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Wednesday, November, 25, 2009
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Health News Headlines: Dig a Little Deeper

Phyllis Johnson
Phyllis Johnson
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor

Phyllis Johnson grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. Parents of...

Phyllis Johnson

Sunday, August 30, 2009
View All of Phyllis Johnson's Posts
  The word "lymphedema" on the evening news caught my attention the other day.  I stopped making supper to pay closer attention.  In about a minute and a half the news anchor and the doctor covered two new studies that affect breast cancer patients.  The main idea of the pie...
  1. Lymphedema
    Jan
    Thursday, September 03, 2009 at 07:35 PM

    Phyllis, you make a good point.  I have lived with lymphedema for 12 years now and know that whatever changes I make to my arm exercise routine must be done gradually.  With this latest news, I upped my twice-a-week weight lifting from seven pounds to eight pounds, and will use the eight-pound weights for several months (if there is no increased swelling), and only then consider increasing to nine pounds.  Soundbites are dangerous when it comes to a complicated and little-understood condition like lymphedema.  Thanks for the precautionary advice.

    Jan

    Reply
    re: Lymphedema
    Phyllis Johnson
    Thursday, September 03, 2009 at 08:04 PM

    I'm glad to hear that you are exercising your arm.  I haven't been as consistent as I should in developing a regular strength training program.  I have found that wearing a compression sleeve when I exercise is very helpful.  Thanks for adding your experience to the conversation.  I'm sure it will be helpful for people who are considering starting arm exercises.

    Reply
    re: re: Lymphedema
    Jan
    Friday, September 04, 2009 at 01:27 PM

    When I started exercising the arm with lymphedema, I lifted only a one-pound weight and then gradually increased to three pounds.  At that time the experts advised lifting no more than three pounds with the affected arm.  Then I read somewhere that five pounds was ok as a limit, so I increased it, again gradually and ALWAYS wearing the compression sleeve.  Then later on I heard it was ok to do 7 pounds and that is where I am now.  I haven't experienced any increased swelling.  But each individual is different and must watch his/her arm for any volume increase.  Seven pounds may be too much for some people.

    Reply
  2. none
    nancybisno
    Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 04:06 PM

    My mother has betten breast cancer 6 years ago no more tumer

    Reply
    re: none
    Phyllis Johnson
    Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 06:19 PM

    I'm so glad to hear that your mother is doing well.

    Reply
  3. workouts
    jomo1960
    Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 05:15 PM

    I don't have Lymphadema (yet, and hope to not get it). I had bilateral mastectomy Jan 28, 2009. I just started working out. I talked to my oncologist and she said to start with a 3 pound weight and once I feel comfortable with that, to go up to 5 pound weight but do not go over a 5 pound weight. If that is not enough to just do more reps. I had been having problems with my shoulder and right arm (the one the lymph nodes were removed) and the PT has been working on it. I really need to lose weight, which will help hopefully to not get lymphadema. Since I also had radiation, I have a triple threat of possibly getting it. (lymph nodes removed, overweight, radiation). I had heard stories both of not exercising and to exercise. I am glad I talked to my doctor first. She agreed with the exercise. I hope I never get lymphedema, but if I do, I believe some exercise is better than none.

    Reply
    re: workouts
    Phyllis Johnson
    Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 06:21 PM

    I agree exercise that builds gradually is a good idea, especially since you are working with a physical therapist to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly to avoid injury.

    Reply
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