Compression Sleeve/Lymphedema/Radiation

[vlcarr]

I had several sessions with a certified lymphedema therapist to find out what I could do to help prevent lymphedema.

Along with showing me how to do self massage, having my husband do it in her presence, giving me a detailed list of exercises to do, she also recommended I wear the compression sleeve during radiation.

When I asked the rad onc about this, she said she didn't think it would prevent it, but also saw no harm in me wearing it during the session.

Last week was my first week of rads and I started wearing the sleeve when it came in on Wednesday. I put it on before I leave and leave it on until I get my exercises done (suppose to wear the sleeve when I do those as well), which is immediately after I get home from radiation. This probably totals about 2 to 3 hours.

I'm getting 3 sided radiation and every other day they lay this gel pad over me that imitates tissue. The onc said the purpose of this is to force the radiation closer to my skin since they want to see a burn on the surface.

Here are the questions I have for you guys:

1) It seems my arm swelled after wearing the sleeve. I also had "dimples" in my skin in the wrist area after wearing the sleeve. Is is normal to have the imprints of the sleeve in your arm after wearing it? Could I be wearing it to much?

2) Has anyone had this gel material (it looks like a blob of fat) used during your radiation? How bad was the burn?

She does not want me to put anything on my skin to prevent the burn. They gave me Curel lotion to put on to help with dryness and itching. I haven't had those issues yet, but I am using the lotion. She did tell me they will give me things to help with the pain from the burn as that occurs.

I guess I just wasn't prepared for the fact they wanted me to burn. She said my skin would be back to 80% normal about 2 weeks after I complete radiation. She also told me I would experience a 15 to 20% loss of my lung function.

Just looking for someone who might have had a similar experience. This is NOT as bad as chemo, but darn, I wasn't expecting this either.

Thanks so much.