WHAT NOW!

Even as you take the steps through the door of your new diagnosis, you must listen to God. You may not have the answers to the questions that torment you about your family, your suffering, and your fear of the temporary darkness ahead. But if you listen, He will speak--in some way, through someone, on some page or in some event. and if you listen for Him, you will know it is God, and you can go on.

There...

Read More

Diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating and treatments can be both frightening and uncomfortable. We want to believe that once the chemo and radiation treatments are completed, we can leave this terrible episode in our lives behind. Most breast cancer survivors take a daily regement of maintainence drugs. They may also develop lymphedema, they may, as a result of their chemotherapy treatments, loose teeth. This page is dedicated to providing information not usually considered. Our most important job is to rid our bodies of cancer, however, our lives after treatments can be less stressful if we know how to manage lymphedema and if we understand a little about how our maintenance drugs work.

Identifying Lymphedema

Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb (s). In breast cancer survivors, the most likely area is the arm on the side in which surgery was performed. Some patients develop lymphedema in the chest, under the surgical arm.

Signs or Symptoms to watch out for include:
*A full sensation in the limb or affected area
*Skin feeling tight
*Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or the underarm area
*Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area
*Ring, wristwatch or bracelet tightening
*PERSISTENT SWELLING (even if it's just a little that comes and goes)
*Ache in a limb

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your physician and ask for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema. Express to them your concerns about possibly developing lymphedema. Question their knowledge of lymphedema. See a lymphedema specialist or a physician who has a good understanding of lymphedema. If they tell you, "Don't worry about it....it's just a little swelling," or say, "Maybe you are putting on a little weight," and you remain concerned, seek a second opinion. Lymph that remains in an area for an extended period of time becomes thick and is fertile ground for bacteria.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Infection, (the most dangerous result of lymphedema) includes some of the following:
*Red streaks on the limb or rash/red, blotchy skin
*Itching of the area
*Discoloration
*Increase in swelling of the limb or the area
*Skin feels hot
*Limb feels heavier than usual
*Pain
*Fever/Chills The antibiotic of choice to treat this infection would be those in the penicillin family

Is Lymphedema Curable?
No! It requires LIFELONG MANAGEMENT

Suggestions that can possibly help avoid the challenges of lymphedema:                                                                                        Soon after breast cancer surgery, ask surgeon for a referral to a physical therapist, certified in treating lymphedema for evaluation,  and to be fitted with a compression sleeve.  Sleeve should be worn when taking air plane trips and when doing any work or sports activity that requires repetitive movements.