Upper limb edema is a common complication after breast cancer surgery, with an incidence of about 10-20% and about 75% occurring within one year after surgery. Wound infection and radiotherapy can aggravate upper limb edema.
After surgery, systematic training of the affected limbs under the guidance of medical staff is the most effective way to prevent edema. You can do fist clenching and wrist turning activities on the second day after surgery. After the drainage tube is removed, you can do activities such as elbow bending and wall climbing, and you should actively do breast cancer rehabilitation exercises.
In addition, please pay attention to the changes of your body. Redness of the skin on the affected side of the chest or armpit, increase in skin temperature, yellowish-brown ooze from the wound or smell of a bad odor may be signs of wound infection. Pain in the upper extremity on the same side of the surgery and a hard nodule or several strips felt on the side of the upper arm close to the body are signs of phlebitis in the upper extremity. The above signs should be informed to the doctor for early management. Otherwise, the risk of developing upper limb edema is elevated.
In addition to this, experts have also made 18 suggestions to prevent upper limb edema after breast cancer surgery
1. Never ignore the slight edema of the upper limbs or chest, and tell the doctor promptly if there is any aggravation.
2.Avoid blood sampling and injection of the affected limbs.
3.Avoid measuring blood pressure in the affected limbs. If bilateral upper limb lymphedema is present, blood pressure can be measured in the lower limbs.
4.Keep the skin of the affected limbs, especially the folds and finger gaps, clean and dry, and rub moisturizer after bathing.
5.Avoid strenuous repetitive movements that increase the resistance of the affected limbs, such as scrubbing or pushing and pulling (mopping).
6.Do not lift heavy objects (5kg) and carry a bag on the healthy side.
7.Do not wear overly tight necklaces and elastic bracelets.
8.Avoid excessive temperature when showering or washing dishes, avoid sauna or hot water bath, and use sunscreen products.
9.Avoid injuries to the affected limbs, such as cuts, sports injuries, insect bites, scratches, etc. Avoid acupuncture, gua sha and other treatments on the upper limbs, and avoid any damage when trimming nails.
10, maintain the ideal weight, into a low salt, high protein, easy to digest diet, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol.
11.Wear gloves when doing housework or planting flowers.
12.Avoid overexertion of the affected limb, rest when the limb feels pain, elevate the limb (the whole affected limb should be placed above the heart level).
13.Some exercises are recommended, such as walking, swimming, aerobic fitness, cycling, aerobics or yoga.
14.Patients with lymphedema wear elastic cuffs when flying, and add elastic bandages for long-distance flights to increase fluid intake.
15, wear light-weight fake breast or suitable, no steel bra.
16.Use an electric razor to remove armpit hair (only for those who have the habit of shaving armpit hair).
17.Patients with lymphedema should wear an elastic cuff during the day and ask the physician to check it once in 4-6 months. If the cuff is too loose, it may be caused by the circumference of the upper limb becoming smaller or the cuff being worn out.
18.Report any symptoms of infection, such as rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature or fever.