So pleased to have found you! Thank you. I have just had my ancillary nodes removed this week. You have given me such optimism. Typically positive Aussie attitude I love it. A MacMillan nurse in the UK recommended you 🙏
Thank you for a very informative video. Have subscribed and will follow your videos. I had a mastectomy in my right breast. I am still undergoing chemotherapy. I am right-handed. The main activities I use my hands for at the moment are driving, typing, some light housework chores, and crocheting. Are any of these dangerous to my hand?
Hi Chris! Thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, weight loss is definitely a very good thing to focus on to reduce risk of lymphoedema, or existing lymphoedema. But stay tuned - next week is the video on Weight Loss After Breast Cancer. Jen x
There are breast cancer survivors who suffer from breast, chest or neck lymphedema. Is L-DEX Score used for early diagnosis of these types of lymphedema too? Thank you very much for your answer.
Hi Ivan! Thanks for your question. Unfortunately no, you can't get an LDEX score at this point in time for breast, chest or neck Lymphoedema. However, there is a device called a Moisture Meter which I can do a video on in the future. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio I just got the LDEX score twice; before radiation and after radiation which indicated that the lymphedema (diagnosed before the radiation started) has progressed. What does it mean then?
Thank you Nikki! So pleased this video resonated with you. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you for your positive feedback Vindy! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thank you for your video. It really educated me a bit more on lymphedema. I’m at 2+ weeks after having my double mastectomy. I’m still worried about getting lymphedema. My questions How long after surgery am I at risk for getting lymphedema? Will I be at risk for lymphedema for the rest of my life? Also is it okay to wear my iwatch on the side where my lymph nodes were removed? How do you feel about chemotherapy? Is 2-8% chance of cancer not coming back after treatment realistic for treatment? Yes I know I can ask my doctor but I’m asking you. Please help thank you
Hi Jenny, I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity Alternatively I can do private Telehealth appointments. Email me if you're interested enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
Hi Melinda, good question. Exercise causes lymphatic fluid to be produced at higher volumes. There may be a small contribution of heat produced by exercise adding to lymphatic load, but it is contextual. If you're exercising at light intensity in an air-conditioned gym, compared to running outside on a very hot/humid day then the latter exercise is most likely going to create increased heat stress. I hope this answers your question? Jen
Jen, I'm female, 74 and in the UK. Post right side mastectomy surgery by 22 years with node clearance. Had mild lymphoedema in right arm which hasn't really been a problem. Just been diagnosed with lymphoedema in both legs and feet. Self-learning what I can do to keep this condition under control. As far as exercise is concerned, would it be safe for me to use my stepping machine at home - it has handlebars for stability? Also, is it beneficial or a requirement to take an immune boosting supplement? Thanks and regards, Janet.
Hi Janet, it's unlikely the lymphoedema in your legs is directly related to your Breast Cancer. I would need to know more about the cause of the leg swelling to be able to help you. I can do Telehealth appointments if you want specific advice. Jen
How long do you need to wait after having surgery (double mastectomy and lymph node removal (all of them in my case) before you can begin exercising? Thanks!
Hi Smone, it depends a bit on the type of exercise. If you can let me know more information about what you're getting back into that would help me help you. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
I've been moisturising my hands and I now get more cuts, scuffs and skin breaks on them than before (because they are too soft! Not robust enough to do my work & daily tasks), even though I wear good solid proper gloves pretty much all the time now. Which is a right hinderence! Cutting my nails is also a problem as I have previously always bitten them, so I have no idea. I am not looking forward to the summer as the factory where I work is very hot! I feel I am doomed, I feel like giving up.
Hi Caroline, if you are experiencing skin breakdown I would get a referral to a dermatologist. It sounds like there may be too much moisture for your skin. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hello! Thank you for your video. I have been diagnosed with beginning stage lymphedema in my right arm. I also have just begun 14 months of allergy shots. I am supposed to get a shot in each arm each week. Is this safe for me to get an allergy shot in my right arm? My allergist had no idea.
Hi Jennifer, I would try to avoid the allergy shots in your affected arm (i.e. the arm that has had lymph nodes removed). have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Tina, anything that you're not allergic to but generally speaking low-pH and water based where possible. It's not the lotion that is creating the tissue to change, it's merely a lubricant. I hope this helps. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Last year I had an operation on my mastectomy, But now my elbow area and my wrist are its starting to swell. If I reach out my arm it seems that someone is pulling my nerve, And it hurts. And my palm are hurts too. What is the reason, Is it cording? Or what is the main reason behind the stretch and pull?
I suspect that the pulling sensation when you reach is most likely cording. But you may also have lymphoedema if your arm is swelling. Best to watch my video on How To Resolve Cording After Breast Cancer - that's the best exercise to start resolving cording. Do you have access to a Lymphoedema Therapist where you are? Someone should assess your arm for Lymphoedema. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much for replying 💕. I'm here in Emirates, But here there are no lymphoedema therapist there are only simple therapists.
@@rabnawaz1980 my pleasure. Start by treating the cording following my guidelines in the videos (How To Resolve Cording After Breast Cancer AND How To Perform Massage For Cording). Let me know if the swelling doesn't resolve and we might need to get a compression garment to you to control / reduce the swelling. Hope this helps! Jen x
Hi, thanks for your question. I would avoid any moisturising any healing wounds to prevent risk of infection. As soon as the wounds heal you can moisturise the scars. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Crystal, so sorry for my slow reply! I would be cautious with any activity that is going to really raise your core temperature, particularly for a long time. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to answer questions and provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Haha yes sorry about that! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Thanks for replying, I haven’t had any nodes removed yet, my dmx date is not set yet but I just really wanna be ready, petrified of getting lymphedema.
I have an Online Workshop on Lymphoedema Prevention. This is an in-depth presentation that goes into the many ways Lymphoedema can be prevented. If you're interested in a copy of the Recording of this Workshop (US$29.99) please send me an email enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com I also have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Sarah, yes I do recommend a pre-surgical Baseline LDEX even with a sentinel node biopsy. Your risk of Lymphoedema is lower with only a few nodes removed but there is still a risk. Jen
Jen = I was about to ask the same question. I had four sentinel nodes removed for biopsy a month ago. All were clear. I was, still am, very concerned about developing lymphedema even though doctors told me not to worry, won't happen. Doctors, I've found, tend to downplay side effects. I trust you much more than doctors.