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The UVa Breast Program has a lymphedema specialistwho conducts clinics for patients requiring this service. She works closely with the patient and makes recommendations such as reasonable exercise activities, elevation of the arm, as well as many other suggestions that work to relieve the pain and swelling. Lymphedema is the chronic swelling or tightness in the arm or hand caused by the interruption in flow of lymphatic fluid. This can occur when lymph nodes are removed during breast surgery. If breast cancer cells move from the primary tumor site in the breast, they often travel to the lymph nodes under the upper arm. Since the advent of sentinel node biopsy, there has been a decrease in the number of axillary node dissections and therefore a decrease in lymphedema. The Breast Self Help Book has some practical steps you can take to promote good lymph drainage. Check out UVaHealth.com for more information about Lymphedema. |
