Scar tissue adheres to muscle and tissue and that is part of the problem. It has to be stretched and massaged to get it to loosen up. I was measured around the arms, waist, wrists and chest area in several different places to get a baseline on both sides of my body. She massaged my scar with instructions to continue doing this at home and gave me tips on noticing any swelling that may be caused by Lymphedema. Kristen gave me exercises to do for stretching and also exercises to get the lymph fluid moving as I have no lymph nodes under my left arm as they were removed. She really pulled and stretched my arm. It brought tears to my eyes. I was sure glad when she finished.
Lymphedema can occur anytime after breast cancer treatment, even many years later. If caught early it can be lessened with therapy and self-care. It can develop from getting an infection on the side of the body that I had surgery on, overuse or trauma to the hand or arm, having more than 10 nodes removed, having multiple nodes with cancer and radiation therapy. I have to be careful in lifting heavy things, insect bites, sun exposure to that side, cuts, etc. When flying, I need to wear a compression sleeve which I will get fitted for at a later date.
My spirit took a beating after all that and my mind was whirling. Dane got home that night and after a good nights sleep, I felt much better on Saturday and back to my more positive self.
I returned to PT today. My range of motion has greatly improved as I have been faithfully doing my exercises. I still have swelling in the armpit and below it. Kristen had given me pressure pads to wear in these two spots. She said they looked better today, so I will continue using them and see her again on Thursday.
I also have Chemo on Wednesday, so a full week.
I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.
— Author Unknown
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