Lymphedema : A Breast Cancer Patient's Guide to Prevention and Healing

by Burt, Jeannie; White, Gwen

• ISBN13: 9780897934589
• ISBN10: 089793458X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-25
• Publisher: Hunter House

Summary

About 25 percent of breast cancer surgery patients experience lymphedema - a disfiguring, painful swelling, most frequently of the arm. In the past, doctors suggested that little could be done for this condition. But that has changed, and the guide to good help is right here, in your hands.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Preface	xii
Jeannie Burt's Story
Gwen White's Story
About the Consultants for This Book
part one Lymphedema: What It Is and How to Prevent It
Chapter 1: The Basics about Lymphedema	2	(20)
What Is Lymphedema?
Causes and Types of Lymphedema
Breast Cancer Surgery and the Lymph Nodes
Radiotherapy
Reconstruction after Mastectomy
Incidence of Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment
Obesity and Lymphedema
Lymphedema in Men
Chapter 2: Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema	22	(6)
What to Watch For
Diagnosing Lymphedema
Take Lymphedema Seriously
Chapter 3: The Lymphatic System	28	(7)
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymph Nodes
Watersheds
Chapter 4: Jean's Story: A Physical Therapist Assistant Deals with Lymphedema	35	(3)
Chapter 5: Preventing Lymphedema	38	(24)
Helpful Hints
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
part two Treating Lymphedema
Chapter 6: An Introduction to Treatment Methods	62	(6)
A Brief History of Treatment
General Principles of Treatment
Chapter 7: Abdominal Breathing	68	(5)
How to Breathe Abdominally
Some Tips
Chapter 8: Lymphatic Massage	73	(12)
The Principles of Lymphatic Massage
When Should You Not Have a Massage?
Preparations for Treatment
Self-Massage Techniques
Back Massage by a Partner
Chapter 9: Emma's Story: Persistence Pays Off	85	(3)
Chapter 10: Massage for Scarring, Cording, and Myofascial Release	88	(9)
Scar Massage
Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)
Myofascial Release
Massage after Radiotherapy
Chapter 11: Linda's Story: Massaging Scars and Dealing with Lymphedcma of the Torso	97	(3)
Chapter 12: Compression: Bandages and Garments	100	(15)
Compression Bandaging
Compression Garments
Specialty Garments
Chapter 13: Kinesio Taping and Pumps	115	(11)
Kinesio Taping
Vasopneumatic Pumps
Chapter 14: Nancy's Story: A Nurse Uses Compression to Treat Her Lymphedema	126	(5)
Chapter 15: Carolyn's Story: Using a Vasopneumatic Pump	131	(3)
Chapter 16: Exercising with Lymphedema	134	(26)
Overall Benefits of Exercise
Special Exercises for Lymphedema Treatment
Goals of Exercise as a Part of Lymphedema Treatment
Guidelines for Exercising with Lymphedema
When You Should Not Exercise
Lymph-Drainage Exercises
Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
Strengthening and Toning Exercises
Aerobic Exercises
Other Exercises
Chapter 17: Anita's Story: A Committed Focus Yields Results	160	(4)
Chapter 18: Seeking Treatment	164	(8)
Questions to Ask when Considering a Treatment Program
Insurance
Legislative Issues
part three Beyond Conventional Treatments
Chapter 19: Lymphedema and Emotions	172	(6)
Therapists' Perspectives
Help for Dealing with Difficult Emotions
Chapter 20: Ruth's Story: A Counselor Treats Herself and Others	178	(3)
Chapter 21: The Powers of Mind and Spirit	181	(10)
The Power of the Mind to Heal
The Effects of Stress
The Benefits of Relaxation
Meditation and Visualization
Chapter 22: Feather's Story: A Creative Approach to Healing	191	(3)
Chapter 23: Complementary Therapies and Emerging Technologies	194	(8)
Naturopathy and Acupuncture
Emerging Technologies
Nutritional Supplements
Chapter 24: Conclusion	202	(3)
Note from Gwen
Note from Jeannie
Endnotes	205	(13)
Glossary	218	(11)
Selected Bibliography & Recommended Reading	229	(3)
Resources	232	(9)
Index	241