Why Should I Moisturise My Arm After Breast Cancer?
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- If you have been diagnosed and treated for Breast Cancer, chances are you have had one or multiple Lymph Nodes removed from your armpit (axilla). If this is your situation, then this video is for you. One of the most common 'jobs' that a Breast Cancer Medical or Allied Health Professional (e.g. Lymphoedema Therapists, Breast Care Nurses) will give patients who have had Lymph Nodes removed is to Moisturise their arm.
But why? There are SO many things you have to DO as a Breast Cancer patient, and so many APPOINTMENTS to attend and SCANS to be done that one more job even as small as putting some moisturiser on your arm starts to seem overwhelming. However, it is this very reason that I LOVE making these Educational Videos, because I strongly believe that if people know WHY they should be doing something good for their health and wellbeing, they are a lot more likely to comply with doing that activity. Empower yourself through education.
SO! What is the big deal with moisturising your arm after Lymph Node Removal? In this video I go into detail about the relationship between the Lymphatic System and the Immune System to explain that when Lymph Nodes are removed from your armpit, your immunity on the SKIN of that arm is forever compromised. What does this mean? That you're at a higher risk of infection compared to someone with intact lymph nodes in their armpit.
So what? This ultimately means that if you suffer from any form of skin breakdown (e.g. graze, cut, insect bite, burn) that you are at higher risk of contracting a broad skin infection known as Cellulitis. I explain how Cellulitis can occur, how it presents, what to do about it, and how it can be a trigger for Lymphoedema. I also explain why it is so important to know WHAT TO DO if you suspect a local skin infection that can put you at risk of Cellulitis and therefore Lymphoedema.
I also provide my recommendations on which moisturising creams to use - please make sure you do not have any allergies to creams prior to use and if you're unsure please check with your treating Medical Team and / or GP. I also provide tips on what time of day is best to apply moisturiser if you have existing lymphoedema and need to wear a compression garment.
SO IF YOU ENJOY THIS CONTENT and would like to see more then please subscribe to my RUclips channel which is completely free! Give it a big thumbs up and leave a comment - as I would love to hear from you and find out what Breast Cancer topics you would like to know more about.
I welcome you to ask questions, participate and join me as we explore the intricacies of Breast Cancer and help YOU return to your most optimal health following surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
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Wow. Thank you for this important information. I was not told of the need to apply daily moisturizer. I had a bilateral mastectomy due to a tumor on the left side (+BRCA2 mutation). Only 4 nodes were removed and none, thank God, were cancerous. I was prescribed a compression sleeve, the doctor said as a precaution. The only real warning I was given was to avoid cuts and bug bites on that arm, but there wasn't an emphasis on the cascading impact a simple scrape or bite could cause. I was told I'm at low risk of developing lymphedema, so perhaps that's why no one on my health team has discussed these points with me. I'm so glad I watched your video.
Hi Jen.
I really appreciate you as a guide through my cancer fight journey. Iam based in an African country with limited access to physiotherapists such as you. Listening to your videos has really empowered me as a patient after a masectomy.
Keep up the good work
Hello Lilian! So sorry for my slow reply. Thankyou so much for your lovely comments! Allowing people in remote areas to access information is one of the main reasons I started this Channel! So I was very happy to read your comment! Thankyou for watching. Jen xx
This was enlightening! Just finished radiation therapy and going through the sunburn time moisturizer several times a day. But was unaware that I needed to continue to moisturize regularly. I had seven lymph nodes removed. Thank you for this information.
Hi Judith, thank you for your lovely feedback. 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
So glad I found your channel, thank you ,great advice !
I have just had surgery with a bilateral mastectomy. I appreciate the three videos I have watched so far. Your presentation is wonderful. My only problem is I haven't heard when can and do you start the massage, etc. Thank you
Excellent info as usual Jen. Thank you so much. I don't know what I'd do without your informative videos. There are so very many things I need to learn.
Thank you for your positive feedback Leonie! Really appreciate it! xx
Thank you Jen, wonderful information and extremely valuable. Life after breast cancer has its challenges thats for sure, I cant express how grateful I am for your videos and how helpful they are. Autumn
Thankyou Autumn!! Love that these videos are helping you so much xx Jen
Hi Jen,
Again thank you for this information. If it was not for you l do not understand where we would be getting this info, your video's just make it so easy. Understanding WHY things need to be done its just so so important.
Let's hope that in the future GP's will pass on your details immediately we are diagnosed with breast cancer. thanks Joan Holley
Thankyou so much for your comment Joan! Glad the videos are so useful! Jen x
Thank you so much, very informational.
