Breast cancer and lymphedema

Understanding how to relieve lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling of an upper or lower limb caused by slowed or blocked lymph flow.

Lymphedema usually occurs in parts of the body where lymph nodes have been removed or damaged by cancer treatment.

The first cause of lymphedema is linked to axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer, which involves removing part of the lymph nodes to examine whether they contain cancer cells.

Its appearance can occur years after the intervention.

Tips and prevention:

• Avoid lifting heavy loads.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing.
• Do not take the strain on this arm.
• Do not take blood from this arm.
• Do not administer an IV drip to this arm.
• Protect yourself well from the sun.
• Pay attention to all injuries, even superficial ones (cuts, punctures, burns).
• Consume oilseeds (chocolate, almonds, hazelnuts, etc.) in moderation, as they are very fatty foods.
• Avoid fried foods.
• Watch your salt intake.
• Be careful with dairy products, especially fromage blanc, faisselle, and petit suisse.
• A diet with a significant excess of protein can also overload the lymphatic system.
• Also be careful of excess sugar.
• Stay hydrated

If you have a big arm:

• Use a sleeve, be careful that it fits well and is not too tight.
• Sleep on your back and elevate your arm.
• Adapt a low-salt diet.
• Lymphatic drainage sessions can help and can be prescribed by your doctor. The Vodder or Leduc techniques are extremely effective.

There are also thermal baths in Luz Saint Sauveur specializing in the treatment of lymphedema.

Generally speaking, good food hygiene is necessary.

Fats pass into the lymphatic system at the level of the small intestine, which is why it is important to avoid eating foods that are too rich or too fatty.

Often after breast cancer surgery, it is difficult to regain ease of arm mobility.

For your information, foot reflexology is an extremely interesting and effective tool, even several years after the procedure.

You will get a good result in just a few sessions.

Nathalie Alexandre

Certified Naturopath

06 51 12 09 30