Swelling in the arm can signal lymphedema
First there was the breast cancer diagnosis. Then a year and a half after all the testing, surgery and chemotherapy was over, Sherry Churly learned she had yet another health hurdle to overcome: lymphedema.
It’s one of the chronic, sometimes “underemphasized” complications of breast cancer surgery that many patients don’t learn about until they’re already suffering from symptoms that include swelling, pain and in more serious cases, infection of the arm, said breast cancer surgeon Dr. Robert DerHagopian, medical director of the Baptist Health Breast Center.
But lymphedema isn’t limited to breast cancer — or women.
The primary form of lymphedema can be manifested at birth (called lymphedema praecox) and appears at the onset of puberty or later; lymphederma tarda, a rare form, sets in after age 35.
Secondary lymphedema is the most pervasive type.
“Certain surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema,” according to the National Lymphedema Network.
The risk is higher with the higher number of lymph nodes removed and if the patient received radiation therapy. The condition can also be caused by damage to the lymph nodes or vessels from burns and other trauma.
In lymphodema, “there’s a problem with the mechanical transport of lymph fluid that can cause the lymphatic system, which eliminates toxins and bacteria from the body, to stop functioning normally,” said Maria Josette Mullins, director of Rehabilitative Services at Memorial Hospital Pembroke. This accumulation of protein-rich fluid may form — primarily in the arms, hands, feet, legs, face or chest — and lead to abnormal swelling that doesn’t go away on its own.
In more serious cases, it impacts a patient’s mobility and quality of life.
Lymphedema “is recognized all over the world as a hidden epidemic” impacting 300 million people, said Dr. John M. MacDonald, of the University of Miami’s Department of Dermatology and secretariat of the World Alliance for Wound and Lymphedema Care.
The condition can show up right away or years later.
“Sometimes the condition is latent and something can activate it, like a cut, an insect’s bite or the altitude on a plane,” said Ana María Mendieta, a lymphatic therapist and director of the Midas Touch Institute in Miami.
At first, “many patients are not aware of what is happening to them,” Mendieta said. “That can go on for a period of time until the lymphatic system is so filled up with fluid that it is unable to drain on its own.”
Mary Crosswell, a physical therapist certified in lymphedema treatment at South Miami Hospital, said what often alerts women “is that their bra becomes too tight in the affected shoulder, they feel a heaviness and they’re swollen around their shoulder and under their armpit.”
Churly, 55, said that when she first started feeling a heaviness in her arm, “I didn’t connect it to the breast cancer surgery.”
“The inside of my arm got bright red and was very hot,” said Churly, of Miramar, whose arm became infected. “In the acute stages, it was very painful. I could feel the heat more inside my arm than outside. It felt like I was burning from the inside out.”
Swelling in the arm can signal lymphedema
Tags: national lymphedema network, breast center, lymph fluid
Glass-Stea-gal came out of the lessons of the Great Depression-. But so many people pay so little attention to history (or try to alter history) that they are doomed to repeat it. This is the real danger from these Republican clowns who don’t know history. Of course, they don’t fair much better with science or other areas of education either.best diablo 3 gold
Write-up is highly nicely written, and in no way forgetting to mention that it may be fairly informative also. Kudos to you towards the wonderful task nicely completed there!
I do know this if off subject but I’m seeking into starting my very own blog and was pondering what all is needed to receive setup? I’m assuming possessing a web site like yours would cost a rather penny? I’m not incredibly world wide web savvy so I’m not 100% good. Any suggestions or help and advice can be tremendously appreciated. Cheers
Hvis du skal bruge et CMS system med Drupal kan jeg anbefale at du bruger Nettonet. Der har du 1-klik installation af Drupal og webhosting til fast lav pris på 9,- pr. måned
Good topic, I agree with you blogs should have chats on as blogs are showing a view of the writer & after getting chats from people, it can get a much better version of the view she has gave.
Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site
Excellent post. I was checking constantly your blog and I am pleased! Very useful info specially the last part. I care for like information much. I was looking with this particular information for an extended time. Thank you and best of luck.
You ought to actually think about working on creating this blog into a serious authority on this subject. You evidently have the knowledge on the subjects everyone seems to be looking for on this web site anyhow and you might even make some money off of some banners. Just a thought, good luck in whatever you do!
it is possible to discover the blueocean or it is possible to find the books in library based on this situation studies
A insightful post right there mate ! Thanks for posting .
Very well written post. Very informative to anyone who uses it, including myself. Keep up the nice work! For sure I will take a look at your articles again soon.
It seems to me that this website doesnt download on a Motorola Droid. Are other folks getting the exact same problem? I enjoy this site and dont want to have to skip it any time Im away from my computer.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. kudos
This really solved my problem, thank you!
This is incredibly good. I was pleasantly surprised to find this info so well constructed, definitely planning to post this on facebook so the husband can see it. Cheers!
Sometimes I read an article that truly impresses me. Your informative content has done that. I agree with many of your views within this writing. You are good at keeping the attention of your readers.
hello there and thank you to your information ?§C I’ve definitely picked up something new from suitable here. I did nonetheless expertise some technical problems utilizing this web-site, as I skilled to reload the web site a whole lot of instances preceding to I could get it to load appropriately.
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
How do I copyright my site?. How do I use a pic from other sites, if I hapened 2b blogging on something relating to that pics?.
I about such yet did not hear
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Have you considered adding some differing opinions to the article? I think it will really enhance everyones understanding.
Great goods from you, man. Swelling in the arm can signal lymphedema | HowToCleanseYourBody I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great Swelling in the arm can signal lymphedema | HowToCleanseYourBody informations.
Thank you for in which high-quality content. I like your blog and I really hope you will keep posting often in soon future.
this five year term will depend on whether Martinelli can deliver on his promises.More and
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he the truth is purchased me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you develop into expertise, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra particulars? It is extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this weblog publish!
You’re so amazing! I dont assume Ive read through anything such as this previously. So nice to find somebody with a number of original thoughts on it subject. realy appreciate it just for starting it up. this web site is certainly something is required on the internet, person with a little originality. important position for carrying something new to the web!
Good Stuff, do you have a youtube account?
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
I was initially extremely pleased to find this particular web-site.I desired to thanks for your effort with this wonderful read!! I surely having fun with every single little this and I had you book-marked to check out fresh stuff you article.
Always look for the serious and articles I find in this beautiful site
How do you make a blog look this sick! Email me if you get the chance and share your wisdom. Id be appreciative!
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?
you have a wonderful blog here! would you like to make a number of invite posts on my blog?
Thanks for publishing about this. There’s a heap of important tech information on the internet. You’ve got a lot of that info here on your web site. I’m impressed – I try to keep a couple blogs somewhat current, but it’s a struggle sometimes. You’ve done a big job with this one. How do you do it?
I consider, that you are not right. I can defend the position. Write to me in PM, we will communicate.
Have you considered adding some videos to the article? I think it might enhance viewers understanding.
Do u know a good, safe(from virus) blogging site that is easy..other than myspace,facebook, and twitter.
When are you going to post again? You really entertain me!
I think one of your current ads triggered my internet browser to resize, you may well need to set up that on your blacklist.
Hello! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
I’m pleased, I need to say. Really scarcely do I go through a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is definitely excellent; the problem is something insufficient people are discussing intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I stumbled across it with my search for something relating to this.
Great Thanks for sharing
Wow, amazing weblog format! How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you make blogging glance easy. The whole look of your website is excellent, as neatly as the content material!
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
I can’t thank you enough for the interesting points in this article. I am motivated to find out more and I hope you will soon be offering up more information.
My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!