This is my quick guide on things I think it is important you know before and after your surgery for breast cancer. I talk about surgical terms that are important you understand, possible post operative complications, my guide to that post operative period, cording, lymphoedema, scars, shoulder movement and pain. I hope you find this useful!

This isn't a typical episode, this is a recording of the relaxation script I do at the end of my Next Steps exercise class. I have had many patients tell me how relaxing this script is so I thought I would record it for you so you can use it as you need to yourself! This is a great simple way to bring your awareness to your breathing and reduce muscle tension in your body! It only takes 5 minutes!

This episode is all about debunking some of the persisting myths that surround lymphoedema. Some of these ongoing myths around lymphoedema are from anecdotal, theoretical, and non-evidence based recommendations. So can getting a blood test done on your affected arm cause lymphoedema? Can a sentinel node biopsy cause lymphodema? Well you are going to have to listen to find out.

If you are interested in reading the research for yourself, please look for the below articles.

RESEARCH ARTICLES:

Ferguson, C. M., Swaroop, M. N., Horick, N., Skolny, M. N., Miller, C. L., Jammallo, L. S., Brunelle, C., O'Toole, J. A., Salama, L., Specht, M. C., & Taghian, A. G. (2016). Impact of Ipsilateral Blood Draws, Injections, Blood Pressure Measurements, and Air Travel on the Risk of Lymphedema for Patients Treated for Breast Cancer. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 34(7), 691–698. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2015.61.5948

Bryant, J. R., Hajjar, R. T., Lumley, C., & Chaiyasate, K. (2016). Clinical Inquiry-In women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, including lymph node removal, do blood pressure measurements taken in the ipsilateral arm increase the risk of lymphedema?. The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, 109(11), 529–531.

Kilbreath, S.L., Ward, L.C., Lane, K. et al. Effect of air travel on lymphedema risk in women with history of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 120, 649–654 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-010-0793-3

Cemal, Y., Pusic, A., & Mehrara, B. J. (2011). Preventative measures for lymphedema: separating fact from fiction. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 213(4), 543–551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2011.07.001

Schmitz KH, Ahmed RL, Troxel AB, Cheville A, Lewis-Grant L, Smith R, Bryan CJ, Williams-Smith CT, Chittams J. Weight lifting for women at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2010 Dec 22;304(24):2699-705. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.1837. Epub 2010 Dec 8. PMID: 21148134.