Lymphatic Solutions
Lymphatic Solutions
Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema
The lifelong condition affecting breast cancer patients and how you can prevent it
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer , and is preparing to undergo or has just completed treatment including chemotherapy , surgery , and / or radiation therapy , there is something important you need to be prepared for .
Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema ( BCRL ) affects 1 in 5 breast cancer patients and is a largely preventable condition . This rarely spoken about side effect of breast cancer treatment can become a lifelong condition that significantly impacts your quality of life .
Occupational Therapist ( OT ) and Founder of Lymphatic Solutions , Kate Perkins , explains the causes and symptoms of BCRL .
“ Lymphoedema refers to swelling of affected limbs as a result of fluid build-up within the tissue , due to an obstruction or damage to the lymphatic system ,” said Kate .
“ BCRL can occur any time following breast cancer treatments including the removal of lymph nodes , lumpectomy , mastectomy , chemotherapy and radiation therapy and left untreated , can become a lifelong chronic condition affecting your range of movement and strength , with symptoms including pain , heaviness and swelling .
Early detection and intervention of BCRL in the sub-clinical stage – before symptoms are felt or seen – can prevent the condition becoming chronic and irreversible .
Kate says early detection is critical as it allows for the implementation of simple and preventative treatments , reducing the significant financial costs and physical impacts of the condition in its more advanced stages .
“ Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer and about to undergo treatment needs to get a baseline Lymphoedema Index ( L-Dex ) reading to allow for early detection and ongoing monitoring for BCRL ,” said Kate .
“ At Lymphatic Solutions , we use the SOZO by Impedimed , the latest in Bioimpedence Spectroscopy ( BIS )
technology and the only one of its kind of the Central Coast , to measure and monitor the fluid levels within the tissue of any at-risk limbs .
“ Measurements are taken standing , with clothes on and take just 30 seconds , and we also provide education around strategies to minimise BCRL throughout the course of breast cancer treatment and beyond .
“ We continue to monitor every three months for up to two years following breast cancer treatment and also recommend bi-annual monitoring from three to five years post-treatment .
Central Coast-based Breast and General Surgeon , Dr Mary Ling , ( BSc ( Med ) MBBS FRACS ) agrees .
“ As breast cancer survival improves , it is important to recognise quality of life outcomes . There is strong evidence showing early detection and intervention can reverse BCRL ,” said Dr Ling .
“ BIS is a validated and reliable tool to allow early detection . I now routinely refer all breast cancer patients who will require axilla surgery for baseline L-Dex readings and prospective monitoring .”
Kate says although early detection of BCRL offers the best chance of reversing the condition , she also works with patients post-surgery , including those who already have lymphoedema .
“ Our comprehensive approach to breast cancer rehabilitation includes scar tissue management , prescribed exercise , shoulder rehabilitation and ongoing support ,” said Kate .
“ Our aim is to increase the strength , mobility and endurance of all breast cancer patients , to enable them to return to doing the things they love faster , minimise their risk of developing lymphoedema , and reduce any likelihood of existing lymphoedema becoming worse .”
Women ’ s health advocate and local practitioner , Dr Georgia Page , ( MB . BS BSc FRACGP DCH ) supports this approach .
“ Breast cancer rehabilitation including prescribed exercise , scar tissue treatment and self-massage in your daily routine all help to enhance a healthy and speedy recovery , and can also minimise your risk of developing BCRL ,” said Dr Page .
Even if you didn ’ t receive a pre-breast cancer treatment L-Dex baseline , it is not too late to commence a prospective monitoring program by getting a baseline reading in your recovery phase to mitigate any potential future risks of developing this chronic condition .
To book an L-Dex Baseline Measurement or breast cancer rehabilitation appointment call 0425 554 994 or email info @ lymphaticsolutions . com . au
Founder of Lymphatic Solutions , Kate Perkins , is a qualified Occupational Therapist ( OT ) who specialises in breast cancer rehabilitation , including the early detection and early intervention of breast cancer related lymphoedema .
Her focus is on helping women who have had breast cancer treatment recover their strength and movement to enable them to return to doing daily activities and the things they love doing faster .
Kate is a qualified Lymphoedema Practitioner and a member of the Australasian Lymphology Association . For more information : www . lymphaticsolutions . com . au
28 KIDZ ON THE COAST