HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Hot tub/ sauna -lymph nodes

StephN · 01-17-2009, 01:45 PM

Hi -
Debbie gives some good advice about moderation and trying things slowly. We have enough problems without getting a full blown case of lymphedema.

Having 18 nodes removed I was careful to go easy on the lifting and make sure I had my range of motion back before starting a program of strengthening with light hand weights.

Knowing several BC survivor friends who did become afflicted with lymphedema, I was scared about that. It seems that some type of injury was what first set off their swelling. Such as a fall, banging the arm or shoulder or car accident.

About 3-4 years ago I did develop some moderate swelling in my surgery side hand/wrist and went for consult and treatment. Had to wear a compression glove with foam strips for extra pressure. Then my therapist got training in Kineseo tape. That was a good alternative to me and I ditched the glove.

There has been no swelling to speak of for over a year and I no longer use those devices or need to massage for drainage. Guess it was "easy come, easy go" in my case.

As for hot tubs or hot pools, I will use them on occasion, but tend to keep my hand above the surface.

01-17-2009, 01:45 PM	#9
StephN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Misty woods of WA State Posts: 4,128	Kiniseo tape Hi - Debbie gives some good advice about moderation and trying things slowly. We have enough problems without getting a full blown case of lymphedema. Having 18 nodes removed I was careful to go easy on the lifting and make sure I had my range of motion back before starting a program of strengthening with light hand weights. Knowing several BC survivor friends who did become afflicted with lymphedema, I was scared about that. It seems that some type of injury was what first set off their swelling. Such as a fall, banging the arm or shoulder or car accident. About 3-4 years ago I did develop some moderate swelling in my surgery side hand/wrist and went for consult and treatment. Had to wear a compression glove with foam strips for extra pressure. Then my therapist got training in Kineseo tape. That was a good alternative to me and I ditched the glove. There has been no swelling to speak of for over a year and I no longer use those devices or need to massage for drainage. Guess it was "easy come, easy go" in my case. As for hot tubs or hot pools, I will use them on occasion, but tend to keep my hand above the surface. __________________ "When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." H.D. Thoreau Live in the moment. MY STORY SO FAR ~~~~ Found suspicious lump 9/2000 Lumpectomy, then node dissection and port placement Stage IIB, 8 pos nodes of 18, Grade 3, ER & PR - Adriamycin 12 weekly, taxotere 4 rounds 36 rads - very little burning 3 mos after rads liver full of tumors, Stage IV Jan 2002, one spot on sternum Weekly Taxol, Navelbine, Herceptin for 27 rounds to NED! 2003 & 2004 no active disease - 3 weekly Herceptin + Zometa Jan 2005 two mets to brain - Gamma Knife on Jan 18 All clear until treated cerebellum spot showing activity on Jan 2006 brain MRI & brain PET Brain surgery on Feb 9, 2006 - no cancer, 100% radiation necrosis - tumor was still dying Continue as NED while on Herceptin & quarterly Zometa Fall-2006 - off Zometa - watching one small brain spot (scar?) 2007 - spot/scar in brain stable - finished anticoagulation therapy for clot along my port-a-catheter - 3 angioplasties to unblock vena cava 2008 - Brain and body still NED! Port removed and scans in Dec. Dec 2008 - stop Herceptin - Vaccine Trial at U of W begun in Oct. of 2011 STILL NED everywhere in Feb 2014 - on wing & prayer 7/14 - Started twice yearly Zometa for my bones Jan. 2015 checkup still shows NED 2015 Neuropathy in feet - otherwise all OK - still NED. Same news for 2016 and all of 2017. Nov of 2017 - had small skin cancer removed from my face. Will have Zometa end of Jan. 2018.