New Release – A Guide for Cancer Survivors
“This is the education and hand-holding I wish I’d had when my lymphoedema swelling first presented itself six years ago.” Nancie, breast cancer survivor.
A diagnosis of lymphoedema after cancer treatment can feel like a “kick in the guts” for many people. The condition is characterised by swelling, most commonly in the arm or leg, and can result in frequent bouts of infection, poor function and quality of life. The irony is that if lymphoedema is detected early and treated appropriately, swelling can be minimised and even reversed. People CAN live rich and full lives with carefully managed lymphoedema.
Unlike other health conditions that have fixed paths of medical management, the path to lymphoedema management is not so clear-cut. Lymphoedema requires a high level of self-education, self-awareness and self-management. Dr Teresa Lee is an experienced lymphoedema physiotherapist who has published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has been an invited speaker for many lymphoedema and cancer platforms in Australia. She has written this book to help cancer survivors navigate the complex world of lymphoedema and live well with this condition.
The book is divided into the 5 parts with associated chapters for each part these include:
PART 1 – WHAT IS LYMPHOEDEMA?
CHAPTER 1 – THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND LYMPHOEDEMA
- The lymphatic system
- Lymphoedema
- Stages of lymphoedema
- What does an impaired lymphatic system mean for my life?
- Finding help
PART 2 – AM I GOING TO DEVELOP LYMPHOEDEMA?
CHAPTER 2 – KEY RISKS RELATED TO LYPMHOEDEMA
- Risks associated with cancer and medical conditions/treatment
- Cancer surgery and radiation
- Post-operative infections
- Medications
- Obesity
- Other pre-existing risks
- Risks related to activities after cancer treatment
- Taking blood or delivering drugs through veins in the arm
- Vaccination
- Skin breakage
- Tourniquets
- Prolonged exposure to heat
- Inactivity is a risk but exercise is safe
- Long-haul air travel
- Surgery on an at-risk limb or body part
- What should I do to manage my risk of lymphoedema?
PART 3 – HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE LYMPHEODEMA?
CHAPTER 3 – MEASURING LYMPHOEDEMA
- Bioimpedance spectroscopy
- Circumferential and volumetric measurement
- Tissue Dielectric Constant
- Self-report
- Do I have lymphoedema or not?
CHAPTER 4 – IMAGING LYMPHOEDEMA
- Lymphoscintigraphy
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- ICG Lymphography
- Do I need imaging?
PART 4 – LIVING WITH LYMPHOEDEMA
CHAPTER 5 – SKIN CARE AND COMPRESSION
- Skin care
- Compression
- Circular knit compression garments
- Flat-knit compression garments
- Garment combinations
- I don’t want to wear compression garments
CHAPTER 6 – THE FINER POINTS OF COMPRESSION
- Donning and doffing of compression garments
- Garment wraps
- Zippers
- Pressure considerations
- Body glue
- Night-time compression
- Care of compression garments
- Weaning of compression garments
- Preventative compression garments
- Measurement of compression garments
- Breast and scrotal support
- Sequential intermittent compression pumps
- Troubleshooting
CHAPTER 7 – MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AND MORE
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Negative pressure therapy
- Lymph-taping
- Photobiomodulation including Low-level laser therapy
- Surgery for lymphoedema
- Should I try these adjunct therapies?
CHAPTER 8 – LIFESTYLE CHANGES
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Diet
- Self-monitoring
- Final word on lymphoedema management
CHAPTER 9 – COPING WITH LYMPHOEDEMA
- Body image
- Personal experiences
- Physical requirements at work and home
- Financial burden
- Shortage of lymphoedema positions/therapists
- Lack of awareness
- How can I enhance my ability to manage and live with lymphoedema?
PART 5 – OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
CHAPTER 10 – NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT…..
- Cording
- Costo-chondritis
- Lymphorrhoea
- Cellulitis
- So now you know
