I’m so relieved to find someone who names and deals professionally with what I am going through. I’m 3 weeks post-double-mastectomy. Your videos give me comfort and assurance during this limbo between action and follow up. Don’t know if your specialty exists here in the middle of Canada. But I aim to find out. Meanwhile I’ll keep following your videos and your advice. Thank you.
Hi Lynne! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. What part of Canada are you in? I can link you with my colleague Beth Hoag. She is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Here is her website - I hope this helps but if she is too far away let me know! Jen x bethhoagphysio.ca/
This was enormously useful to watch, thank you for putting this info out there! I'm a year post mastectomy with lymph node clearance and have had so little follow up (Norway) but have wondered about this for much of this time. You've answered this so clearly
Hello Helen! So sorry for my very delayed reply. Thank you so much for commenting and watching the video! Lovely to have Norwegians watching the Channel! So glad you found this video useful! Jen x
Oh that is so good to hear Kerrie! Let me know how you go! Sometimes side lying can be uncomfortable / painful but there are reasons for this and they are often treatable. I've just replied to your other comment and included the link to my Facebook Group. Jen x
Sorry for my very delayed reply to your message. If your hormone blocking medication is really starting to impact your Quality of Life then definitely discuss your options with your Medical Oncologist. They may be able to change what brand of hormone blocker you are taking, or switch you to a different type of hormone blocker. Not an easy situation or easy conversation. I hope this helps. Jen x
I am a 34 year survivor of breast cancer and I never had lymphedema. I recently had a shoulder replacement reversal surgery and I now have lymphedema. Praise God it isn't bad. Can I sleep on my left side now
Hi Wilma, so sorry to hear this. Lymphoedema can unfortunately occur a long time after active treatment. I have 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! I read that jumping on a mini trampoline stimulates lymph movement . Wanted to know your opinion. Thank you for taking the time to respond to us ! Much appreciated ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi Michelle! So sorry for my slow reply to this comment- I saw it then couldn't find it again until just now! I have heard of the jumping effect on the lymphatic system. I don't know if it's been studied but it makes a lot of sense as jumping causes muscle contraction.
Hi, I am from India. My Mom had breast cancer on the left side which occurred from the plastic surgery scar that she had after a major burn injury that happened in the 1970s. She had chemo, surgery followed by radiation. Now she is applying coconut oil around the surgery region as per advice from the Oncologist, particularly to avoid skin stiffness in that region. In addition, I am providing massage to her leg, hand, shoulder, and waist (twist) after watching your videos, on daily basis. She feels better after massage and she is relieved of the pain that she was experiencing. She had chemo through chemo port which had been implanted on Nov-19 onto her right side, she is experiencing a limitation in raising her right arm. I want to know that the frozen shoulder kind of situation is due to the presence of a chemo port. Chemo port was about to be removed on Apr-21 but it is getting delayed due to the Covid-19 second wave in India.
Hi Thillai! So sorry for my very delayed reply to your question. There is no definitive reason people get Frozen Shoulder, but I would say that following Breast Cancer I see it more often. The most common 'reason' we suspect people get Frozen Shoulder is following a significant stress. Breast Cancer would definitely qualify as a a major stress. I don't know if the portacath is the 'only' reason your Mom would have contracted Frozen Shoulder. Hope this makes sense. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much for your reply. Great explanation on frozen shoulder. I understand that her breast cancer must be creating stress. Mom is taking up many activities to counter her stress. Thanks once again.
Hi there, I have just found your videos and have subscribed. I have had a bilateral mastectomy and remain flat. Had a complete axilla clearance on the right side too. Is there any way you could give some information on Seroma? It’s been 4 months since surgery for me and just had 240ml of fluid drained off the other day. It’s slowly starting to build up again. How can it be prevented?
Hi there. I got bitten by a mosquito and my hand swelled up (not the rest of my arm). Is this because of the bite or just a coincidence? Thanks for the informative video 😊
Hi Lupe! So sorry for my delayed reply to your comment. If you have existing lymphoedema then I would suggest you monitor what happens to your arm overnight / in the morning if you do sleep on that side. If the arm is consistently swollen the morning after you sleep on it, then yes, you may have to sleep in another position. But I would trial sleeping on the affected side to see if the upper limb copes, particularly if this is your preferred sleeping side. Hope this helps! Jen x
Great point. Thank you so much for your answer, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I have been sleeping on my lymphoedema side for 4 years, letting my body decide when to do it that way during the night. And it has not worsened at all. Thank you again from Spain. So useful and generous of you.
Hi Farah, typically lymphoedema starts in the arm but I have seen cases where the only apparent swelling is in the fingers / hand, however this is not common. I don't tend to use ice as extreme temperatures can potentially exacerbate lymphoedema. 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 this video Please I just had a breast reconstruction last two weeks, could you please tell me how I would be able to sleep on my side as I always sleep on my back now and it hurts me.
