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Dear breastcancer.org Community Member: Arm lymphedema, or excess lymph fluid in the arm, is an often misunderstood side effect that can happen if you've had lymph nodes removed or radiation to the armpit area. Symptoms can include swelling, stiffness, arm tightness, and pain. While sometimes reversible in its early stages, for many people lymphedema is a permanent condition. Cuts, infections, and heavy lifting are some of the ways lymphedema can develop. And sometimes, lymphedema happens without an exact cause. On Wednesday, April 16th, Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M., Nicole Stout Gergich M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A., and Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about ways to prevent and manage arm lymphedema. If you missed our online conference, you can read the transcript here: http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/ask_expert/
2008_04/index.jsp Here are just a few of the questions our experts answered: "Is there any 100%-positive way to prevent lymphedema?" http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/ask_expert/
2008_04/question_03.jsp "I'm wondering what exercises can help prevent lymphedema? Can I lift weights at all on the affected arm, even just 5 lbs?" http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/ask_expert/
2008_04/question_06.jsp "How can I tell the difference between the swelling in my arm and breast from radiation (I am 2 months out of treatment) and the signs of lymphedema?" http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/ask_expert/
2008_04/question_10.jsp "Is it safe to get a manicure if you have arm lymphedema?" http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/lymphedema/ask_expert/
2008_04/question_11.jsp Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.M. is assistant professor in the division of clinical epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania and adjunct associate professor in the division of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota. She leads a number of research studies, including a study examining physical activity and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Dr. Schmitz has won multiple awards from the American Heart Association, including the Jeremiah Stamler Award for New Investigators and the Trudy Bush Fellowship for Cardiovascular Research in Women's Health. Nicole Stout Gergich, M.P.T., C.L.T.-L.A.N.A. is a physical therapist and lymphedema specialist at the Breast Care Center at the National Naval Medical Center. She is also the president of the oncology section of the American Physical Therapy Association, and has previously served on the Medical Advisory Board and research committee for the National Lymphedema Network. Ms. Stout Gergich has lectured internationally on the topics of lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation. Areas of specialization within the lymphedema population include head and neck, breast reconstruction, stage III management, and wound care. Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. For the past 9 years, Dr. Sabol has held an appointment at Jefferson Medical College as a clinical assistant professor of surgery. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment. She has appeared on CNN to discuss breast cancer-related issues and is a frequent lecturer. Dr. Sabol is also a member of the breastcancer.org Professional Advisory Board, which you can read about here: http://www.breastcancer.org/about_us/pab/index.jsp. Don't miss our next Ask-the-Expert Online Conference on May 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT* with Kristin Brill, M.D. and Linda Miller, P.T. The topic will be "After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects." I hope you find the transcript to be helpful and informative! Sincerely, Marisa Marisa Weiss, M.D. Founder and President breastcancer.org *breastcancer.org welcomes Conference participants from all over the world. To help you figure out when the Conference will take place in your time zone, you can compare your local time to the current time on the East Coast of the United States. See: http://www.breastcancer.org/time.jsp 6/9/06 - biopsy positive for cancer 6/23/06 - DIAGNOSIS: stage IV (T4d N2 M1) invasive ductile carcinoma NOS with bone and liver mets; 17 cm mass (primary tumors), inflammatory breast cancer(IBC); HER2/neu+, HR- 6/26/06-12/11/06 - Chemo FEC/Taxol w/Herceptin & Aredia 12/20/06 - right modified radical mastectomy, 7 of 13 removed nodes showed evidence of prior disease 12/21/06 - No Evidence of Disease (stage IV/NED); complete remission 2/6/07-3/22/07-Radiation 28+5 boost, 6040cGy. CURRENT: Still NED, taking Herceptin and Zometa without end. Heart and kidney function remains normal.  |
