Directives
For patients following breast cancer treatment (operation; radiotherapy; operation and radiotherapy) with or without lymphedema of the arm
The directives should help the post-cancer patients avoid or retard the formation of lymphedema.
1. At work and at home
- Injuries, overexertion, heat and cold are to be avoided
- Be careful with kitchen knives
- Be careful while sewing (use a thimble). Do not wash with hot water
- Do not operate a hot stove or oven without oven gloves
- Do not carry heavy shopping bags
- Be careful while ironing
- Do not hold a cigarette in the hand of the swollen arm
- Do not wear a watch on the swollen side
Always wear arm sleeves or rubber gloves while doing household chores
2. Clothes
- Bra straps should not cut into neither the shoulders nor chest
- Wear a light prosthesis
3. Beauty and Body Care
- Scrupulous cleanliness – thorough skin care
- Do not cut the nail crease
- Be careful while filing your nails
- Push cuticles rather than cut them
- Do not use irritating or allergenic cosmetics
- No sauna
- No sunbath
No kneading massage of the arm
4. At the Hairdresser’s
- Protect shoulder and arm from the heating effect of the hair dryer
5. In the Garden
- Avoid injuries (barbs, thorns, tools)
6. Pets
- Absolutely avoid bites and scratches on the side of the swollen arm
7. Sports
- Avoid overexertion
- Avoid damages due to frost
- Avoid injuries
- Although swimming is part of the therapeutic measures, it is important to avoid overexertion while practicing it
8. Nutrition
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- Balance (meat, vegetables, fresh fruits)
- Restrict table salt intake
9. During the Day
- Practice physical exercises with an armsleeve
- Wear the armsleeve prescribed by the physician
10. At Night
- Raise the edematous arm
11. Planning Holidays
- Avoid areas infested with insects
- Don’t forget to absolutely wear your compression stocking while flying
12. At the Doctor’s
- Do not have your blood pressure taken on the afflicted (swollen or postoperative) side
- No injections (skin, muscles, veins or joints) on the afflicted (swollen or postoperative) side
- No injection in the surgery scar
- No blood taken on the afflicted (swollen or postoperative) side
- No acupuncture treatment, no healing anesthesia conducted on the afflicted (swollen or postoperative) side
13. Consult your physician immediately
- If an infection occurs on the edematous arm (fever, redness, chills)