12/12/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BZ6QMJxuz/
What Patients Aren’t Told Before a mastectomy—
Too many breast cancer patients go into a mastectomy without ever being educated about lymphedema — even though lymph nodes are often removed or affected during treatment.
This information should be given before surgery, not after symptoms begin.🩵🩷
Here’s what every patient should know:🩵🩷
🔹 What lymphedema is—
A chronic condition caused by damage to the lymphatic system, leading to swelling in the arm, breast, chest, or back.🩵🩷
🔹 Why it happens after breast cancer treatment—
Lymph node removal and radiation can interrupt lymph flow.
Lymphedema may appear immediately, months later, or years later.🩵🩷
🔹 Early warning signs—
• heaviness
• tightness or pulling
• swelling in hand, arm, breast, or chest
• skin thickening
• rings or sleeves becoming tighter on one side🩵🩷
🔹 Why early action matter—
Early care can slow or prevent progression and make symptoms much easier to manage.🩵🩷
🔹 Prevention basics—
• protect the arm and skin
• avoid infections or injuries
• moisturize daily
• watch for sudden or one-sided swelling
• know when to see a certified lymphedema therapist
• learn the right type of compression🩵🩷
🔹 Treatment Options
These should be explained before surgery as well:
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – by a trained therapist
• Compression garments – sleeves, bras, chest binders
• Pneumatic compression pumps – home-use devices
• Exercise therapy – guided, gentle movements to improve flow
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) – the gold standard (MLD + compression + exercise + skin care)
• Surgery options – lymph node transfer, lymphovenous bypass (for select patients)
• Infection management – quick treatment for cellulitis risks🩵🩷
🔹 What patients are rarely told—
Lymphedema isn’t rare.
It isn’t “just swelling.”
And it deserves clear education before treatment ever begins.🩵🩷
Breast cancer patients deserve complete information — not surprises later.🦋
— Lymphedema Facts of My Life🩵🩷