Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
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spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 21 cf thrive. com FOR A FREE PRINT SUBSCRIPTION GO TO CFTHRIVE.COM SURVIVORSHIP advance of any treatment, asking your doctor if lymphedema might be a con- sideration is a good idea. Doctors, she adds, should make patients aware of the possibility of lymphedema if appropriate: "Telling the patient about lymphedema before treatment begins is important so that they know what symptoms to look for." Awareness about the early-warning signs of lymphedema and management can lead to better outcomes. "Lymph- edema patients often say they wish they knew about the risk at diagnosis so that they could take preventive measures and understand the facts," Stevens explains. Relief Through Rehabilitation A certifed lymphedema therapist, a pro- fessional specifcally trained to care for patients with lymphedema, performs rehabilitation for lymphedema. Certi- fcation involves training in complete decongestive therapy, a combination of compression methods (including wraps or garments), exercise and massage—all intended to reduce the swelling and the pain associated with lymphedema. Edu- cation on skin care to reduce the risk of infection and ways to avoid sun exposure (as sunburn can further tax the lymphatic system) are also included in the training. Massage in lymphedema management involves what is known as "manual lymph drainage," where the therapist uses hand strokes to encourage lymph fuid to fow out of the arm or leg. Compression is also applied to promote drainage—with com- pression garments (such as sleeves and stockings), bandages wrapped around the affected limb (the therapist will instruct you) and, sometimes, pneumatic com- pression (using a compression garment that is attached to a pump, which infates the sleeve or stocking to apply pressure to Sonia Franklin of Sefner, Florida, was diag- nosed in 1999 with triple-negative breast can- cer and developed lymphedema in 2009 during a recurrence. She says that she frst asked, Why me? when lymphedema was added to her health concerns. She soon determined, how- ever, that her journey was not to question her fate but to talk about the diagnosis with an eye to helping others. "Someone needs to talk about lymphedema," Sonia explains, "to be truthful and not shy." Sonia's choice to turn her focus toward others has been a likely pro- gression, given her outgoing, compassionate disposition. "My forte is people—reaching people, helping people," she explains. "My natural reaction is to ask, 'What can I do?'" She has also become aware that many patients don't know enough— or anything—about lymphedema. "People really need to know," Sonia says. "Too many patients don't understand lymphedema." Sonia makes herself available to support others whenever she has the opportunity. For example, not long ago a member of Sonia's church approached her to ask about lymphedema; specifcally, she wanted to know how Sonia had avoided developing a terribly swollen arm. Sonia was eager share her knowledge: "I want to tell people about the impor- tance of keeping fuid moving with exercise and massage and fnding a specialist to help." In her personal experience, Sonia says that exercise has been impor- tant in lymphedema management (though she uses other techniques, such as massage, and wears a compression sleeve when necessary). She encourages others to keep moving: "Do what you can to stay active. If you can't walk fve miles, do fve blocks. And do the exercises your therapist prescribes." Education and awareness are important keys to efective lymph- edema management, so it is great news for patients that there are well-informed survivors like Sonia available and eager to share their knowledge and support others. Sonia Franklin Shares Her Lymphedema Experience to Help Others cftSp#23vky.indd 21 2/3/14 11:13 PM