Membership

It is estimated that 5 million, or more, Americans have lymphedema. Some have primary lymphedema, which is the inherited type. Others have secondary lymphedema, which may result from an cancer treatment, injury, surgery, obesity, or other medical conditions.

 

 

Before 1988 each patient had to face this condition alone since there was no organization to offer help. Fortunately at that time, a forward looking group recognized the need for an organization to promote the search for a cure to share problems and solutions.

This group established the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) and started working toward finding the solutions to meet these needs.The NLN continues to grow and to move toward meeting these goals; however there are still needs to met and help is still needed.

WAYS TO BE MORE COMFORTABLE DURING SUMMER HEAT

Hot weather can make life miserable for those with lymphedema. However, there are ways to reduce this discomfort.  Cassie, of StepupSpeakout.org  website, has generously shared some excellent cooling ideas with us.(www.stepupspeakout.org)Many thanks to Cassie for sharing!

Got a question or comment? Post in the 'Living With Lymphedema' forum.