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Meet with a certified
BCRL therapist.
It's difficult to diagnose early stage Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL). That's why it is important to work with your medical care provider to identify a certified BCRL therapist near you. This person should be part of your care management team before and during cancer treatment, and just as importantly, track your aftercare progress for years.
They will do their best to help prevent BCRL from developing, identify it should it occur ,and provide the necessary care.
Compression
is protection.
For breast cancer survivors with a higher risk of developing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL), ask your medical care provider and BCRL therapist about compression sleeves, gauntlets and tops. Compression garments help reduce swelling associated with lymphedema, improve lymphatic drainage and can help prevent the progression of lymphedema.
It is important that you are measured for compression garments by a certified fitter.
What IS BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA?
BCRL is one of the most feared complications of breast cancer.
The lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that circulates lymph fluid. As the fluid passes through lymph nodes, they filter it by trapping foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. The resulting waste is eliminated from the body through normal removal processes.
Lymphedema is swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid when the lymphatic system is blocked and cannot drain properly. Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) often affects the arm, hand, chest and upper back on the side of the body impacted by breast cancer surgery.
BCRL is a lifelong condition that can happen immediately, or years after breast cancer treatment. There is no cure for lymphedema, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms. It is critical to diagnose BCRL as early as possible. This provides the best chance to reverse symptoms and prevent progression to more severe stages.
A recent study shared that shockingly, 65% of women who undergo breast cancer surgery suffer from lymphedema. In fact, BCRL can develop within days and up to decades after breast cancer treatment. It is critical that survivors know about and monitor for BCRL.
HEY THERE
SUPERHERO!
Your breast cancer aftercare JOURNEY is a strategic mission to ensure lasting well-being.
A hero like you must remain vigilant as a sneaky challenge called Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema may emerge as a result of your treatments.
But you, mighty superhero, are not alone! Athena Aftercare is here to equip you with the vital knowledge and resources to help manage this lifelong condition.
What You
Should Know
Monitor • Meet • Repeat
BCRL can happen to almost any breast cancer survivor. It sneaks up on you. So it is important to monitor your arm size and immediately report any increase in circumference, or feeling of fullness, tingling or fatigue in your arm(s), chest, breast, sides or back to your medical practitioner. Find a certified BCRL therapist and meet with them periodically to monitor you as well.