Hi Mercedes! You're very welcome! Glad it was helpful! Jen
Thank you for the valuable advice Jen. I never knew to moisturize my arm, so will be doing it from now on; such a simple process. Thank you. Karen Buchanan.
Thank you Karen! So pleased the video has been helpful! Jen x
Thank you so much. Ive just had my first bout of cellulitis and had no idea what it was or who to ask. Thankfully I was able to see my oncologist one week into the infection and she diagnosed it. I wish I had seen your video months ago. Very helpful.
Hi Susan, thank you so much for your comments. I hope you are recovering quickly from the cellulitis. I am about to do a video on an armsleeve and breast band that will be very helpful for long term prevention of cellulitis. It's called Comfiwave, keep an eye out for those videos! Jen x
Hi Jen,
I got diagnosed last month with breast cancer stage3,I did my surgery two weeks ago, your videos very helpful am watching them from Canada 💝
Hello Maha! Welcome to my Channel and thank you for watching! So stoked you're finding the videos helpful. Please send any topic requests you have to me! Jen x
Thank you so much no one ever told me this i will start moisturizer on my arms daily moving forward. Thank you so much love your content
Hi Diana, Thank you for your lovely feedback! 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
great info!!!
Thank you for your lovely feedback! 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
So informative thanks
Thank you for your lovely feedback! 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
You provide so much valuable information that has not been provided by my medical team. I suspected lymphedema, first f/u appt with radiation oncologist yesterday. She explained why I probably did not have lymphedema. She did physical exam. Agrees I have lymphedema. I am a nurse. I will follow your videos for self massage for lymphedema and call her for physio consult as needed. Cannot thank you enough! You bring me peace of mind by providing facts I need to know and an action plan.
Thank you so much for your very positive feedback Kathleen! So appreciated! I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you for your reply. The group sounds great!
Thank you for this helpful information. I wasn't aware of skin break down. I'm 1 month post lumpectomy and recently I was thinking if shaving was a bad idea since I'm numb in the axillary area. Thank you for explaining things so thoroughly.
Thankyou for your positive feedback! I should actually do a specific video - or at least a mention- about shaving armpits after lymph node removal.
Thankyou nobody has explained anything like this to me. I think it's so important to let people know what to look for . I've just found I have had itchy , very tiny bumps coming up in a row . Very small but can get get very itchy . Have been exercising and massaging arm and keeping moisturizered.
Thanks for your lovely feedback Deb! Have you had the lumps checked out? Jen x
Thanks for another informative video, Jen. Just one question, is it still OK to use an exfoliant on the arm after lymph nodes have been removed?
Thanks Libby! As long as the exfoliant is not causing skin breakdown (i.e. cuts) then it should be fine. Exfoliant should encourage skin cell turnover and when used in combination with a moisturiser be a positive thing for skin integrity when at risk of lymphoedema. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. Jen x
Hi Jen
Thank you for all your comments on what I should be doing for cording. I didn’t know I should be moisturising daily. As I am in Uk what should I be using for this. I have loads of Dove moisturisers. Will this be okay? Or make of other please. Thank you so much as we have had lockdown I haven’t been able to go to a Lymphadema Clinic. My second appointment had to be cancelled so I would be grateful for your input. Thank you
Hi Jenny, so sorry for my slow reply. A water based, low pH moisturiser is typically what I recommend. However, it really comes down to individual tolerance - if you have Dove moisturisers at home and your skin doesn't react to it, then Dove should be fine to continue with. Hope this helps! Jen x
Do you have a printout for excersises for cording? Thanks
Hi Betty, I sure do! If you send me an email with this request I can forward it to you: enquiries@thebreastcancerphysio.com
Also, 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
Jen, I was told to use cream with Urea. Why would that be?
Hi Lou, sorry I don't know the answer to that question! Jen
I have a question about the numbness does it stay for long in the arm pit??
Great question Maha! I am actually going to do a RUclips Video on this very topic. Everyone is a bit different but it may take up to 12 months. These nerves grow back very slowly. Hope this helps! Jen x
my "doctor" will just refer me to another doctor
Hi Nancy, sorry for my slow reply. My advice would be - don't let your doctor that you clearly don't trust refer you at all. Find a doctor by doing your own research through friends, family or colleagues. You have the right to choose your own doctor. Even if you're in a Public Health space you can refuse to see doctors who treat you disrespectfully.
