As one who has no option but to live with lymphoedema, after breast cancer, I can testify to both its challenges and also the expert help and advice that is available. March was Lymphoedema Awareness Month (organised by the Australasian Lymphology Association) when all sorts of information was offered to people who have the condition, or who are part of their support.
As the media release for the month said: “One of the most feared and misunderstood side effects of breast cancer treatment is lymphoedema. Experienced by nearly one in three women who undergo treatment, this build-up of fluid causes swelling usually in the arm or upper chest. While many clinical guidelines recommend that women avoid use of the affected side of the body to prevent lymphoedema, this can create confusion about the safety of exercise.”
However, Exercise is Medicine Australia spokesperson, Professor Robert Newton of Edith Cowan University, Perth, says: “The last thing women undergoing breast cancer treatments need to worry about is misinformation about side effects. So, let’s be clear: exercise does not cause or worsen lymphoedema – and in fact, recent evidence suggests that exercise may help prevent the condition,” Prof. Newton said. “Well-controlled research studies demonstrate that supervised, gradual aerobic and resistance exercise can be both safe and beneficial. Women who exercise regularly are less likely to experience treatment-related lymphoedema symptoms – and, if they occur, the symptoms are typically less severe.
“We recommend supervised exercise for women undergoing active treatment of breast cancer, when the frequency and type of side effects are likely to fluctuate. The supervision required depends on the patient’s exercise history, the timing with respect to diagnosis, and the presence and intensity of treatment-related side effects. Exercise is Medicine strongly recommends seeking out an Accredited Exercise Physiologist for an appropriate and safe exercise prescription. An exercise physiologist can help those undergoing treatment by explaining safe techniques for resistance exercises, and recognising and overcoming any barriers to exercise. For more information, please visit www.exerciseismedicine.org.au.”
At least every year, there are lectures and demonstrations available to people with lymphoedema, showing the best forms of exercise and sharing the latest information about its treatment.
Of course, general guidance for the controlling of lymphoedema is available at hospitals, like the Royal Prince Albert Hospital, where specialist nurses give great advice and support. They watch over what is happening to the area concerned and order the appropriate compression garments, usually from Germany. They can even point to a firm who is creating decorative compression garments, with various patterns and colours for your selection. You wouldn’t wear these garments all the time, as they are not quite as high in compression, but they are great for special occasions.
Lymphoedema is not something you would choose to have, but it is surprising how, with good support, life goes on and you almost forget that you have it!
