WHEN NOT TO WEAR COMPRESSION GARMENTS

[@laurahanley2396]

My BC treatments have included neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (Anastrozole), lumpectomy including ALND, 33 IMRTs, and ongoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. Half way through radiation treatments, my elbow, wrist, and middle fingers began to develop swelling. I contacted a local certified lymphedema therapist and was measured for a compression sleeve, and also purchased an off-the-shelf compression glove. Four weeks after finishing RT, I picked up my compression garments. On the 3 day of prescribed wear, my shoulder felt stiff, and shoulder and side felt sensitive to touch. When I showered that evening, I noticed swelling in my breast. My CLT told me to stop wearing the sleeve, but did not respond to my request for additional help and advice. I feel like the sleeve did what it was meant to do, compress the fluid up and out of my arm; but then it seems to me that the fluid did not drain away, but rather pooled in my shoulder, axilla, side, and breast. The suggested exercises aggravate the swelling, especially in my shoulder. I back off for a few days, and lean in again hoping to develop tolerance and find relief. I have tried self massage, and only now, 6 weeks after removing my compression garments, am I feeling some relief in my shoulder. I've been reading about radiation induced fibrosis, vitamin E, and pentoxifylline. Survivorship care is not good in my community. Oncologists know about cancer care, but not as much about lymphedema, fibrosis and survivorship issues. I don't know where to get care and answers. What kind of physician or therapist should I be looking for for help with this uncomfortable and activity-limiting swelling.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Laura, I would suggest you need a second opinion from a Lymphoedema Therapist. Do you want to email me with the prescribed exercises so I can see what is hurting your shoulder? [e-mail]

[@laurahanley2396]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you, Jen. I will send exercises to email given.

[@karenborden6032]

Thanks Jenn. You always provide clear and wonderful content. I've learned so much from watching. Happy Holidays.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Karen! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! Really appreciate it! Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas xx Jen

[@jennyandgarypantlin4882]

Great info from you, as always. Thanks for your dedication to breast cancer patients. Much appreciated.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

You're very welcome Jenny! Thanks for your lovely comment. Jen x

[@helendyson9441]

Thank you Jen, being measured well I think makes all the difference.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Don't you know it Helen!! Hope you are well! Jen x

[@kangarookids7497]

Thank you for an important discussion. Much appreciated.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

You're very welcome! Jen x

[@cynthialesser2986]

Fabulous

[@amb7412]

Thank you Jenn great Information. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@paramjitkaur9672]

Thanks v informative video

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

You're very welcome! Apologies for my slow reply. I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@carolmarashian2]

Thank you!

[@patriciasteele1474]

What can you wear if you have primary lymphedema?

[@renpowell5547]

I am tolerating a light compression sleeve well, but when I go hiking or walking long distances, my fingers/hand swells (as it did before I ever got breast cancer). Should I remove the sleeve when that happens?

[@dandona_dodi3560]

Thanks for this video.. I just want to ask whats different between bandaging and compression garment (sleeve)? In details plz,,

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Dandona, a compression garment is a sleeve that you pull onto your arm that you typically wear during the day (or night in some circumstances). It is a maintenance garment - meaning it is trying to prevent further swelling. Compression bandaging is a spiral bandage that is applied (usually by a trained Therapist) to create large reductions in fluid volume over the space of 2-4 weeks. The bandage is worn 24-28 hours depending on the bandaging system used. Jen

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Can a sleeve prevent lymphodema? Im currently in a compression bra for seroma following DMX but headed to radiation next week and hoping the sleeve can prevent it.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Lisa, there is no strong research to show compression sleeves prevent lymphoedema. I don't put my patients in sleeves if they don't have lymphoedema. I do screen my patients regularly on our Impedimed SOZO device which helps detect early onset lymphoedema. I've done a video on this device. Jen

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

@The Breast Cancer Physio oh ok thanks for the info.

[@tirthartistry1278]

Hello Mam, my mother getting swelling at lower hand part near to elbow and at nuckel part after wearing compression sleeves. Before wearing it there was no swelling. Please guide what to do?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Tirth, to answer your question, I first need to ask - has your mother been diagnosed with lymphoedema? I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity Jen

[@zouzou6424]

thanks

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

My pleasure! I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@pamelahotarena588]

Will there ever be time when I don't have to wear it anymore? It's such a pain to put on and singles me out as a weak person in a crowd. Just asking.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi DH, some people can resolve lymphoedema (and not wear a sleeve) but have to continue monitoring for it. Other people can get to a point where they only have to wear a sleeve for certain activities. For more information on this topic, I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@pamelahotarena588]

Thank you very much for the information and the referral. Your site has been a very big help to me and addresses a lot of important questions. God bless!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

@@pamelahotarena588 Thank you for your kind words! My pleasure. Jen :)