lymphedema and exercise

[lauren]

I wanted to post some info about lymphedema and exercise. I am getting certified to teach yoga to breast cancer patients/survivors, and I have been working with my breast surgeon and her PA a bit, researching what is safe and what is recommended. Here is a brief summary of what they said:

You SHOULD exercise...any kind of exercise...ALL KINDS of exercise. The only thing you should stay away from is lifting heavy weights single-handedly (above 8 pounds, generally, but you know your own strength better than I do, and for me, I am fine lifting heavier than 8 pounds). It is FINE to do pushups, to bike, to play on the monkey bars with your kids, to pick up your kids. The WORST thing for lymphedema is to NOT exercise...that and any infection in the lympedema side. At the first sign of an infection, see your doctor, who will prescribe antibiotics.

My PA mentioned that many of the lymphedema cases she has seen started after a manicure....so she really advises against getting manicures that involve any clipping of cuticles....

lauren

[Linda in Calif]

Hi Lauren: When I started having problems with mild lymphadema shortly after my double Mast. 2 years ago I faced a tough choice because I take care of children for my living. These children weigh between 10 lbs.(newborns) and 45 lbs.(4 year olds)and I am constantly lifting them into playpens, high chairs, cribs, on to swings etc. I figured I would try to tough it out and gradually increase the weight I was lifting over time. Luckily I had an aide who worked with me while I was recovering from the surgery so she helped me do this. It's been 2 years now and my lymphadema is very mild, I only wear a sleave if I am going to fly in a plane. Do you think I am tempting fate by continuing to lift such heavy amounts? I don't know what else I would do to earn a living...I've been doing this for 23 years. Take Care, Linda

[lauren]

Only your breast surgeon and physical therapist could really answer that. You already have lymphedema, so I don't know the answer, unfortunately. How did it develop? Are you in your healthy weight range? Are you careful about keeping your hands free of dirt/ragged cuticles/bug bites/burns? Did it develop FROM lifting children? Or did it develop before you went back to your job? The thing you MUST DO is keep the lymph moving. You really need to USE your arm as much as you can. I can't tell you how much weight is safe for you to lift, but I can tell you that keeping the arm mobile is vital.

[Linda in Calif]

Hi Lauren: Thanks for the reply. I developed it due to damage recieved during surgery and radiation. It is very minimal and only flares up occasionally...but it does scare me. Both my Onc. and PT say to not worry about it because it is intermintant. My PT did recomend doing a yoga-type stretching routine to help keep the lymph flowing. I've also found that wearing tight pants or a bra can cause problems for me. I guess it restricts the flow of the lymph fluid.
I never get manacures so that hasn't been a problem. I AM bad about gardening without gloves on, though. Thanks again, Linda

[lauren]

OH MY GOD!! YOU HAVE TO GARDEN WITH GLOVES ON!!! Can you say Staph Infection??? Please please garden with gloves on....

And do those yoga stretches....keep that lymph flowing....

[Sandy H]

Yes, lauren is so right you must garden with gloves on! I can't believe no one told you before this. Hugs, Sandy H.