Lymphedema & Summertime

PatriceH · 03-20-2010, 04:08 PM

I've been wearing a compression sleeve and glove since about November. The therapist says I'm due for a new pair in about May and I should wear what I have every day until I see her again.

Now that Spring is here...that sleeve is hot!

Last year with chemo, surgery, and radiation, there wasn't much time to enjoy summer. But here it comes and I wanna play!

Are there any precautions I need to be aware of now since having been treated for cancer and currently receiving herceptin?

I sure do feel stupid with one arm darker than the other, although it's faint now...come summer...!

Jackie07 · 03-20-2010, 04:25 PM

Patrice,

I've been told to wear it at least 8 hours a day when I'm 'active'. I was fitted with the sleeve and glove after I developed cellulites having been bitten by some tiny bugs in the back yard while I was on TCH.

Be very cautious when you 'enjoy' summer. I will definitely protect the arm and hand at all cost - especially while still undergoing treatment.

vlcarr · 03-20-2010, 06:00 PM

Wish I had some suggestions but I had to start the sleeve & gauntlet every day as well. So far just mild swelling but don't want it to get out of control.

My therapist also suggested a Reid sleeve to wear at night. Has anyone had any experience with that? I looked it up on the internet and it looks so bulky.

Lymphedema was the thing I was so hoping I would not have to deal with. I'm so bummed about this.

Completed my 3rd week of rads. 3 1/2 more to go!

Pam P · 03-21-2010, 03:06 AM

I wear a sleeve daily and a glove as needed. I've been doing it so long it's just part of my 'uniform'. Yes, it seem hot in the summer at first, but now I don't really notice it so much. If I don't wear the sleeve for active time during the day my arm starts to swell and get hardened pretty quickly so I think it best not to go without it. Last summer I did take if off for brief times when sitting in the sun to try to get some tan on it. But it got red and splotchy rash on forearm which I think could have gotten infected. I even used sun screen too. I don't like the idea of one arm not being tanned either, but since I wear the sleeve everyday no one sees it's lighter anyway.

Yes, I used to hate wearing the sleeve in the summer with short sleeves it sure isn't a stylish fashion statement. But it's just what I've got to do to take care of it so I do it. I see other women doing the same. It's just getting used to it. It doesn't stop me from wearing sleeveless tops.

I have a reid sleeve but found it very unconfortable. I now have an arm assist to wear at night it is still thick but softer and a lot more comfortable to sleep in.

BonnieR · 03-21-2010, 10:08 AM

I have very mild lymphedema in one arm. Saw a specialist. She cautioned against sun exposure. Any heat, really.
Once I irritated my arm by scratching it in my sleep. It got very hot and swollen. Needed to take Cipro as a precaution. So I dont want that to happen again.
Swimming is very good exercise for this condition and I look forward to that while at the same time preventing a sunburn.
Keep the faith as you navigate the "new normal"

vlcarr · 03-21-2010, 01:41 PM

Hey Pam,

What is an arm assist? Can I search by just using that term via google, etc? Thanks.