Keep on moving your lymphs!
Recently I was reading through the details of my biopsy report to provide details of my diagnosis for an interview. I came across the words, “a 2.6 cm mass in the axilla.” I don’t recall ever reading this back in 2015, but reading it today reminded me of the large bump I felt in my right underarm. Axilla is a word I’m familiar with now, however at the time I definitely had no clue where the axilla was. I would have had to assume breast or in my arm pit because this is where the biopsies were taken. Maybe I didn’t pay much attention in science to know the contents of the axilla include the axillary vein and artery, as well as the brachial plexus, lymph nodes and fat. The axilla being the space between the side of the thorax and the upper arm. See photo.
“You have cancer in your lymph nodes,” were words I do remember. My stage 3, triple positive breast cancer spread to my lymph nodes. When they told me after my surgery that they removed all of my lymph nodes in the axilla region, did I know what they meant? Truthfully I didn’t nor did I really put time into learning what this meant. I knew that there were cancerous tumors that were removed and that’s what I needed to know.
Surviving breast cancer comes with a variety of challenges, one of the most common complications is lymphadema. This condition is characterized by swelling in the arms or legs due to fluid buildup (from the removal of lymph nodes). Because I had all of my lymph nodes removed in the right armpit, underarm, axilla, I was at risk. In March of 2020 I wrote about the side effects of my breast surgery including the need for physical therapy, wearing a compression sleeve and learning about lymphadema. Read here.
I completed physical therapy, stopped wearing my compression sleeve and then continued to live with tingles and tightness. I mentioned it to the medical team, but truthfully never received any solutions to help move that fluid buildup. I received a session on how to self massage, but that only can go so far. I continue to do it daily with oils or lotion, but I’m still experiencing the feelings that I had 8 years ago.
A few years ago my neighbor connected me with her sister-in-law who was a physical therapist who specializes in breast cancer rehab and lymphedema. Last year I was introduced to a breast cancer survivor who is certified in oncology massage and lymphatic drainage. What is this I thought? I know self massage, but there are professionals out there that are certified in a specialized area of massage for lymphatic drainage? Why didn’t I know about this? Continuing to learn new things!
Most recently I’ve been continuing my education on the lymphatic system. I am certified in holistic nutrition and I’ve started courses in community herbalism at Land of Verse. Last weekend's class we were talking about the actions of herbs and what they do. One of the actions we discussed is lymphatic- stimulates lymph movement and drainage. We discussed how the lymphatic system keeps the balance of fluid between blood and our tissues. Not only does it assist the immune system by carrying white blood cells, it also helps with absorption of fats! “When talking about lymph, we are also talking about the immune system our instructor shared!”
Wow, my mind was blown. I was coming full circle here. I knew that all of our systems worked together, but I have been learning so much about how in depth they really support each other and impact each other when one is failing.
Lymphatic system, Lymph nodes and Lymphadema have been swirling around my brain over the past 10 or so years. tt seems I’m going to be forever learning about the lymphatic system so I’m going to keep on flowing the information to you all as well! Lymphedema is a lifetime risk for any of us who have had lymph nodes removed during surgery, and this risk increases with the extent of nodes taken. I’m going to leave you with some tips to reduce your risk of lymphadema and how to care for the lymphatic system. Keeping the tips provided top of mind to manage and flow the lymph system. Consult a medical professional if you suspect any symptoms of lymphedema.
TIPS:
Hydrate: Adequate hydration is key for maintaining healthy lymphatic function. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support the body's natural detoxification processes and reduce fluid retention.
Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs and spices, such as ginger and parsley, possess natural diuretic properties that may help reduce swelling. Lymphatic herbs include dandelion, nettle leaf, red clover, and burdock fruit. Consider incorporating these ingredients into meals or brew some as teas to support lymphatic drainage.
Movement: Walk, Swim, Rebounding (jumping on trampoline), Self Massage, Light Resistance Training.
*Our lymphatic system is the only vascular system that doesn’t have a pump so the only way it moves is by us moving, massaging, jumping up and down or even just walking!
Education: Read our Q&A with Amy Hartl, Massage Therapist
Products: Get the best products to support a lymphadema diagnosis and to manage the flow!
Lymphadivas - compression garments that patients actually want to wear by treating their sleeves as a funky accessory, feeling empowered to manage their lymphedema and lymphedema risk with style, grace, and confidence.
Giv Shoppe - curating wellness gifts and goods. Here you’ll find products to support the management of lymphedema and lymphedema risk and lymphatic flow.
