Authors: Jeannie Burt, Gwen White, Judith R. Casley-Smith
ISBN-13: 9780897934589, ISBN-10: 089793458X
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Hunter House, Incorporated
Date Published: August 2005
Edition: Second Edition
Women who undergo surgery for breast cancer may end up with lymphedema, a painful, visible swelling, usually of the arm. Coming to their aid, Lymphedema lays out the many options for preventing and treating the condition. The book provides information on reducing lymphedema through professional therapy as well as exercise and self-massage, plus helpful illustrations and additional resources. It also tells encouraging stories of women who have dealt with lymphedema successfully. With updates throughout on the latest research, products, and techniques, this new edition features expanded nutrition and exercise sections and covers naturopathy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, as well as potential future therapies being tested.
Lymphedema is a swelling caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues and is common among women who have undergone breast cancer surgery with axillary node dissection and/or radiation. Yet prior to surgery, most women are unaware of this condition and the heartache it can bring. Burt, a human resources consultant and breast cancer patient who has been affected by lymphedema, and White, a physical therapist, have put together an informative little book that should help all women suffering from the condition, at least to some degree. In the past, many women were told they would have to live with the swollen arm and lack of mobility that appeared after their surgery. Burt and White present treatment plans, massage therapies (professional and self-administered), and exercise regimens to alleviate or diminish this surgical aftermath. Though the authors advise vigilance to keep the skin and affected arm as healthy as possible, unfortunately, lymphedema can strike many years after surgery. Their useful guide will help women remain active and, one hopes, less obsessed with the "other" results of breast cancer. Recommended for patient health collections.--Bette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal" Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\
Foreword | ix | |
Acknowledgments | xi | |
Preface | xii | |
Jeannie Burt's Story | ||
Gwen White's Story | ||
About the Consultants for This Book | ||
Part 1 | Lymphedema: What It Is and How to Prevent It | |
Chapter 1 | The Basics about Lymphedema | 2 |
What Is Lymphedema? | ||
Causes and Types of Lymphedema | ||
Breast Cancer Surgery and the Lymph Nodes | ||
Radiotherapy | ||
Reconstruction after Mastectomy | ||
Iincidence of Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment | ||
Obesity and Lymphedema | ||
Lymphedema in Men | ||
Chapter 2 | Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema | 22 |
What to Watch For | ||
Diagnosing Lymphedema | ||
Take Lymphedema Seriously | ||
Chapter 3 | The Lymphatic System | 28 |
Lymphatic Vessels | ||
Lymph Nodes | ||
Watersheds | ||
Chapter 4 | Jean's Story: A Physical Therapist Assistant Deals with Lymphedema | 35 |
Chapter 5 | Preventing Lymphedema | 38 |
Helpful Hints | ||
Healthy Lifestyle Choices | ||
Part 2 | Treating Lymphedema | |
Chapter 6 | An Introduction to Treatment Methods | 62 |
A Brief History of Treatment | ||
General Principles of Treatment | ||
Chapter 7 | Abdominal Breathing | 68 |
How to Breathe Abdominally | ||
Some Tips | ||
Chapter 8 | Lymphatic Massage | 73 |
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 |
Chapter 10 | Massage for Scarring, Cording, and Myofascial Release | 88 |
Scar Massage | ||
Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome) | ||
Myofascial Release | ||
Massage after Radiotherapy | ||
Chapter 11 | Linda's Story: Massaging Scars and Dealing with Lymphedema of the Torso | 97 |
Chapter 12 | Compression: Bandages and Garments | 100 |
Compression Bandaging | ||
Compression Garments | ||
Specialty Garments | ||
Chapter 13 | Kinesio Taping and Pumps | 115 |
Kinesio Taping | ||
Vasopneumatic Pumps | ||
Chapter 14 | Nancy's Story: A Nurse Uses Compression to Treat Her Lymphedema | 126 |
Chapter 15 | Carolyn's Story: Using a Vasopneumatic Pump | 131 |
Chapter 16 | Exercising with Lymphedema | 134 |
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 |
Chapter 18 | Seeking Treatment | 164 |
Questions to Ask when Considering a Treatment Program | ||
Insurance | ||
Legislative Issues | ||
Part 3 | Beyond Conventional Treatments | |
Chapter 19 | Lymphedema and Emotions | 172 |
Therapists' Perspectives | ||
Help for Dealing with Difficult Emotions | ||
Chapter 20 | Ruth's Story: A Counselor Treats Herself and Others | 178 |
Chapter 21 | The Powers of Mind and Spirit | 181 |
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 |
Chapter 23 | Complementary Therapies and Emerging Technologies | 194 |
Naturopathy and Acupuncture | ||
Emerging Technologies | ||
Nutritional Supplements | ||
Chapter 24 | Conclusion | 202 |
Note from Gwen | ||
Note from Jeannie | ||
Endnotes | 205 | |
Glossary | 218 | |
Selected Bibliography & Recommended Reading | 229 | |
Resources | 232 | |
Index | 241 |