Whether you’re preparing for treatment or navigating recovery, we offer thoughtfully designed products to help with Lymphedema prevention and management, so you can feel more comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
What are Lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are small clumps of immune cells that act as filters for the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system runs throughout the body, like the circulatory (blood) system. It carries fluid and cells.
If breast cancer spreads, the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes in the underarm) are the first place it’s likely to go.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a buildup of lymph fluid in the tissues, causing swelling. The lymphatic system normally helps fight infection and remove waste; several conditions or treatments can disrupt this flow. Lymphedema after Breast Cancer is swelling in the arm, underarm or breast after breast cancer surgery or treatment.
This swelling is caused by surgical removal of lymph nodes under the arm or can also be from having radiation therapy.
Risk Factors:
- Undergoing lymph node dissection: Having underarm lymph nodes removed increases the risk of lymphedema.
- Radiation Therapy: Adding radiation therapy to the underarm area can further increase the risk.
- Being overweight or obese: Research does show a link between being overweight and the risk of developing lymphedema. Lymphedema is not inevitable, there are things you can do to help prevent it
- Removing lymph nodes: removal to check for cancer can disrupt the lymphatic system’s normal drainage patterns.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation to the lymph nodes in the underarm area can damage them and increase the risk of lymphedema.
- Infection or inflammation: An infection can also damage the lymph vessels.
- Swelling- The most common symptom is swelling in the affected arm, hand or breast.
- Aching- A dull ache in the arm, hand, or breast or underarm.
- Feeling of heaviness, tightness, or fullness- A persistent feeling of puffiness or heaviness in the arm, hand or breast.
- Aching or burning: Discomfort in the arm or breast can occur.
- Skin changes: Tightness, warmth, or if progressing, hardening of the skin.
- Tightness: Feeling that jewelry or clothing is too tight on the affected arm.
Products to help manage Lymphedema
Small and Large Pressure Pad – Targeted relief and gentle support – right where you need it.If you’re dealing with swelling (edema), tight scar tissue, or discomfort after surgery or radiation, the Lymph Flow Pressure Pad offers a simple and effective way to feel better. Designed to be worn comfortably under your compression bra or garment, this soft pad applies targeted pressure to support your healing process.
Linda with Adjustable straps by Amoena – Linda Curalymph Comfort bra is designed to support women affected by lymphedema following surgery. The flat bonded seams prevent any cutting in to the skin, so that lymphatic drainage is supported, whilst the innovative side panels maintain a light massage effect as you move through your day, encouraging fluid drainage.
Leyla– Light compression provides immobilization and stabilization of the breast operated tissue, and ensures best healing.
Almeria by AnitaCare – Almeria is a carefully designed compression bra, ideal for the healing phase after breast surgery-including mastectomy, reconstruction or reduction. It offers targeted support with a seamless compression bandage design, helping to stabilize and soothe during recovery.
Marena Recovery Bra – Post Surgical Compression Garment with Full Adjustability.
All-Day Targeted Compression: Designed with Marena’s proprietary TriFlex fabric, this surgical bra has superior stretch and active silver odor protection with consistent compression that won’t bind for great comfort
Lymphedema Night Garment
JOBST® Relax compression garments for nighttime have been designed to help maintain results achieved from daytime lymphedema treatment. Counteracting fluid accumulation at night, they can make a difference and help you sleep more comfortably. – Custom measurements are required, purchase in store only.
Print pattern compression sleeves
Compression sleeves that fit today’s fashion!When you wear a Juzo print series garment, feel confident that you’re receiving the compression you need while boasting a design that expresses the true you! With so many options, you maintain your health benefits and comfort while being bold, sassy, colorful, unique and more – whatever defines your personality. Many, many patterns available. Special Order In store.
Article
Lymphedema Exercises and Tips
Gentle stretches and exercises can help either reduce the risk of lymphedema or improve symptoms of early lymphedema stages.
READ ARTICLE: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/lymphedema/reducing-risk/exercise