The Pink Pros, New City, NY (2025)

04/06/2022

Radiation therapy side effects may continue to worsen after the completion of your treatments … TRUE!

Many people are relieved once they reach the end of their radiation treatments, under the impression that their side effects have peaked and that they are completely in the clear for developing other radiation-related side effects.

However, this isn’t necessarily true.

Unfortunately, radiation continues to have an effect on the body AFTER the completion of your treatment. Thus, certain side effects may peak up to 2-3 weeks after your treatment is finished.

Meaning -> any skin changes usually continue to worsen in the 2-3 weeks following treatment. Thereafter, the skin typically begins to heal.

So, after the completion of your radiation:
✨ Continue with your radiation skin care routine for a minimum of 2-3 weeks or until your skin has healed. When your skin is no longer red or sore, you can then return to your usual skin care products.

✨ Continue to protect your radiated skin from irritants such as tight clothing, extremes of temperature, harsh skin care products, etc.

✨ Continue to allow yourself extra time to rest, as fatigue also tends to worsen, lasting weeks to months after radiation.

If you are experiencing any side effects, whether early or late, from your radiation treatments, breast cancer rehabilitation CAN help you to feel and move better.

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Disclaimer: This page provides general education only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare team for an individualized treatment plan.

💌 Share to educate & empower others.

ℹ️ Disclaimer: This page provides general education and not personalized interventions. Always consult with your healthcare team for an individualized treatment plan.

03/31/2022

Although radiation therapy is an effective treatment for cancer, it does come with some side effects - one notable one being Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome.

In addition to damaging cancer cells, radiation also unfortunately damages all of the normal tissues within the radiated field. Due to this damage, the radiated skin and underlying soft tissues can progressively become stiff and hard, resulting in a variety of symptoms, including:

〰 pain
〰 muscles cramps, weakness or atrophy
〰 Tightness in your chest and shoulder
〰 a change in your posture
〰 decreased shoulder mobility
〰 decreased chest flexibility
〰 a change in your skin's appearance
〰 a change in your skin's texture

The signs and symptoms of radiation fibrosis are known as Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome.

It’s important to note that NOT everyone will develop radiation fibrosis. There are numerous factors that play a role in the development and severity of radiation fibrosis, including:

〰 the total dose and dose per fraction
〰 the area of tissue being treated
〰 the time of treatment
〰 history of certain health conditions
〰 genetic predisposition to skin issues

⭐️ If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of Radiation Fibrosis, breast cancer rehabilitation CAN help! A physical therapist trained in breast cancer rehabilitation can help you feel and move better after radiation.

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ℹ️ Disclaimer: This page provides general education and not personalized interventions. Always consult with your healthcare team for an individualized treatment plan.

03/10/2022

NO!

You can definitely go back to doing the activities that you used to do before your breast surgery. Being at risk for lymphedema, shouldn’t prevent you from participating in the activities that you enjoy most.

✨ The key is to just get your body ready to perform the exercise that you want to get back to doing - and this is done by slowly re-introducing the activity.

With a slow and incremental increase in exercise, whether aerobic or resistance in nature, your lymphatic system has time to readjust to the new levels of activity. Not only is exercising safe, but studies have also shown that exercising after breast cancer surgery can reduce your risk of developing lymphedema.

How to Re-Introduce Exercise:
⭐️ Before getting back to strengthening and high intensity exercises, restoring your shoulder range of motion should be priority. Having full shoulder mobility will help in ensuring that you have proper joint alignment and form while exercising. Proper form and alignment are key to injury prevention.

⭐️ Once your range of motion has improved, you can then start to incorporate strengthening exercises. The key is to start with VERY light weight (1-2 lbs.) and then VERY gradually increase the weight, working towards your goal. Generally, I recommend using a specific weight for at least 2 weeks before increasing to a heavier weight.

⭐️ As you exercise, listen to your body, and monitor how your arm feels. If you feel any heaviness or pain during and after exercise, then modifications need to be made to your exercise as it may have been too much, too soon.

💛 If you are nervous about getting back to exercise or are unsure about progressing your activity levels, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. The therapist will be able to safely guide you in your journey back to exercise after breast surgery.

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03/08/2022

Happy International Women’s Day!

Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and continue to lift each other up.

Together we can, together we rise.

🧡

03/06/2022

Happy World Lymphedema Day 🦋

Raising awareness about lymphedema today, and every day, is crucial!

Despite lymphedema affecting millions of people worldwide, many are still unfamiliar with the condition and the treatment options available. Due to this lack of awareness amongst BOTH the general public and healthcare providers, many people affected by lymphedema never receive the timely care and education needed to manage their life-long condition.

In clinic, I unfortunately meet so many patients who have been living with UNMANAGED lymphedema for YEARS.

As I then begin to explain that together we CAN improve their lymphedema, time and time again I hear the same comments …

“Why didn’t anyone tell me that there was a way to manage my swelling”

“I was told I couldn’t do anything about my lymphedema”

“I wish I would have known about you sooner”

Often, these comments are followed by tears …

Tears of frustration that they never received any guidance or education about their condition.