I'm about 6 weeks out of double mastectomy and several lymph nodes removed and the start of reconstruction. Still have radiation and targeted therapy to get through. My main issue right now is cording in my affected armpit and slightly down my arm. It is very painful and am going to PT. My question is if the cording can cause lymphedema?
Hi Tammy, check out my other video to answer your question around lymphoedema and cording. To answer your question in short - I think cording and lymphoedema can influence each other but may not necessarily be the cause. ruclips.net/video/0GhsATFWQ9M/видео.htmlsi=nILuVbTA304UJd-1
Hi Diana, so sorry for my slow reply and thanks for your question. If you were getting breast swelling then a compression bra at night can be helpful, but if not then I wouldn't suggest wearing one. If you have breast pain then sometimes a bra can reduce discomfort. 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 Diana, sorry for my slow reply. As I've replied to your comment above I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community'. We discuss the side effects of Radiation frequently on this platform. Jen
You’re welcome Cynthia! 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. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
Hi, 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
Hi sister, My surgery is over one month ago. Can I do heavy exercises and if so, from when can I do. Also, please clarify me, carrying weights with both the hands.. while cooking will increase the risk of lymphedema. Please give a separate video on dos and don'ts after the surgery which can increase the risk of lymphedema.
Hi Lakshmi! So sorry for my delayed reply. When returning to heavy exercises, I'm assuming you mean lifting weights in a gym? If this is what you're talking about then always return to weight training slowly. Watch my video on "Upper Body Strength Exercise After Breast Cancer" to get more information on how to return to exercise. I can do a separate video on this topic so thank you for suggesting it! Jen x
I’m so relieved to find someone who names and deals professionally with what I am going through. I’m 3 weeks post-double-mastectomy. Your videos give me comfort and assurance during this limbo between action and follow up. Don’t know if your specialty exists here in the middle of Canada. But I aim to find out. Meanwhile I’ll keep following your videos and your advice. Thank you.
Hi Lynne! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. What part of Canada are you in? I can link you with my colleague Beth Hoag. She is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Here is her website - I hope this helps but if she is too far away let me know! Jen x
bethhoagphysio.ca/
This was enormously useful to watch, thank you for putting this info out there! I'm a year post mastectomy with lymph node clearance and have had so little follow up (Norway) but have wondered about this for much of this time. You've answered this so clearly
Hello Helen! So sorry for my very delayed reply. Thank you so much for commenting and watching the video! Lovely to have Norwegians watching the Channel! So glad you found this video useful! Jen x
Thank you! So looking forward to lying on my left side tonight for the first time in 3 months since surgery 🙏🏼
Oh that is so good to hear Kerrie! Let me know how you go! Sometimes side lying can be uncomfortable / painful but there are reasons for this and they are often treatable. I've just replied to your other comment and included the link to my Facebook Group. Jen x
Thanks, Jen! I was so glad to see this video. I have been waiting. My favorite sleep side is my affected side.
This one was inspired by you Alynda! Thanks for giving me the idea to do this video! Sorry I forgot to give you a shoutout!! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio fantastic! No worries!
As soon as I started taking Letrozole my sleep pattern went haywire, I am awake at 2 am and 4 am every night, it’s affecting my quality of life
Sorry for my very delayed reply to your message. If your hormone blocking medication is really starting to impact your Quality of Life then definitely discuss your options with your Medical Oncologist. They may be able to change what brand of hormone blocker you are taking, or switch you to a different type of hormone blocker. Not an easy situation or easy conversation. I hope this helps. Jen x
Hi there !
Thank you !👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Your advice is so genuine!
I totally appreciate this one!
Will you be sharing your opinion on rebounding?
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for your positive feedback on the video! What is rebounding? Sorry to ask but I'm not sure I know what this is? Jen x
Loving these videos so helpful and informative
Thank you for your lovely feedback Diana! Jen :)
I am a 34 year survivor of breast cancer and I never had lymphedema. I recently had a shoulder replacement reversal surgery and I now have lymphedema. Praise God it isn't bad. Can I sleep on my left side now
Hi Wilma, so sorry to hear this. Lymphoedema can unfortunately occur a long time after active treatment. I have 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!
I read that jumping on a mini trampoline stimulates lymph movement . Wanted to know your opinion.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to us !
Much appreciated ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hi Michelle! So sorry for my slow reply to this comment- I saw it then couldn't find it again until just now! I have heard of the jumping effect on the lymphatic system. I don't know if it's been studied but it makes a lot of sense as jumping causes muscle contraction.
