Lymphedema - What it is and how can breast cancer patients can manage it

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07/14/23

Lymphedema is called the "Dirty Secret of Breast Cancer" for a reason. Breast Cancer patients were often not told about the risk of lymphedema and what needs to be done to prevent/manage it
Dr. Rohini Patil, gynaecologist, breast cancer survivor and Certified Lymphedema Therapist talks about lymphedema and how to manage it.
Please share these details with other breast cancer patients and survivors that you think will benefit

00:00 Intro
03:30 breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in india
04:20 what is lymphedema and what are the effects. it is not curable but early detection can be better managed
06:00 70% of lymphedema is not reported
07:50 what is truncal lymphedema
08:40 collection of fluid between the tissue spaces
12:40 functioning of the lymphatic system
14:00 what percentage of breast cancer patients develop lymphedema-depends on the type of surgery
17:20 excess weight before surgery increases risk of lymphedema
19:20 check your measurements before surgery(hand, upper limb etc) to enable early detection
20:40 early signs of lymphedema- tingling, numbness , swelling, loss of skin elasticity, shoulder pain
24:10 Precautions to be taken - skin should be clean and dry gently- low ph moisturiser. clean between fingers and skin ridges
no massage or injectibles, clean nails
26:30 greater risk of infection even if there is a small injury, wear full sleeves, gloves in kitchen, avoid cuts, exercise and stretching
27:20 are pressure garments required
28:50 how is lymphedema treated - CDT Complete deconstructive therapy - manual lymphatic drainage is not massage
30:40 what is compression therapy-special type of bandage
31:40 breathing exercises and muscle stretching
33:00 Skin and nail care
33:40 Exercises demo
41:50 how often should abdominal exercise be done-start early even if there are no signs
43:00 can lymphedema be reversed
47:10 is execss perspiration normal during exercise. No heavy lifting, very slow light weights depending on capacity
50:10 should compression be worn during air travel
51:10 should consult a therapist before any products are bought
51:40 Waxing , laser hair removal are very risky
59:30 does lympha press help
1:00:10 can the opposite side also be affected