Lymphedema can be a side effect of breast cancer and its treatment, and everyone’s experience can be different. I’ve included a couple of videos that helped me better understand lymphedema and how it can become a long-term concern.

I always tell my kids that if I can manage something and/or find a solution, I’m not going to let it get the best of me. Lymphedema has been one of those challenges for me.

I started by seeing a lymphedema specialist both before and after my double mastectomy. In my case, the swelling in my arm actually began before my breast cancer diagnosis. I saw improvement while working with the therapist, and eventually I received a compression pump from Tactile Medical that I try to use daily.

I also wear medical-grade compression sleeves and try to wrap my arms and hands at night. Of everything I’ve tried, wrapping has produced the most noticeable improvement for me. I’ve even had the swelling in one of my hands resolve after wrapping it with bandages. At the same time, I’ve found it unrealistic to stay wrapped in bandages while working a full-time job, so managing lymphedema has required finding a balance that works with my everyday life.

In my experience, the in-person treatments, compression supplies and equipment compression supplies and equipment required prescriptions from my oncologist and I had copays associated with my care. Insurance coverage and medical needs can vary, so someone else’s experience may be different from mine.

I’m sharing my personal experience with lymphedema, not medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional can help determine which treatments and compression options are appropriate for you.

Professional Support & Services

Moving forward, I now see a Physical Therapist for Breast Cancer Rehab virtually, and she’s been amazing! I work with Amanda, a physical therapist who specializes in breast cancer rehabilitation.

For me, virtual appointments became the next step after completing my in-person therapy. During my in-person treatment, I learned important skills such as wrapping my hands and arms, and I now have a compression pump that I use at home. Continuing to attend in-person therapy several times a week wasn’t realistic with my schedule, but I also didn’t feel like I was finished working toward my goals.

That’s where virtual therapy has fit in really well for me. I chose to continue working with Amanda so I could develop an ongoing exercise routine that takes my lymphedema into consideration while having a professional monitor my progress.

I’ve learned so much from her already. She helps me recognize when an exercise is working well for me and when something needs to be modified. Sometimes that means adding small weights; other times, she changes the exercise altogether. I’m learning new exercises and, just as importantly, becoming more confident about understanding how my body responds to them.

Amanda has also researched resources near me for things such as ordering new medical-grade compression sleeves. I really appreciate having someone knowledgeable about breast cancer rehabilitation who can help me work toward my goals while taking my individual circumstances into consideration.

For me, this is my “next step” in recovery.