Lymphedema: a condition characterized by swelling that occurs when the lymphatic system fails to properly drain fluid from the tissues. Lymphedema can not only cause swelling, but also heaviness, and discomfort in the affected areas, typically the arms or legs.
I have learned in my own journey that no two people share the same cancer story. The prevalence of lymphedema varies significantly depending on the cancer type ranging from 2% to 90%, quite a range.
My story? I had surgery to remove a sizable tumor from my right rump. The cancer had metastasized to lymph nodes in my groin. Ten nodes were removed, five tested positive for metastatic cancer. Radiation therapy came next, same areas, butt and groin.
I’ve now been on extremely high doses of prednisone to combat a side effect of immunotherapy. Steroids can cause or worsen lymphedema.
Cancerous lymph nodes + lymph node removal + radiation + medication = you got it, lymphedema.
Primary and Secondary Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is caused by genetic or congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, while secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to, or blockage of, your lymphatic system due to: surgery, lymph nodes are often removed as part of cancer surgery. Even if a cancer had not metastasized to lymph nodes, radiation therapy can cause damage to the otherwise “healthy” nodes. And yes, medications can cause or worsen lymphedema.
Surgery or radiotherapy for breast cancer can cause secondary lymphedema in your arm and chest.Surgery or radiotherapy for bowel cancer, prostate cancer, cancer of the reproductive system can cause secondary lymphedema in the legs.
Lymphedema can also happen in people with melanoma or merkel cell carcinoma if lymph nodes have been removed as part of the treatment.
Lymphedema may occur immediately after your lymphatic system has been damaged or blocked, or it may develop years later.
So, you have swelling. Wear those sexy socks.
Having lymphedema can cause anxiety, this stuff is chronic, it’s going to stick around. Great, one more thing to deal with. Depression, if you know me, you know I paddle board, I bicycle, I walk the dogs. I can’t do these things at least for a while because of other treatment side effects. Bicycling and walking will eventually help, but standing on my paddle board? That will take some time.
And, how about fashion? Yes, it’s not unusual to see compression socks with shorts. Athletes wear them. And there are some fun compression socks on the market. If people are going to notice my socks, I want them to NOTICE my socks.
What can be done?
MOVE!
Unlike the circulation of blood which is driven by the heart, movement of lymph relies on muscle contraction and relaxation. There is no other pumping mechanism. We don’t move? We end up with stagnation, sitting water unable to flow. And, taking certain medications causes further retention of fluids, rain falling on the already boggy area.
There are techniques and practices which move lymphatic fluids:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage performed by a massage or physical therapist
- Dry brushing
- Deep breathing
- Walking
- Staying hydrated
And, you got it QIGONG!
Qi, our body’s vital energy, moves along meridians. Qi, like lymphatic fluid can become stagnant. The symptoms of Qi stagnation can vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage.
Emotional symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and irritability are common.
Physical sensations such as localized or moving pain, digestive issues, headaches, muscle tension and stiffness present themselves.
But, we can move Qi. We can seek out and utilize:
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Diet
- Herbs
- TAI QI AND QIGONG!
As I prepare to introduce Qigong to my beloved Cancer Patient Support Group, I intend to incorporate specific movements which will encourage not only the movement of Qi, but also lymphatic fluids.
From warming up, to breathing, circular movements, twisting, muscle contraction, we can move Qi and also lymph.
I have created two videos of practices addressing flow of Qi and Lymphatic Fluids.
The first is standing. The second is seated and WAS going to be shorter. Have we met?
I wish you health and happiness!
My four verbs: To Heal, To Restore, To Strengthen, To Enliven
Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment