Caution advised while doing sports after breast cancer operation

Tina BuddeMar 31st, 2008 - 04:07:43

Thank you for this article! I have seen so much in the news about dragonboat racing and strength training and the studies done to say they are ok, but it's not ok for everyone. This article is actually a good reasonable one.

There is going to be a debate on elymphnotes.com in the next week about primary and secondary lymphedema. I'm the content editor of the online magazine. I am a primary lymphedema patient, a cancer survivor, whose lymphedema was triggered by the surgery. We don't know about the dragon boat racers, are they primary or just secondary patients? Repetitious motions cause me to swell. My lymphedema came on suddenly after vacuuming, a repetition movement chore. I advise extreme caution to any women who read the dragon boat articles.

There is hope for lymphedema, a cure is on the horizon, it's a matter of time before all the current research points us in the right direction, whether it be the lymph node transplantion studies, cloning nodes, or some other reasearch, but there is hope.

For anyone interested, Lymphland.com is my website, Lymphland International Lymphedema Online (LILO) is my support group. The button to join the group is on the homepage. We have a wealth of information at our disposal. I also own the New York State Lymphedema Network. We care and treat each person individually, personalization is important to us.

Again, thank you for a great article!

Sincerely,


Tina Budde, President
Lymphland International Lymphedema Online
ELymphNotes
New York State Lymphedema Network
Lymphland.com
American Society of Lymphology
National Lymphedema Network
Patient Advocate
Ask-the-Expert Panelist on Lymphedema
president@lymphland.com

Report this comment

Pat O'ConnorMar 31st, 2008 - 14:49:14

Thank you too for this article. There has historically been a myth regarding lymphedema and exercise. That myth is that individuals with lymphedema should not have active lifestyles and/or engage in athletic activities. This myth is being debunked by the research presently going on showing that exercise is actually not only good for lymphedema but essential for overall health.

I was born with primary lymphedema and until multiple lymphomas struck me, I had always been extremely active in sports, gardening, hiking and other physical activities.

It is also important to understand the correct clinical definition of primary and secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema will present either at birth, puberty or rarely in middle age and is caused by a developmental problem with the lymph system.

Secondary lymphedema or acquired lymphedema presents after trauma or injury (surgery,lymph node removal for biopsy, infection, radiation and more).

Cures are indeed on the horizon, but lymph node transplant mentioned in the previous note is still highly experimental. Removing lymph nodes from one area to transplant into another is simply changing the locale 'at risk' for lymphedema.

I urge anyone with lymphedema not to accept that you can not have an active and fulfilling lifestyle with lymphedema. Lymphedema doesn't mean quitting life or the activities that give meaning to life, it just means you will need to adapt for your situation.

Pat O'Connor
Lymphedema People Global Online Support Network
55 year survivor of hereditary/primary lymphedema
13 year survivor of multiple B-cell lymphomas

Report this comment

Alison L. GourleyMar 31st, 2008 - 19:11:00

Hats off to the Germans. Finally someone has validated my theory.

Are you a Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut or a Snowflake?

Every Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut is created the same, there is very little variation between batches and can all are placed in the same pigeon hole. Because articles and research summaries draw conclusions based on the majority of the patients selected to be in the test group, all lymphedema sufferers are placed in the same pigeon hole. As there is not much literature in the medical community to suggest otherwise, clinicians usually suggests that exercise is good to reduce lymphedema or prevent its onset and quote the dragon boat study . It may be giving sufferers a false sense of what may be in their best interest when considering all their individual factors.

On the contrary, we know nature creates every snowflake to be unique. Considering all the risk factors for every individual sufferer would be more prudent, after which recommending the best type of exercise.

My perspective is derived from a few different angles. I am trained as a Radiation Therapist and Clinical Research Associate who fights the endless battle of lymphedema after aggressive breast cancer surgery.

After the interventions for my breast cancer, I partook in a is a return to work program designed to get me back into the stream of having a full time job after being off for an expended period of time. I noticed that my lymphedemous arm after the prescribed routine of exercises, was more uncomfortable than before the routine, and more so as the routine became more intense. No pain, no gain right? I did some intense research as to why, I was having more difficulty rather than less which would have been expected. My findings ... Lymph Load ... during exercise the heart is pumping harder causing more blood to circulate thus producing a larger load of lymph to be removed and recirculated. Due to my individual risk factors (over weight, number of lymph nodes removed, scar tissue, extreme hot flashes, etc.) my body was not able to keep up with the increased volume of lymph being produced. After I had taken some yoga classes, I notice that the lymphatics were better able to keep up with the increased production of lymph. Later I took up yoga and found it quite gentler as I did the movements/poses to my own uniqueness. I am a snowflake.

In conclusion, more studies lead to better understanding and better management for lymphedema sufferers.

Alison L. Gourley
Radiation Therapist
Clinical Researcher in Oncology
Breast Cancer Survivor
Lymphedema Sufferer

Report this comment

Monica MollerDec 9th, 2008 - 19:41:28

Hello Everyone!

THere is anyone out there who can tell me if there is any risk for women that been through breast cancer surgery and chemoteraphy, to try sports, or fun activities like jumping in a trampoline?

Please!!, Im planning a xmas present for a friend, but I would like to make sure will not represent a problem.

Many thanks
Regards

Report this comment

suzannah greig, tunbridge wells, UKJun 9th, 2009 - 09:33:24

Following breast cancer surgery and lymph node removal, I too am a lymphodema sufferer. I have found that swimming is the best exercise for me. I normally wear my sleeve and glove whilst swimming. I also see a lymphatic drainage nurse for massage, every 2 - 3 weeks and my measurements decrease every time. If I go to the gym or walk for long periods, not only does my arm swell, I am exhausted the next day. I am going to Greece for a holiday next week and would really like to be able to water ski again, I dont think my arm will be up to it. Like one of the previous articles, I found jerky movements, i.e hoovering, ice curling! and deep water running were the main culprits that contributed towards lymphodema. For me the worst thing is a sauna or steam room. I used to spend ages in the bath and now I take a quick shower instead and I avoid steam and heat at all costs. It is a matter or adaption. Today I can see the knuckles in my hand, even veins and tendons, 4 months ago, my hand was so swollen, you couldnt see any knuckles. There is hope, but patience is a virture, as its a slow procedure. I wish all of you the best.

Report this comment