FOR LOWER EXTREMITIES -
WHO IS AT RISK?
At risk is anyone who has had gynecological, melanoma, prostate or kidney cancer in combination with inguinal node dissection and, often, radiation therapy. Lymphedema can occur immediately postoperatively, within a few months, a couple of years, or 20 years or more after cancer therapy. With proper education and care, lymphedema can be avoided or, if it develops, kept under control.
The following instructions should be reviewed carefully pre-operatively and discussed with your physician or therapist.
Absolutely do not ignore any slight increase of swelling in the toes, foot, ankle, leg, abdomen, genitals (consult with your doctor immediately).
Never allow an injection or a blood drawing in the affected leg(s). Wear a LYMPHEDEMA ALERT BRACELET.
Keep the edemic leg, or "at-risk" leg, spotlessly clean. Use lotion (Eucerin, Nivea) after bathing. When drying it, be gentle, but thorough. Make sure it is dry in any creases and between the toes.
Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected legs.
Do not wear socks, stockings or undergarments with tight elastic bands.
Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing or sunbathing (no sauna or hot tub).
Keep the legs protected from the sun.
Avoid any type of trauma (bruising, cuts, sunburn or other burns, sports injuries, insect bites, cat scratches).
When manicuring your toenails, avoid cutting your cuticles (inform your pedicurist).
Exercise is important, but consult with your therapist. Do not overtire a leg at risk; if it starts to ache, lie down and elevate it. Recommended exercises: walking, swimming, light aerobics, bike riding, and yoga.
When travelling by air, patients with lymphedema (or at risk) must wear a compression stocking. Additional bandages may be required on a long flight. Be sure to walk around a bit while in the air.
Use an electric razor to remove hair from legs. Maintain electric razor, replacing heads as needed.
Patients who have lymphedema should wear a well-fitted compression stocking during all waking hours. At least every 4-6 months, see your therapist for follow-up. If the stocking is too loose, most likely the leg circumference has reduced or the stocking is worn.
Warning: If you notice a rash, blistering, redness, increase of temperature or fever, see your physician immediately. An inflammation or infection in the affected leg could be the beginning or a worsening of lymphedema.
Maintain your ideal weight with a well-balanced, low sodium, high-fiber diet. Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages. Lymphedema is a high-protein edema which is not related to the protein found in foods. Eating less protein will not reduce the protein element in the lymph fluid; rather, this will weaken the connective tissue and possibly worsen the condition. The diet should contain protein that is easily digested, such as chicken, fish or tofu.
Always wear closed shoes (high tops or well-fitted boots are highly
recommended).
No sandals, slippers or going barefoot. Dry feet carefully after swimming.
See a podiatrist once a year as prophylaxis (to check for and treat fungi, ingrown toenails, calluses, pressure areas).
Wear clean socks & hosiery at all times.
Use talcum powder on feet, especially if you perspire a great deal. Talcum will make it easier to pull on your compression stockings. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, as well, when pulling on stockings. Powder behind the knee often helps; it prevents rubbing and irritation.
Unfortunately, prevention is not a cure. But, as a cancer and/or lymphedema patient, you are in control of your ongoing cancer checkups and the continued maintenance of your lymphedema.
FOR UPPER EXTREMITIES -
For the patient who is at risk of developing lymphedema, and for the patient who has developed lymphedema.
WHO IS AT RISK?
At risk is anyone who has had either a simple mastectomy, lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy in combination with axillary node dissection and, often, radiation therapy.
Lymphedema can occur immediately post-operatively, within a few months, a couple of years, or 20 years or more after cancer therapy. With proper education and care, lymphedema can be avoided or, if it develops, kept well under control.
The following instructions should be reviewed carefully pre-operatively and discussed with your physician or therapist.
Absolutely do not ignore any slight increase of swelling in the arm, hand, fingers, neck or chest wall (consult with your doctor immediately).
Never allow an injection, IV or a blood drawing in the affected arm(s). Wear a LYMPHEDEMA ALERT BRACELET.
Have blood pressure checked in the unaffected arm.
Keep the edemic arm, or "at-risk" arm, spotlessly clean. Use lotion (Eucerin, Nivea) after bathing. When drying it, be gentle, but thorough. Make sure it is dry in any creases and between the fingers.
Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance with the affected arm (scrubbing, pushing, pulling).
Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. Never carry heavy handbags or bags with over-the-shoulder straps.
Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or arm(s).
Avoid extreme temperature changes when bathing, washing dishes, or (no sauna or hot tub). Keep the arm protected from the sun.
Avoid any type of trauma (bruising, cuts, sunburn or other burns, sports injuries, insect bites, cat scratches).
Wear gloves while doing housework, gardening or any type of work that could result in even a minor injury.
When manicuring your nails, avoid cutting your cuticles (inform your manicurist).
Exercise is important, but consult with your therapist. Do not over-tire an arm at risk; if it starts to ache, lie down and elevate it. Recommended exercises: walking, swimming, light aerobics, bike riding, and specially designed ballet or yoga. (Do not lift more than 15 lbs.)
When traveling by air, patients with lymphedema (or at risk) must wear a compression sleeve. Additional bandages may be required on a long flight. Increase fluid intake while in the air.
Patients with large breasts should wear light breast prostheses (heavy prostheses may put too much pressure on the lymph nodes above the collar bone). Soft pads may have to be worn under the bra strap. Wear a well-fitted bra: not too tight and with no wire support.
Use an electric razor to remove hair from axilla. Maintain electric razor properly, replacing heads as needed.
Patients with lymphedema should wear a well-fitted compression sleeve during all waking hours. At least every 4-6 months, see your therapist for follow-up. If the sleeve is too loose, most likely the arm circumference has reduced or the sleeve is worn.
Warning: If you notice a rash, blistering, redness, increase of temperature or fever, see your physician immediately. An inflammation or infection in the affected arm could be the beginning or a worsening of lymphedema.
Maintain your ideal weight with a well-balanced, low sodium, high-fiber diet.
Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages. Lymphedema is a high protein edema, but eating too little protein will not reduce the protein element in the lymph fluid - rather, this will weaken the connective tissue and worsen the condition. The diet should contain protein that is easily digested, such as chicken, fish or tofu.
Unfortunately, prevention is not a cure. But, as a cancer and/or lymphedema patient, you are in control of your ongoing cancer checkups and the continued maintenance of your lymphedema.
For more information, go to Lymphedema Circle of Hope
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