The Biggest Challenge I Danced Through was Not Breast Cancer…

One of the biggest adjustments in my life after cancer is not the cancer itself surprisingly but the lymphedema in my right arm from having my lymph nodes removed

Let us refresh on what exactly is Lymphedema?

Think of lymphedema like this:

The lymphatic system is basically the body’s sewer system.  While we go about our day it is quietly whisking away excess fluid, waste, bacteria and viruses. When it’s working properly, we don’t notice it at all.  In fact, I didn’t even understand it existed at all until I had part of it removed! When it’s not working… well, imagine our sink drain is clogged up with hair or food or something else nasty. The water (in this case, lymph fluid) has nowhere to go, so it starts pooling where it shouldn’t.

That’s lymphedema! A stubborn, unwanted pooling of fluid under your skin. Your limb puffs up like it’s a balloon-animal, but instead of being a cute giraffe or a poodle, you just end up with a swollen leg or arm.

Important Note: It’s not contagious, it’s certainly not glamorous, but it is persistent! Almost like that one guest who won’t leave the party even after you’ve put the lights on and started cleaning up.  Take a hint! It is time to gooooo!

This really is, in my opinion, one of the worst parts of having metastatic breast cancer.

I have been dealing with this for 3 years now and will for the rest of my life.  I am not complaining about it…well, some days I am if I am being honest.  Like when it is really swollen and even just wearing a t-shirt is the most annoying thing ever.

There are many things I can do to get it back under control such as lymphatic drainage massages either on myself or by a professional.  In this type of treatment, it is like mapping the fluid to the drainage ports in our body.  Slowly pushing the Jell-O like substance under the skin (aka-Lymph fluid) towards the groin and opposite armpit where the lymphatic system is still intact and can process all the waste.  I am sorry for the Jell-O analogy.  I know I can’t eat it anymore either after that visual. Blahh…. textures are now a thing for me!

When I first had to learn to manage my lymphedema it was noted that my right arm and hand were what was affected by the lymphedema.  Knowing this, I was put into a compression garment for my arm and hand.  It has been working great; however, in the last year I have noticed that the fluid is now being trapped in my shoulder and armpit as well as the scapula area.

Fun right? Not really!

Today I had an appointment with Cancer Rehabilitation.  Yes, that is a thing! And thank God it is!  The appointment consisted of my physiotherapist measuring the swelling in my arm.  The crazy part is my left arm is now smaller than my right, but my right arm is smaller than it was three years ago!

So, what does that even mean?

Well, it means that I am managing my lymphedema very well in my arm.  That is the good part!

The not great part is the uncomfortable pooling of fluid happening in my arm pit and my back area.  The good part about today is I learned there are options to support the movement of fluid in this area as well!   There are compression bras and padding that can be added to a bra to help compress and move the fluid.

I recommend we all learn as much as possible about our lymphatic system BEFORE we have to learn to manage it like I have. Here is a comprehensive list of things we can do to manage our lymphatic system:

Move Your Body (Daily)

• Exercise is #1. Walking, dancing, yoga, rebounding, and swimming are great examples of all that help.
• Think: movement = drainage.

Stay Hydrated

• Lymph fluid is mostly water…. besides some of that Jell-O like texture. If you’re dehydrated, your system slows down like pouring molasses.
• Aim for steady sips throughout the day and make your water interesting by adding cucumber, lemon or even basil!

Massage & Dry Brushing

• Lymphatic massage can be a game-changer, especially if you’ve had surgery or radiation. You can do this yourself or with a professional.
• Dry brushing (always brushing toward the heart) helps stimulate lymph flow and slough off dead skin.

Deep Breathing

• You might think you do this, but I will guarantee that most of us do not!
• Your diaphragm acts like a pump for the lymph system. Slow, deep belly breathing is simple but powerful.
• Try a few minutes of breathing: inhale for 4, hold 7, exhale 8.

 Eat Clean, Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• We all know in theory that junk food is bad for us and yet we do it! Now is the time to adjust the sails!
• Go heavy on veggies, berries, leafy greens, and omega-3s.
• Avoid processed junk and too much salt, which can make your body hang onto fluid. Sorry salt! I have loved you for too long!

Sweat It Out

• Saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga are all activities that encourage sweating, which supports detox.
• Just remember to rehydrate like a champ afterward.  What goes out, you need to replenish back in!

Sleep & Stress Management

• Poor sleep and chronic stress both throw your lymph system off. Trust me! I have experienced this one firsthand and it is no fun at all!
• Restorative sleep and stress-reducing practices (meditation, journaling, nature time) keep your immune and drainage systems in sync.

There you have it! Some great ways to support that beautiful system that keeps our bodies healthy and our immune system happy! I hope you never have to know what life is like to live with a broken-down lymphatic system but know that if you ever do, I have you covered!