After breast cancer surgery, systematic training of the affected limb in a step-by-step manner under the guidance of a healthcare provider is the most effective in preventing and treating edema.
In addition to this, experts have made 18 recommendations 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 injections in 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.
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 bath, and use sunscreen products.
9.Avoid injury to the affected limbs, such as cuts, burns, sports injuries, insect bites, scratches, etc. Avoid any damage when trimming nails.
10.Maintain ideal weight, enter a low-salt, high-protein, easy-to-digest diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
11.Wear gloves when doing housework or planting flowers.
12.Avoid overexertion of the affected limb, rest and elevate the limb when it feels pain.
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 when flying long distances to increase fluid intake.
15, wear light-weight fake breast or suitable, no steel bra.
16.Use an electric razor to remove 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.