Lymphedema : A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide

About 25 percent of breast cancer surgery patients experience lymphedema - a disfiguring, painful swelling, most frequently of the arm. In the past, doctors suggested that little could be done for this condition. But that has changed, and the guide to good help is right here, in your hands.

Foreword

ix

Acknowledgments

xi

Preface

xii

Jeannie Burt's Story

Gwen White's Story

About the Consultants for This Book

part one Lymphedema: What It Is and How to Prevent It

Chapter 1: The Basics about Lymphedema

2

(20)

What Is Lymphedema?

Causes and Types of Lymphedema

Breast Cancer Surgery and the Lymph Nodes

Radiotherapy

Reconstruction after Mastectomy

Incidence of Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment

Obesity and Lymphedema

Lymphedema in Men

Chapter 2: Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema

22

(6)

What to Watch For

Diagnosing Lymphedema

Take Lymphedema Seriously

Chapter 3: The Lymphatic System

28

(7)

Lymphatic Vessels

Lymph Nodes

Watersheds

Chapter 4: Jean's Story: A Physical Therapist Assistant Deals with Lymphedema

35

(3)

Chapter 5: Preventing Lymphedema

38

(24)

Helpful Hints

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

part two Treating Lymphedema

Chapter 6: An Introduction to Treatment Methods

62

(6)

A Brief History of Treatment

General Principles of Treatment

Chapter 7: Abdominal Breathing

68

(5)

How to Breathe Abdominally

Some Tips

Chapter 8: Lymphatic Massage

73

(12)

The Principles of Lymphatic Massage

When Should You Not Have a Massage?

Preparations for Treatment

Self-Massage Techniques

Back Massage by a Partner

Chapter 9: Emma's Story: Persistence Pays Off

85

(3)

Chapter 10: Massage for Scarring, Cording, and Myofascial Release

88

(9)

Scar Massage

Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)

Myofascial Release

Massage after Radiotherapy

Chapter 11: Linda's Story: Massaging Scars and Dealing with Lymphedcma of the Torso

97

(3)

Chapter 12: Compression: Bandages and Garments

100

(15)

Compression Bandaging

Compression Garments

Specialty Garments

Chapter 13: Kinesio Taping and Pumps

115

(11)

Kinesio Taping

Vasopneumatic Pumps

Chapter 14: Nancy's Story: A Nurse Uses Compression to Treat Her Lymphedema

126

(5)

Chapter 15: Carolyn's Story: Using a Vasopneumatic Pump

131

(3)

Chapter 16: Exercising with Lymphedema

134

(26)

Overall Benefits of Exercise

Special Exercises for Lymphedema Treatment

Goals of Exercise as a Part of Lymphedema Treatment

Guidelines for Exercising with Lymphedema

When You Should Not Exercise

Lymph-Drainage Exercises

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Strengthening and Toning Exercises

Aerobic Exercises

Other Exercises

Chapter 17: Anita's Story: A Committed Focus Yields Results

160

(4)

Chapter 18: Seeking Treatment

164

(8)

Questions to Ask when Considering a Treatment Program

Insurance

Legislative Issues

part three Beyond Conventional Treatments

Chapter 19: Lymphedema and Emotions

172

(6)

Therapists' Perspectives

Help for Dealing with Difficult Emotions

Chapter 20: Ruth's Story: A Counselor Treats Herself and Others

178

(3)

Chapter 21: The Powers of Mind and Spirit

181

(10)

The Power of the Mind to Heal

The Effects of Stress

The Benefits of Relaxation

Meditation and Visualization

Chapter 22: Feather's Story: A Creative Approach to Healing

191

(3)

Chapter 23: Complementary Therapies and Emerging Technologies

194

(8)

Naturopathy and Acupuncture

Emerging Technologies

Nutritional Supplements

Chapter 24: Conclusion

202

(3)

Note from Gwen

Note from Jeannie

Endnotes

205

(13)

Glossary

218

(11)

Selected Bibliography & Recommended Reading

229

(3)

Resources

232

(9)

Index

241

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Lymphedema : A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials