The possibility of seeing arm or leg swelling (lymphedema) in patients undergoing surgery after cancer is around 25%. This rate increases slightly in patients receiving radiotherapy and reaches around 40%. This is because radiotherapy blocks or destroys newly formed anastomotic pathways. In the remaining group of patients, lymphedema formation is caused by the careless behavior of the patients. For this reason, patients should be informed about what they should pay attention to in their daily lives after surgery.
Offers for patients with leg lymphedema:
-Do not stand for long
-Do not walk around barefoot
-Do not wear tight shoes
-Make sure that clothes such as skirts, underwear, trousers and belts do not cut your skin.
-Be careful when cutting nails
– Take care of your feet carefully
General offers:
-Use an electric razor and pay attention to the cleanness of the razor blade
-Do not enter the sauna
-Beware of sunburns
-Be careful with cosmetic materials that will cause allergies
-Beware of cat dog scratching
-Beware of foot fungus
-Beware of insect stings and bites
-Sports such as cycling, aerobics and weight lifting put a load on your legs. Sports such as swimming and diving are beneficial.
– Watch your weight
-Eat adequately and consistently
-Do not prefer hot and tropical regions on vacation
-Do not inject your affected leg
– Consult a doctor when you see signs of infection.
– Consult a knowledgeable professional with questions for your affected leg
-Strictly do not smoke
-You may need to change and regulate your lifestyle, but it does not require you to suffer from this disease.
-Different difficulties await those who forget the details and do not pay attention to their care after your leg, which is swollen due to your insufficient lymph system, becomes normal or close to normal with the treatment.
Compression garments should be worn all day. It should only be removed at night.
– If you are going out for special occasions, you may not wear your clothes for this time only. However, do not do this now, several months after treatment. Your tissues may not be strong enough.
– Measure or have someone measure your leg at least once a month. Let your therapist know if there is any significant change.
-Change your compression garment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you feel loose or wear easily, either your leg has shrunk or your clothing has stretched. There should be no redness or pity at any random spot, if this occurs, seek help from your therapist. Wash regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Offers for patients with arm lymphedema:
-Do not carry heavy luggage and packages with your affected arm
-Be careful when using a knife, do not cut your hand
-Be careful with your hand while sewing so that the needle does not stick
-Do not open the oven door without gloves.
-Be careful while ironing, don’t burn your hands
Bras should not be tight around the rib cage and over the shoulders. Adequate support of one helps to prevent edema by shaping the other breast. Use a wide shoulder strap and if needy place some cotton pads under the strap and chest strap
Your breast prosthesis should be light.
-Make sure that clothes such as skirts, underwear, trousers and belts do not cut your skin.
-Be careful not to cut your meat when cutting nails
-Don’t get a manicure, don’t cut your cuticles if you do.
-Do not apply hot application to your shoulder at the hairdresser.
-Use an electric shaver
Remember that it is in your hands to cope with your illness and to live well with it. After following your therapist’s suggestions and wearing your compression garment systematically, you will not have too many problems. However, you must strictly follow the precautions.