This is really great information and I need it. Thank you very much.🙏😀
Thankyou Nubiz! Appreciate you watching and commenting. Glad this video has been helpful for you! Jen x
Hi, I am from India. My Mom had breast cancer on the left side which occurred from the plastic surgery scar that she had after a major burn injury that happened in the 1970s. She had chemo, surgery followed by radiation. Now she is applying coconut oil around the surgery region as per advice from the Oncologist, particularly to avoid skin stiffness in that region. In addition, I am providing massage to her leg, hand, shoulder, and waist (twist) after watching your videos, on daily basis. She feels better after massage and she is relieved of the pain that she was experiencing. She had chemo through chemo port which had been implanted on Nov-19 onto her right side, she is experiencing a limitation in raising her right arm. I want to know that the frozen shoulder kind of situation is due to the presence of a chemo port. Chemo port was about to be removed on Apr-21 but it is getting delayed due to the Covid-19 second wave in India.
Hi Thillai! So sorry for my very delayed reply to your question. There is no definitive reason people get Frozen Shoulder, but I would say that following Breast Cancer I see it more often. The most common 'reason' we suspect people get Frozen Shoulder is following a significant stress. Breast Cancer would definitely qualify as a a major stress. I don't know if the portacath is the 'only' reason your Mom would have contracted Frozen Shoulder. Hope this makes sense. Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much for your reply. Great explanation on frozen shoulder. I understand that her breast cancer must be creating stress. Mom is taking up many activities to counter her stress. Thanks once again.
12:33
Thanks for information am going shortly for radiation treatment.
5:19 “There is no evidence that side-lying can cause lymphedema.”
Hi there, I have just found your videos and have subscribed. I have had a bilateral mastectomy and remain flat. Had a complete axilla clearance on the right side too. Is there any way you could give some information on Seroma? It’s been 4 months since surgery for me and just had 240ml of fluid drained off the other day. It’s slowly starting to build up again. How can it be prevented?
Hi there. I got bitten by a mosquito and my hand swelled up (not the rest of my arm). Is this because of the bite or just a coincidence? Thanks for the informative video 😊
How soon after lymph node removal should I be seen by a therapist?
Thank you very much. And what about if the lymphoedema is already there.
Hi Lupe! So sorry for my delayed reply to your comment. If you have existing lymphoedema then I would suggest you monitor what happens to your arm overnight / in the morning if you do sleep on that side. If the arm is consistently swollen the morning after you sleep on it, then yes, you may have to sleep in another position. But I would trial sleeping on the affected side to see if the upper limb copes, particularly if this is your preferred sleeping side. Hope this helps! Jen x
Great point. Thank you so much for your answer, and it makes a lot of sense to me. I have been sleeping on my lymphoedema side for 4 years, letting my body decide when to do it that way during the night. And it has not worsened at all. Thank you again from Spain. So useful and generous of you.
Please where does the edema start from the fingers or the arm?Is it useful to put ice on the hand ?
Hi Farah, typically lymphoedema starts in the arm but I have seen cases where the only apparent swelling is in the fingers / hand, however this is not common. I don't tend to use ice as extreme temperatures can potentially exacerbate lymphoedema. 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 very much .
Well I will join the group.
Thank you for this video
Please I just had a breast reconstruction last two weeks, could you please tell me how I would be able to sleep on my side as I always sleep on my back now and it hurts me.
Great information, thank ypu
Thankyou Shiree! Glad it was helpful! Jen x
I'm about 6 weeks out of double mastectomy and several lymph nodes removed and the start of reconstruction. Still have radiation and targeted therapy to get through. My main issue right now is cording in my affected armpit and slightly down my arm. It is very painful and am going to PT. My question is if the cording can cause lymphedema?
Hi Tammy, check out my other video to answer your question around lymphoedema and cording. To answer your question in short - I think cording and lymphoedema can influence each other but may not necessarily be the cause. ruclips.net/video/0GhsATFWQ9M/видео.htmlsi=nILuVbTA304UJd-1
Thank you for another great video.
Thankyou ST Channel for always watching and commenting! Appreciated! Jen :)
Question… should we sleep with a light thin bra or not after breast cancer. ?
Hi Diana, so sorry for my slow reply and thanks for your question. If you were getting breast swelling then a compression bra at night can be helpful, but if not then I wouldn't suggest wearing one. If you have breast pain then sometimes a bra can reduce discomfort. 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
Interested in more Radiation therapy info
Hi Diana, sorry for my slow reply. As I've replied to your comment above I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community'. We discuss the side effects of Radiation frequently on this platform. Jen
Thank you ❤️
You’re welcome Cynthia! 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. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity
How to reduce lymphoedema
Hi, 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
Hi sister, My surgery is over one month ago. Can I do heavy exercises and if so, from when can I do. Also, please clarify me, carrying weights with both the hands.. while cooking will increase the risk of lymphedema. Please give a separate video on dos and don'ts after the surgery which can increase the risk of lymphedema.
Hi Lakshmi! So sorry for my delayed reply. When returning to heavy exercises, I'm assuming you mean lifting weights in a gym? If this is what you're talking about then always return to weight training slowly. Watch my video on "Upper Body Strength Exercise After Breast Cancer" to get more information on how to return to exercise. I can do a separate video on this topic so thank you for suggesting it! Jen x
@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you dear.