Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Fall 2018

Need help treating your lymphedema? A certified lymphedema therapist can reduce swelling, increase mobility in joints and muscles, ease the swelling and pain of lymphedema, and decrease the risk of further complications. Learn more at SkyLakes.org/OutpatientRehabilitation or call 541-274-6406 . LYMPHEDEMA What to know about this cancer 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. Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition in which fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling of the arm, leg, trunk, head and neck. It occurs after removal of lymph nodes and radiation treatment, as well as after trauma. Signs and symptoms include a tight, achy feeling in tissues; an arm or a leg that easily tires and feels heavy; and visual swelling in the arms, legs, head, neck or chest. Who gets it and why 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. 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 two 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: w w Try not to have blood drawn from, or shots given in, the affected arm. w w Wear protective gloves when doing chores, such as cleaning or gardening. w w Be extra careful when shaving under your arms, and use a clean razor on clean skin. w w Wear sunscreen. w w Moisturize your skin to help keep it from cracking. If you suspect infection (signs and symptoms include redness, pain and fever), call your health care provider immediately. The second way to control lymphedema is to receive complete decongestive therapy from a certified professional. A prescription is required. This therapy involves four steps—skin care, manual lymph drainage, lymphedema compression garments, and exercises—followed by instructions for follow-up routines. Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation journal Annmarie Huber, OTR/L, CHT, CLT, of Sky Lakes Outpatient Rehabilitation, contributed to this article. SkyLakes.org | LIVE smart 7