Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2015-12-04 6:50 PM

User image

Veteran
243
10010025
Glendale, California
Subject: Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention

I've completed surgery, started radiation therapy, and was outfitted for my compression sleeve today. Are there survivors out there who can share their wisdom?

According to the lymphedema specialist, prevention is much less bothersome than managing the chronic condition. This means wearing the sleeve during all exercise where there's repetitive arm motion.

  • So what's been your experience?
  • Any sleeve brands better than others for sports?
  • Any of you swim with the sleeve? I was swimming around 2,000 yards.

All advice welcomed.

 

2015-12-07 3:35 PM
in reply to: kofian

User image

Veteran
493
100100100100252525
West Palm Beach
Subject: RE: Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention
Hi!

First of all wishing you a smooth ride journey. Though I am not a breast ca survivor I am a cervical ca survivor who had surgery, radiation, chemo. I have experienced swelling on my right groin upper leg area due to lymphedema. I have compression shorts for it that I wear at work ( on my feet for long shifts). I find that swimming is awesome and will actually decrease the swelling. So I really don't have the answer for you! But I do encourage you to continue exercising. I initially had a lymphedema specialist that told me exercise would make it worse.....no it does not.

Trek on, wishing you lots of health and remember you are a warrior.

Be well. If someone here doesn't answer go to the FB pace of "women for tri" you will defiantly get the answer there.

Alicia
2015-12-11 12:56 PM
in reply to: trirun26

User image

Expert
1618
1000500100
Temple, TX
Subject: RE: Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention

I am a 13 year BC survivor that does tris.  I really didn't exercise at that time, but started swimming and then picked up the biking and running about 6 years post surgery/treatment.   I have a compression sleeve, but have only worn it a couple of times, mainly when flying.  I was told that swimming is great for us, because the natural movement of your hand entering the water actually helps move fluid towards your armpit if that makes sense.  I really take no preventative actions anymore.  (History:  lumpectomy, 12 lymph nodes removed, chemo, radiation, Femara for 5 years).  I never get any needle sticks or blood pressure on that arm, but other than that I pretty much don't worry about it anymore.  I know that it could happen even now, but I just don't worry about it.  I would err on the side of caution in your case however, being brand new to all of it. 

Congrats of finishing treatment!!  There is life ahead!!  and eventually your life won't revolve around cancer and it will just be something that happened to you along the way!

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Calling all breast cancer survivors * lymphedema prevention Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act ...

Started by 1stTimeTri
Views: 926 Posts: 3

2009-05-20 4:43 PM 1stTimeTri

Breast cancer survivors and Ironman

Started by achen2iron
Views: 903 Posts: 2

2009-03-25 4:22 PM Girl Passing on Left

Lip Sore Prevention

Started by off2buds
Views: 919 Posts: 6

2007-11-20 1:56 PM off2buds

Blister prevention?

Started by JBrashear
Views: 1277 Posts: 15

2007-11-23 12:00 PM ditchdoc

Looking for event experiences from cancer survivors

Started by Apodysophilic
Views: 950 Posts: 7

2007-06-18 6:18 AM Apodysophilic
RELATED ARTICLES
My First Triathlon....an emotional, exhilarating and downright terrifying experience!
date : May 25, 2011
author : debihake
comments : 14
Overcoming many injuries, cancer and FEAR to compete in a triathlon
 
Not Bad for a 34 Year Old CANCER SURVIVOR!!!
date : October 4, 2006
author : dleii
comments : 0
At some point I remember thinking about the movie CAPE FEAR. This is what it seemed like when I was around a lot of people. It was just a lot of commotion of waves, arms and feet.
Skin Cancer: Give It Some Respect
date : July 3, 2006
author : TriDoc5280
comments : 1
There are other risks that may not be perceived because of their long term nature. This article deals with one of those, the risk of developing skin cancer.