Surviving breast cancer is a victory. Contending with lymphedema, a side effect some women experience after breast cancer treatment, can feel like a never-ending struggle.

However, a specialized lymphedema rehabilitation program at Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, can help relieve breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).

What causes lymphedema?

Normally, the lymph system (made up of lymph nodes, vessels and ducts) circulates lymph fluid throughout the body. Breast cancer surgery or radiation therapy can damage the system, causing blockages that back up fluid into the arms and hands.

“About 20-30 percent of women treated for breast cancer are at risk of developing lymphedema, with some studies showing the rate as high as 40 percent,” says breast cancer surgeon Krista Bott, MD, with LVH Surgical Oncology — Pocono. “Women who require axillary dissections — surgery to remove lymph nodes from the armpit [axilla] to determine the number of cancerous ones — along with axillary radiation are at highest risk.”

Regaining hope with treatment

In the right hands, BCRL is treatable by applying several practices.

“I utilize complete decongestive therapy, which involves manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression bandaging and exercise,” says occupational therapist and certified lymphedema therapist Kirsten Finch with Health Center at Carbon. “Once patients are decongested, I’ll fit them for compression garments.”

Occupational therapist Kelly Bartels, with Rehabilitation Services–Tobyhanna, is a certified lymphedema therapist. She sees the toll BCRL can take.

“Many women feel hopeless because swelling can be significant and impair use of their arms or hands,” she says. “Our goal is to reduce volume, decrease limb size, control risk for infection and improve overall quality of life.”

Motivating results

Treatment for BCRL requires commitment from a patient, but the payoff is motivating. The therapists say most of the time, patients see results after their first visit, and huge improvements after a few treatments.

The time frame to complete lymphedema therapy is unique to everyone, and it requires regular appointments and “homework” using medical-grade compression garments to maintain results.

“Patients tell me they feel less pain, less swollen and are able to fit in proper-fitting clothing at the end of our therapy sessions,” Finch says.

Lymphedema signs to watch for

Lymphedema can develop months or even years after breast cancer treatment. Watch for these symptoms and seek help right away.

• Arm swelling

• Heavy feeling limb

• Skin tightness

• Trouble moving a joint

• Burning feeling

Lymphedema therapy is offered at:

Health Center at Carbon

2226 Blakeslee Blvd. Drive East, Lehighton, PA 18235

https://www.lvhn.org/locations/health-center-carbon