I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi Jen, thank you so much for such useful information! Your videos help a lot. I think onco patients are not explained lots of things that can prevent or treat different side effects. One question: during the radiation should we apply a scent free moisturizer or it doesn't matter? For example Moogoo has a lovely scent but can I use it on the breast-armpit area during radiotherapy? 😘
Hi Ekaterina! Thank you for your lovely feedback. Which country are you in? I would suggest you discuss this with your Radiation Oncologist. In Australia they will usually suggest just to use the barrier cream StrataXRT twice daily, but it depends on which country you are in. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio hi Jen, thank you very much for the reply and for suggesting to join the FB group! I have just done it, thank you! I live in the UK. Yes, I asked the radiologist about moisturising the area, but I was told to apply something without chemicals and only after the burns appear otherwise nothing. It didn't feel quite right to me, and a cream without chemicals is a bit vague description so I started looking on the internet and RUclips and saw your channel! 😘💗 a huge thank you, onco patients need more such specialists like you xx
Thankyou Ekaterina! Have they provided a specific barrier cream (e.g. StrataXRT) while you are having Radiation? (as opposed to a normal moisturiser?) Jen
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio no Jen, they just suggested to use something non-chemical if burns occur but God knows what creams are non chemical :) Maybe E45? My radiation starts in 2 weeks and I'm looking for something that can prevent or reduce side effects especially long term ones
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Jen is StrataXRT gel or cream? Thank you for all your replies! 🥰
Hello - I will be having a lumpectomy this Monday, Dec 28. I found out that I will be having a sentinel node biopsy so I will have at least one lymph node removed. I'm purchasing one of the moisturizers you have suggested but I have a question. My husband died unexpectedly Oct 18, 2019. I'm almost done with my memorial sleeve. But it's on the same arm as the one that will have the biopsy done. My tattoo artist likes to use Saniderm instead of plastic wrap. It stays one for at least a week and when it comes off it's practically healed. So my question is, will I be able to finish my tattoo? What extra precautions can I take? I really am so close to it being complete and don't want to leave it unfinished. Thank you for your advice. Dannielle
Danni! I am so sorry - I thought I had responded to your question but my computer is telling me no. Super sorry! I have had another patient who was in the same situation. My take on this is that everyone has choice. Health Professionals are only the messengers! If you've only had one lymph node removed you are at low risk of lymphoedema. However, that does mean you can't get it. Getting a tattoo on the same arm that has had a lymph node removed is increasing your risk of triggering lymphoedema because a tattoo is an open wound. But I can appreciate the circumstances as to why you really want to complete this tattoo. I would speak to your GP about the use of prophylactic antibiotics to be on in the days after the tattoo is done, and make sure you keep the wound is closely monitored for signs of infection. Hope this helps! Message me if you would like to discuss further.
Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio No worries about the reply, I understand. And thank you, this does help. Danni.
@@Pyrodanni Have you had your tattooing done as yet?
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio No, not yet. I'm focusing right now on the process of figuring out if I have to do chemo or not, then radiation. So it wouldn't probably get done until after all that.
@@Pyrodanni Another thing to consider - if you can - is giving your immune system time to recover after you finish radiation and or chemo because your lymphatics are part of your immune system so because a tattoo is causing broken skin, the better your immune system theoretically the better your lymphatics will cope with the tattooing. Does that make sense?
Is it just the arm? Or should I also be moisturizing the breast and armpit on that side where they removed my lymph nodes
Hi laineybugger! So sorry for my delayed reply. In the context of lymphoedema risk - the main message of this video is to be doing daily moisturizing on the arm that is at risk. However, if you have had a lumpectomy and radiation, it would be wise to moisturise the breast tissue / armpit also as the radiation can have impact on skin quality over time. I hope this helps! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysioHi Jen, when should you start moisturising the arm after a senintel node biopsy? I am day 9 post op. I was advised not to put any creams on my scars for 6 weeks post op. However I am keen to put cream on the arm. Thank you so much for your helpful videos.
She didn’t actually say why you should moisturise? Is it to try and retain elasticity so you don’t graze as easy? Or what. Im confused
Hi Liam! So sorry for my very delayed reply. The reason for moisturizing is to improve the skin barrier which in turn prevents infection and in particular cellulitis. Sorry if this didn't make sense in the video. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Why is my under upper arm so tender after the mastectomy
Hi Charlene! Thanks for your question. Typically the upper arm is tender following surgery because there is often numbness in this area but you can also feel deep pain referred from the armpit. The armpit is typically the most tender spot. I'll be discussing this in my Facebook Group next week. Here is the link if you'd like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
these moisturizers not available in NYC USA
Hi Nancy, have a chat with your local Pharmacist to see what the equivalent would be. Jen