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Looking after yourself

Tuesday 1 September, 2009

See also our genetics and breast cancer and breast health pages.

Coping with lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a swelling of part of the body, usually the legs or the arms.

It may occur after surgery to remove lymph nodes from under the arm or radiotherapy to the armpit. Women who've had surgery followed by radiotherapy to the armpit are more at risk.

If the lymph nodes have been damaged or removed, this may prevent lymph fluid from draining from the arm, which causes the fluid to build up and the arm to swell. Lymphoedema can occur months or years after treatment. If you have problems, seek immediate help as symptoms are better managed if treated early. Signs to look for include redness, swelling, warmth of the skin, pain in the arm or fever.

‘After the surgery I was left with some lymphoedema in my right arm. This causes little trouble unless it's a particularly hot day or if I've exercised too much. I have regular massages to keep the fluid moving.'

Ways to prevent the swelling

Lymphoedema is treated by preventing or controlling the swelling.

Swelling can be reduced by wearing a professionally fitted elastic sleeve or by massage treatment from a trained lymphoedema drainage therapist, physiotherapist, nurse or occupational therapist.

Infection can make the swelling worse. To prevent infection:

keep the skin moist
avoid sunburn
avoid cuts, burns and insect bites
avoid repetitive tasks and heavy lifting with the affected arm
avoid injections being given in the arm on the side of the surgery.

In many hospitals, a lymphoedema specialist will assess you before surgery. Some hospitals have specialist physiotherapists who can help reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema.

For more information, call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

Look Good ... Feel Better program

The program called Look Good ... Feel Better can help with self-confidence during and after breast cancer treatment. It offers useful tips on dealing with changes to your skin, hair and general appearance. This program is for women and men. Call 1800 650 960 or visit the Look Good Feel Better website for details.

Wigs

If you lose your hair during chemotherapy, you may want to wear a wig, scarf or hat while it's growing back. You can borrow a wig; some hospitals and cancer care units have wig libraries where wigs are available for a small fee. You can buy a wig, though they can be expensive. Ask your treating hospital or call our Helpline on 13 11 20 to find out more. Some private health funds cover part of the cost of purchasing wigs - check with your health fund.

Encore

YWCA Encore is a special exercise program for women who've had breast cancer surgery. Using floor and pool exercises, the program helps strengthen and tone your arms, shoulders and chest, regain mobility and improve your general fitness. To find out more call 1800 305 150.

Healthy eating

Eating nutritious food will help you keep as well as possible and cope with cancer and treatment side effects. Depending on your treatment, you may have special dietary needs. A dietitian can help to plan the best foods for your situation - ones that you find tempting, easy to eat and nutritious.

Being active

You'll probably find it helpful to stay active and to exercise regularly if you can. Physical activity - even if gentle or for a short duration - helps to improve circulation, reduce tiredness, decrease joint and muscle pain, and elevate mood. The amount and type of exercise you do will depend on what you're used to, how well you feel and what your doctor advises.

Start by making small changes to your daily activities, such as walking to the shops. If you want to do more vigorous or weight-bearing exercise, ask your doctor what's best for you.

Research studies have also shown that physical activity can help reduce the likelihood of breast cancer recurring.

See our Nutrition and Exercise section or phone 13 11 20.

Relaxing

Some people find relaxing or meditating helps them to feel better. The hospital social worker or nurse will know whether the hospital runs any programs, or may be able to advise you on programs in your area. Your local community health centre may also be able to help.

See our relaxing and coping with anxiety section or phone 13 11 20.

Changing body image

Cancer treatment can change the way you feel about yourself (your self-esteem). You may feel less confident about who you are and what you can do. This is common if your body has changed physically.

Give yourself time to adapt to these changes. Try to see yourself as a whole person (body, mind and personality) instead of focusing on the parts of you that have changed.

For practical suggestions on dealing with hair loss, weight changes and other physical changes, call our Helpline on 13 11 20.

Sexuality, intimacy and cancer

Cancer treatment and the emotional effects of cancer may affect people with cancer and their partners in different ways.

Some people may withdraw through feelings of being unable to cope with the effects of treatment on themselves or their partner. Others may feel an increased need for sexual and intimate contact for reassurance.

It's important to talk about your feelings with your partner. If you have trouble continuing with your usual sexual activities, discuss this with your doctor, breast care nurse or with a trained counsellor.

Some people can feel sad about going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment without a partner. Sharing these feelings with a counsellor or a trusted friend or family member can make a big difference to how you feel.

See our sexuality and cancer section or phone 13 11 20.

Relationships with others

The strong emotions you experience as a result of cancer may affect your relationships. Your experiences may cause you to develop a new outlook on your values, priorities and life in general. Sharing those thoughts and feelings with your family, friends and work colleagues may strengthen your relationships.

If you feel uncomfortable talking about your feelings, take your time and approach others when you're ready. People usually appreciate insight into how you're feeling and guidance on providing support during and after treatment.

While you're giving yourself time to adjust to living with cancer, remember to do the same for your friends and family. Everyone will react in a different way - by putting on a happy face, playing down your anxiety, or even ignoring you. They are also adjusting in their own way to changes. If someone's behaviour upsets you, it will probably help to discuss how you both feel about the situation.