en movements, e.g. on the bus, walking the dog, and avoid repetitive work which is likely to place stress on the hand or arm.
- Clapping can cause swelling; simulate it instead.
- Use a thimble while sewing or wear leather gloves.
- Avoid insect bites or treat them immediately to avoid scratching them.
- Do not put your arm in very hot water. Avoid excessive temperatures (smoke, stove, electric blanket, infrared light, sunlight, UVA, sauna, paraffin, clay).
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes or clothing that restricts the forearm or arm. Do not wear rings, bracelets or watches.
- Avoid rough or strong massages.
- Apply gentle moisturisers. It is very important to keep the skin hydrated, especially around the elbows.
- Do not shave armpits with a blade, or use hot or cold wax on them (use an electric razor and shave gently without irritating).
- Try to lead a life as normal as possible.
- Try to do the specific exercises shown to you by the physiotherapist every day to maintain good mobility and good drainage in the arm.
- It is important to do other types of exercise (long walks, some kind of dance, yoga). This will help you maintain a good physical and mental state.
- Swimming is an excellent exercise to improve quality of life, but it is not advisable to do so during chemotherapy or radiotherapy because it can cause skin problems.
- When travelling by air it is important to move the arm from time to time or support it with a cushion in a slightly elevated position.
- You can perform all types of work, without ever exerting strain. If signs of oedema (swelling) develop, seek medical attention.
Part of the programme consists of monthly sessions on healthcare education to prevent lymphoedema. These sessions will feature a presentation of the topic, followed by a seminar in which those attending can make comments or ask for advice. These sessions were originally meant only for hospital patients but, because they deal with healthcare and prevention, they are now open to all.
The sessions are usually held once a month, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, in the Miguel Servet lecture theatre at Hospital Clínic, calle Casanova 160. For more information, contact: schedule of sessions.
Study of lymphoedema
Lymphoedema: prevention and quality of life is a work that helps raise awareness of the reality surrounding this potential after-effect in hospitals and associations for those affected across the country. It is a document of great interest that complements the provision of resources for treatment of the disease within the public system.
The study was commissioned by the Spanish Federation of Breast Cancer (FECMA) and has benefited from cooperation of the company Pfizer. Mrs Montserrat Gironès Coromina, a physiotherapist at the Clínic, has led the coordination effort, and has worked together with the technical team formed by Mª Angeles Arenillas Pérez, also a physiotherapist at the Clínic, Mar González Sanz, a sociologist, and Laura Salom Seminario, a physiotherapist. The healthcare professionals, associations, and hospital and health centres throughout the country who have participated in the study include professionals from the Functional Unit for Breast Diseases of the Hospital Clínic and the Breast and Health Help Group (gAmis) association, created in 1997 by the first women suffering from breast cancer who attended the physiotherapy sessions at the Hospital Clínic.