Cancer Truth Note: #315

by | Oct 13, 2023 | Cancer Truth Note

Breast cancer survivors who have surgery, chemo, and/or radiation have a lifetime risk for breast cancer related lymphedema. If you had 2 or more of these treatments your risk is estimated at 40% or higher.  

These comments today look a lot like yesterdays!  That is on purpose. 

I am often asked, “What do I do if I have never been screened?” It is never too late to get screened for lymphedema. If you have heaviness or aching in your affected limb or torso without visible swelling that could be a sign of a low grade lymphedema. Ask for a referral to a certified lymphedema therapist. They are the best resource to educate you on the risks and the steps you can take to reduce those risks.

I recently added a section on the Fitness Design Solutions website titled Lymphedema containing videos and resources where you can learn more.

Have you heard of lymphedema? Have you been screened or gotten baseline measurements?

Continue the conversation in the facebook group Surviving is JUST the Beginning or follow me on Instagram.

Additional Truths

Cancer Truth Notes: #365

Cancer Truth Notes: #365

Cancer Truth Note: #365 Seven years ago today I finished chemo. Then I learned that treatment is not the end of the journey. Surviving is JUST the beginning. I really thought, “GREAT. I am done with this part. I should be back to full strength in 3 weeks and be fine...

read more
Cancer Truth Notes: #364

Cancer Truth Notes: #364

Cancer Truth Note: #364 Remember depression, anxiety, fear of recurrence, and other mental health challenges are common side effects for cancer survivors. These may show up more strongly as the days get shorter and colder here in the northern hemisphere. If you are...

read more
Cancer Truth Notes: #363

Cancer Truth Notes: #363

Cancer Truth Note: #363 We don’t always see the impacts cancer treatments are having on us clearly, but most of the time if something is off you know it. Maybe tasks that were easy are now harder to process. Maybe your memory is not working like it used to. Maybe you...

read more