The DO's and DON'TS of Preventing Lymphedema

For breast cancer survivors, the standard advice for preventing lymphedema boils down to one very general theme, avoid injury or irritation to the arm most likely to be affected. The human body reacts to injury by producing fluid. In an individual whose lymphatic system has been compromised by surgery and/or radiation, this fluid cannot travel unimpeded and instead becomes mired in surrounding tissues. The end result is lymphedema. Below are the most commonly cited guidelines for protecting yourself from this disorder. While there is no hard scientific proof that these steps will prevent lymphedema, there is a good bit of anecdotal evidence which indicates that observing these guidelines may indeed lower the risk. It is important to note that there is no time frame for these guidelines. Once you have had lymph node dissection for breast cancer, these guidelines must be followed forever.

OUTDOORS

DO protect your arm from sunburn. Wear a sunscreen with a high SPF.
DO avoid insect bites. Wear insect repellent.
DO wear gloves when gardening or doing other yard work.
DO get regular exercise, but avoid repetitive motion with your arm to the point of muscle fatigue.
DO NOT allow outdoor pets to scratch or bite your hand or arm.
DO NOT expose your arm to the extreme heat of hot tubs.
DO NOT play sports which may result in injury to your arm.

INDOORS

DO wear gloves while doing housework.
DO wear oven mitts when moving hot plates to and from the oven or burner.
DO try to avoid burns from grease splatter when frying foods.

DO NOT allow indoor pets to scratch or bite your arm or hand.
DO NOT sew unless wearing a thimble to protect against finger pricks.

HYGIENE

DO keep your arm clean and apply moisturizing cream regularly
DO thoroughly clean and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic and bandage to any scratch or cut immediately after the injury occurs.
DO dry your arm thoroughly after bathing.

DO NOT rub the arm harshly with your towel in the drying process.
DO NOT bathe in extremely hot water.

DO call the doctor immediately if you see any sign of infection.

GROOMING AND ACCESSORIES

DO NOT shave under your arms with a disposable razor. Use a well maintained electric razor with clean heads instead.
DO NOT cut your cuticles when maintaining your nails. If someone else does your nails, ask them not to cut the cuticles.
DO NOT wear tight jewelry of any kind on your arm or hand.
DO NOT hang a heavy purse, bag, or briefcase
over the shoulder of an at-risk arm.

TRAVEL

DO wear a compression sleeve any time you travel by air to compensate for pressure changes in the plane's cabin.
DO remember to pack soap, moisturizer, peroxide, antibiotic cream or ointment, and bandages to maintain your preventive regimen while away from home.

MEDICAL

DO NOT allow blood to be drawn from an at risk arm.
DO NOT allow vaccines or other shots to be given in an at-risk arm.
DO NOT allow medical personnel to put a blood pressure cuff around your at-risk arm. Note: In all three of the above instances, insist that medical personnel use the opposite arm or
another appropriate site.

DO notify your doctor if you see signs of lymphedema developing. If you detect any sign of infection, call immediately.

The National Lymphedema Network's toll free hotline is:
1-800-541-3259Reference: National Lymphedema Network (NLN)