Hello Jen, excellent information. I wear a garment every day, even during my exercises. Also I wear another garment for nights. My therapist told me I've to get a new one every 4 o 6 months. Here in USA, are very expensive! Thanks 🙋🏻♀️
Thank you for this! I am what you would consider early onset and here in the US and I would like to know more about how you wean patients off the sleeve. Can you do a video on that please?
You talk about “a compression garment.” If one has had a double mastectomy stage 3 breast cancer with about 30 lymph nodes removed and develops lymphedema, is it appropriate to wear only a sleeve and not a glove or gauntlet as well? I have read so much research that states the lymphatic fluid can then accumulate in the hand and cause further problems. What is your take on this if I may ask? Thank you!
I have chronic lymphedema in my left arm/hand. I do have a sleeve and gauntlet but it's difficult with my job to wear it while I am working. I also don't like wearing my gauntlet as it makes my fingers turn purple. I was measured by my lymphedema specialist while going through therapy for cording. I do lymph massage but am not good about doing it daily. Are there other things that I can do to help with the chronic swelling and edema?
Hi Karen, I am so sorry for taking so long to reply to your question. Your gauntlet is definitely too tight if your fingers are turning purple (and staying purple while you wear it), particularly if it is uncomfortable when it is on. If your compression garments are not fitting properly they can actually make lymphoedema worse. I would look for a second opinion if you can access another lymphoedema therapist. Where are you living Karen? Jen
Hi jen, im told ill need to wear my compression vest/bra after DMX with 19 lymph nodes removed and wear it most of the day for life! No swelling in my arm but im told in side of my chest were seroma was/is. Im off of compression thur radiation now but feel like my life in that tight vest is ZERO quality of life and ramps up my anxiety.
Hi Lisa, do you have chest wall swelling that is impacting your quality of life? As you can probably tell I'm trying to find out if you actually need a compression bra, rather than the idea that just because you've had a mastectomy that you 'need' a compression bra. If you don't have chest wall swelling or another symptom that means a compression bra is warranted, then I don't think you should need to wear it. 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
Thank you for all you do to help us women with breast cancer. I had double mastectomy three months go. I am experiencing very extreme tightness on the surgery site which they call “Iron Bra”. Do you have a video you talk about it? Have you also address sensitive on the entire chest after the mastectomy? Please help me out since I am suffering with both.. thank you
Hello Mayele! I am so sorry for my delayed reply. I have done a video on how to reduce chest wall pain after mastectomy. Have a look at this video first, then there is another video on how to address sensitive scar tissue. I will put the links to these videos below: ruclips.net/video/5NDC0_vzErk/видео.html
God speed for your healing May. I had stage two and only had a single radical mastectomy 8/42021. Moving your arms getting that blood flow, just keep moving. I was so afraid to move my left arm after my surgery that it really hindered me. Not just one cord but 4-6..
I’m only 9 months from my last radiation treatment and I still have a little lymph congestion under my arm. I had only one lymph node removed, they told me the radiation is what’s causing the swelling to take so long to reduce. I was given a compression shirt to wear at night to help it drain, but it’s really uncomfortable. What do you recommend for your patients in this situation?
Hi, I have problem with my index finger, it is swallen. I am jocking I have if lymphedema. So I am little confused should I wear compression garment or not.
Hi Jen, I'm from Canada and thoroughly enjoy your content. I had bilateral mastectomy with breast implant reconstruction 20 years ago, chemo and radiation. I developed a severe capsular contracture immedistely on the right radiated side and more recently, 18 yrs on ,mild lymphedema. One week ago i underwent removal of the capsular contracture enbloc with a lat dorsi flap breast reconstruction. My right affected arm is in constant pain and extremely sensitive to touch. I am terrified of further lymphedema as haven't been given any guidance. I'm wearing compression sleeves day snd night which hurt to wear. Too painful for MLD. Not sure what to do. I still have a drain in and a new expander. Question: is this normal 1 week out, should special care be taken to improve lymphedema outcome or is this just temporary. TERRIFIED! Any suggestions much appreciated. A bit backwards in this part of the world at times. Kind regards and thanks for your amazing insights. 🙋♀️
Hi Glenna, thank you for your question. What part of Canada are you in? I have a wonderful colleague in Canada that I may be able to link you in with. Alternatively I do one-on-one Telehealth appointments. If you're interested please email me enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com I also 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
I have recently been diagnosed with lymphedema after breast cancer in my left arm. Swelling in my hand a little in the arm and beginning in the fingers. Should I wrap my hand with an ace bandage until I get in to see my therapist for a fitting for a sleeve?
Hi! I would avoid applying any bandaging as poorly fitting compression (bandage or garment) can worsen lymphoedema. Best to start on self lymphatic drainage massage and wait for a trained therapist to apply a bandage. Jen x
Hello Jen, excellent information. I wear a garment every day, even during my exercises. Also I wear another garment for nights. My therapist told me I've to get a new one every 4 o 6 months. Here in USA, are very expensive!
Thanks 🙋🏻♀️
Wearing a compression sleeve healed my cording. I had tried PT and neural flossing with no success. The sleeve worked in just a few days!
