This is a wonderful episode! I had a left side mastectomy with 5 lymph nodes removed in December 2017. My surgeon actually told me to strengthen my arms with weights both before and after surgery to reduce my risk of lymphedema. When she discharged me from the hospital she told me to start range of motion exercises right away and encouraged regular movement. She said the restrictions given to patients who’ve had lymph node removal are outdated and not based on science (hmm, that sounds familiar!). I also needed PT to increase my range of motion and I was fortunate to have a few sessions with a lymphedema therapist. She taught me everything that was mentioned in this podcast (keep the skin healthy, regular movement, etc). She helped me transition to the Livestrong program at my local YMCA where I quite happily worked with strength machines with my upper and lower body. I live my life normally, I have never worn or purchased a sleeve and I do not have lymphedema. Thank you for trying to dispel the myths!
Hi @SherylWenham-by711 and hello to you all down under! Thanks for your feedback, we appreciate your support! We will be doing an episode on living with lymphedema in the coming months. Hugs to you!
I had single mastectomy and several lymph nodes removed. Was told all the things about not using that arm. However, a year later i had leukemia and stem cell transplant. Msny many blood draws and infusions, my "good arm" was so abused that i said..begged to use the "bad arm" they finally did, it gave relief to the other arm and I've had no problems at all.
Great information could you do a podcast on endocrine therapy. Confused as to why no barefoot on the beach and no hot tubs spas but nothing about swimming. I had a lumpectomy and ancilery lymph node removal 5 of the 20 were cancer positive and now I'm struggling with what side effects to look out for and what I can do. I'm in UK
Hello to you across the pond! We will have an episode in the upcoming months on endocrine therapy! I’m not sure either about the barefoot thing unless you have neuropathy and you could step on something sharp and not feel it? I would ask your physician. Regular exercise is a great way to decrease recurrence risk and lymphedema risk. Get to a physio for help, you deserve it! Best wishes to you!
Hey, I wanted to thank you for providing great evidence based information! Here in Poland in one cancer center I was told I can no longer farm, garden or do renovations after lymphnodes removal.. which happens to be my job, so I was obviously very disappointed. But then I did my own research and it turned out to be outdated information! I plan on exercising and slowly getting back to work. I get that compression sleeves are useless.. but what is your opinion about compression bras? I was told I have to wear mine 2 months after single mastectomy (expander put in) but it's damned uncomfortable.
Hello @woodwormweasel! (And hello Poland , my friend and med onc I work with is from Poland!) Thanks for your story and best wishes to you in your recovery and getting back to work on the farm. Hopefully you can find a Physio to help you. I would talk with your surgeon about the reasons behind the compression for your chest. It could be needed to support the expander, decrease the risk of seroma.
@@therecoveryroom2198 Thanks for the answer and well wishes:) If the bra was to prevent seromas then that ship has sailed, but I had them drained and they didn't fill up again. So maybe it's working.. sort of. I wish surgeons had some time to actually explain things related to recovery but they are very overworked. Thanks for taking the time to explain lots of important topics on this channel! Menopause, exercise, lymphodema, sexual health, all those issues are not even mentioned by the doctors. It's great to have free resources to learn about them!
This is a wonderful episode! I had a left side mastectomy with 5 lymph nodes removed in December 2017. My surgeon actually told me to strengthen my arms with weights both before and after surgery to reduce my risk of lymphedema. When she discharged me from the hospital she told me to start range of motion exercises right away and encouraged regular movement. She said the restrictions given to patients who’ve had lymph node removal are outdated and not based on science (hmm, that sounds familiar!). I also needed PT to increase my range of motion and I was fortunate to have a few sessions with a lymphedema therapist. She taught me everything that was mentioned in this podcast (keep the skin healthy, regular movement, etc). She helped me transition to the Livestrong program at my local YMCA where I quite happily worked with strength machines with my upper and lower body. I live my life normally, I have never worn or purchased a sleeve and I do not have lymphedema. Thank you for trying to dispel the myths!
@@MortonRIP I love this, MortonRIP!
I love that your surgeon got you on the right track right away!
Thanks so much for this information and all your podcasts. I am grateful to be in the Recovery Room family. ❤
And we are so pleased to have your heart, humor and brain !❤️💪🏽❤️
I am struggling with lymphoma I love your podcasts I am in Aussie thanks for your info
Hi @SherylWenham-by711 and hello to you all down under! Thanks for your feedback, we appreciate your support! We will be doing an episode on living with lymphedema in the coming months. Hugs to you!
I had single mastectomy and several lymph nodes removed. Was told all the things about not using that arm. However, a year later i had leukemia and stem cell transplant. Msny many blood draws and infusions, my "good arm" was so abused that i said..begged to use the "bad arm" they finally did, it gave relief to the other arm and I've had no problems at all.
Hey Bobbi! You’ve been through the wringer… wishing smooth sailing ahead! ❤️💪🏽❤️
Great information could you do a podcast on endocrine therapy. Confused as to why no barefoot on the beach and no hot tubs spas but nothing about swimming. I had a lumpectomy and ancilery lymph node removal 5 of the 20 were cancer positive and now I'm struggling with what side effects to look out for and what I can do. I'm in UK
Hello to you across the pond! We will have an episode in the upcoming months on endocrine therapy!
I’m not sure either about the barefoot thing unless you have neuropathy and you could step on something sharp and not feel it? I would ask your physician. Regular exercise is a great way to decrease recurrence risk and lymphedema risk. Get to a physio for help, you deserve it! Best wishes to you!
@@therecoveryroom2198 Thanks, I am active 70,000 plus steps a week with my dog, and a cardio class on zoom, thanks for your prompt reply.
Hey, I wanted to thank you for providing great evidence based information!
Here in Poland in one cancer center I was told I can no longer farm, garden or do renovations after lymphnodes removal.. which happens to be my job, so I was obviously very disappointed. But then I did my own research and it turned out to be outdated information!
I plan on exercising and slowly getting back to work.
I get that compression sleeves are useless.. but what is your opinion about compression bras? I was told I have to wear mine 2 months after single mastectomy (expander put in) but it's damned uncomfortable.
Hello @woodwormweasel! (And hello Poland , my friend and med onc I work with is from Poland!) Thanks for your story and best wishes to you in your recovery and getting back to work on the farm. Hopefully you can find a Physio to help you. I would talk with your surgeon about the reasons behind the compression for your chest. It could be needed to support the expander, decrease the risk of seroma.
@@therecoveryroom2198 Thanks for the answer and well wishes:)
If the bra was to prevent seromas then that ship has sailed, but I had them drained and they didn't fill up again. So maybe it's working.. sort of.
I wish surgeons had some time to actually explain things related to recovery but they are very overworked.
Thanks for taking the time to explain lots of important topics on this channel! Menopause, exercise, lymphodema, sexual health, all those issues are not even mentioned by the doctors. It's great to have free resources to learn about them!