Chronic condition requires individuals to manage symptoms indefinitely
As a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy, nearly 40% of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema. Individuals with the condition must learn how to cope with symptoms throughout their lifetimes, since a cure for lymphedema does not exist.
“There’s a sense of empowerment – of autonomy – that comes from meeting the challenge of living with lymphedema,” said Jane Armer, a University of Missouri lymphedema expert and nursing professor. “Some breast cancer survivors say that they’ve become a new person after cancer because they met a challenge, and they like the stronger person they’ve become. The challenge of lymphedema is similar. It’s something that is pervasive in every part of life. It takes problem solving and persistence to manage the condition without letting it interfere with their goals.”
To determine which practices were most helpful in managing the condition, Armer and her colleagues reviewed published research about lymphedema self-management. According to the researchers’ reviews, full-body exercise (weight lifting and stretching) and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) are the most effective ways for patients to reduce their symptoms and preserve their quality of life. CDT is a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and bandaging of swollen limbs.
“Previous research suggests that, the earlier the interventions, the better the outcomes,” Armer said. “If patients can learn how to successfully manage the condition early on, then they can continue those processes throughout their lives, and their outcomes will be better than those of individuals who resist participating in self-care.”
Source: University of Missouri.