So glad to hear that.🙌🏽 Thank you♥️
Thank you for this! I am what you would consider early onset and here in the US and I would like to know more about how you wean patients off the sleeve. Can you do a video on that please?
Hi Deborah, sorry again for my slow reply. See my reply to your other message regarding my new Facebook group The Compass Community. Jen
Thank you Jen!
Thank you for your advice!
You talk about “a compression garment.” If one has had a double mastectomy stage 3 breast cancer with about 30 lymph nodes removed and develops lymphedema, is it appropriate to wear only a sleeve and not a glove or gauntlet as well? I have read so much research that states the lymphatic fluid can then accumulate in the hand and cause further problems. What is your take on this if I may ask? Thank you!
I have chronic lymphedema in my left arm/hand. I do have a sleeve and gauntlet but it's difficult with my job to wear it while I am working. I also don't like wearing my gauntlet as it makes my fingers turn purple. I was measured by my lymphedema specialist while going through therapy for cording. I do lymph massage but am not good about doing it daily. Are there other things that I can do to help with the chronic swelling and edema?
Hi Karen, I am so sorry for taking so long to reply to your question. Your gauntlet is definitely too tight if your fingers are turning purple (and staying purple while you wear it), particularly if it is uncomfortable when it is on. If your compression garments are not fitting properly they can actually make lymphoedema worse. I would look for a second opinion if you can access another lymphoedema therapist. Where are you living Karen? Jen
Hi jen, im told ill need to wear my compression vest/bra after DMX with 19 lymph nodes removed and wear it most of the day for life! No swelling in my arm but im told in side of my chest were seroma was/is. Im off of compression thur radiation now but feel like my life in that tight vest is ZERO quality of life and ramps up my anxiety.
Hi Lisa, do you have chest wall swelling that is impacting your quality of life? As you can probably tell I'm trying to find out if you actually need a compression bra, rather than the idea that just because you've had a mastectomy that you 'need' a compression bra. If you don't have chest wall swelling or another symptom that means a compression bra is warranted, then I don't think you should need to wear it.
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
Would your definition of “early onset” be stage 0 or stage 1? Or it’s both stages?
Thank you
Thank you for all you do to help us women with breast cancer. I had double mastectomy three months go. I am experiencing very extreme tightness on the surgery site which they call “Iron Bra”. Do you have a video you talk about it? Have you also address sensitive on the entire chest after the mastectomy? Please help me out since I am suffering with both.. thank you
Hello Mayele! I am so sorry for my delayed reply. I have done a video on how to reduce chest wall pain after mastectomy. Have a look at this video first, then there is another video on how to address sensitive scar tissue. I will put the links to these videos below:
ruclips.net/video/5NDC0_vzErk/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/EaPfzwCtyig/видео.html
God speed for your healing May. I had stage two and only had a single radical mastectomy 8/42021. Moving your arms getting that blood flow, just keep moving. I was so afraid to move my left arm after my surgery that it really hindered me. Not just one cord but 4-6..
What about exercising? I do yoga or HIT workouts 4 times a week and I’m not sure should I wear it while exercising 🤔
I’m only 9 months from my last radiation treatment and I still have a little lymph congestion under my arm. I had only one lymph node removed, they told me the radiation is what’s causing the swelling to take so long to reduce. I was given a compression shirt to wear at night to help it drain, but it’s really uncomfortable. What do you recommend for your patients in this situation?
Hi, I have problem with my index finger, it is swallen. I am jocking I have if lymphedema. So I am little confused should I wear compression garment or not.
Hi Jen, I'm from Canada and thoroughly enjoy your content. I had bilateral mastectomy with breast implant reconstruction 20 years ago, chemo and radiation. I developed a severe capsular contracture immedistely on the right radiated side and more recently, 18 yrs on ,mild lymphedema. One week ago i underwent removal of the capsular contracture enbloc with a lat dorsi flap breast reconstruction. My right affected arm is in constant pain and extremely sensitive to touch. I am terrified of further lymphedema as haven't been given any guidance. I'm wearing compression sleeves day snd night which hurt to wear. Too painful for MLD. Not sure what to do. I still have a drain in and a new expander. Question: is this normal 1 week out, should special care be taken to improve lymphedema outcome or is this just temporary. TERRIFIED! Any suggestions much appreciated. A bit backwards in this part of the world at times. Kind regards and thanks for your amazing insights. 🙋♀️
Hi Glenna, thank you for your question. What part of Canada are you in? I have a wonderful colleague in Canada that I may be able to link you in with. Alternatively I do one-on-one Telehealth appointments. If you're interested please email me enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
I also 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
Hi Jen, I live in Ontari, Canada. Thanks for the Facebook link. I'll check it out. Appreciate your content. 🙋♀️
I have recently been diagnosed with lymphedema after breast cancer in my left arm. Swelling in my hand a little in the arm and beginning in the fingers. Should I wrap my hand with an ace bandage until I get in to see my therapist for a fitting for a sleeve?
Hi! I would avoid applying any bandaging as poorly fitting compression (bandage or garment) can worsen lymphoedema. Best to start on self lymphatic drainage massage and wait for a trained therapist to apply a bandage. Jen x