Tears of hope that they finally found someone who can help them manage their lymphedema and improve their quality of life.

Together, we need to …
🦋 Educate for improved lymphedema awareness
🦋 Advocate for improved services for all affected by lymphedema

Together we can make a difference!

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02/20/2022

Have you ever noticed that your breathing becomes irregular and shallow when you’re feeling stressed?

Well, that’s because your sympathetic nervous system gets kicked into high alert as your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode. While this response to stress is useful in the short-term, it becomes problematic in the long-term. Over time, repeated activation of the sympathetic nervous system takes a toll on the body, as it suppresses immune function and can lead to the development of numerous health problems.

But here’s some good news …

You can dampen the activity of your sympathetic nervous system by BOX BREATHING!

⭐️ Box Breathing
Box breathing is a simple but powerful technique used to calm the nervous system and restore wellbeing to the body and mind when under stress. Box breathing does so, by activating your bodily system responsible for “rest-and-digest” - your parasympathetic nervous system.

When activated your parasympathetic nervous system slows down your breathing, lowers your heart rate, decreases your blood pressure, and guides your body and mind back into a state of relaxation and well-being.

So, whenever you’re feeling stressed, practice some box breathing to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and immediately reduce your stress and anxiety.

⭐️ How to Box Breathe:
Find a quiet, calm environment, where you can focus on yourself and your breath. Get into a comfortable seated position, close your eyes, and try to let go of any tension that you may be holding throughout your body.

✨Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds⁠.
✨Then, hold your breath for 4 seconds.
✨Then, slowly exhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
✨Finally, hold your exhale for 4 seconds.

This breathing technique is just another great tool to have in your self-care toolbox.

On this , take a moment to focus on you and your breathe ❤️

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02/16/2022

Do you know how lymphedema compression therapy works?

Or what the difference between a compression bandage and garment is?

Don’t worry if you don’t … you aren’t alone.

Unfortunately, most people don’t receive any education on such lymphedema topics 😔

So, today I am breaking it down for you and talking all about compression therapy …
✨What it is?
✨How does it work?
✨What does a compression bandage do?
✨What does a compression garment do?
✨What is the difference between a bandage and garment?

Having a good understanding of compression therapy, can help you to better manage your lymphedema in the long-term.

Knowledge truly is power.

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ℹ️ Disclaimer: This page provides general education and not personalized interventions. Always consult with your healthcare team for an individualized treatment plan.

02/09/2022

When it comes to managing lymphedema, wearing a compression garment is key.

But in order to effectively and safely maintain your swelling, your garment must be the right size, type and fit!

Having the right fit is one of the most important aspects of compression therapy, as an ill-fitting compression sleeve can actually worsen your lymphedema by placing too much or too little pressure on certain areas of your limb.

So, an ill-fitting garment can be worse than wearing no garment at all!

Here are a few tips to ensuring that your garment is the proper fit:

✨ A well-fitting garment should be comfortable and not cause any pain or any tingling or numbness.

✨ Your sleeve should extend from your wrist to your axilla and your glove should overlap onto your sleeve by at least an inch, so that there is no gapping as you move.

✨ Your garment shouldn’t have any binds, creases, or wrinkles, as these may cause a buildup of fluid.

✨ Your garment should be snug - it shouldn’t be loose and slip down your arm as you move. You shouldn’t need to constantly readjust your sleeve.

✨ Your garment shouldn’t be too tight that it causes bulging at your wrist or at the top of your arm.

✨ Your garment shouldn’t cause any skin irritation or breakdown. Pay attention to your elbow, wrist, and knuckles.

✨ You should never experience increased swelling in your fingers, nor should your fingers change color or become unusually cold.

✨ Your garment shouldn’t limit your ability to move your arm, nor should it interfere with your daily self-care and activities.

Should you have any concerns about your compression garment, please do not hesitate to speak with your lymphedema therapist or send me a DM.

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01/30/2022

When it comes to reducing cancer-related fatigue, research strongly supports the use of energy conservation techniques.

Energy conservation techniques are strategies used to reduce the amount of effort required to complete your everyday tasks, so that you can avoid depleting your energy reserves. By minimizing muscle fatigue, joint stress and pain, these strategies are proven to decrease the amount of energy demands on your body and improve cancer-related fatigue.

4 Energy Conservation Techniques:
⭐️ PLAN
* Distribute energy-consuming tasks evenly throughout your week.
* Plan daily activities to alternate between heavy and light tasks.
* Plan energy-demanding tasks for when you have the most energy.
* Schedule ample time to complete activities.
* Schedule rest periods during your day.

⭐️ PACE
* Perform tasks at a moderate pace. Movements that are too slow or fast are more taxing.
* Break large tasks into smaller and more manageable ones.
* Listen to your body and rest before you become fatigued.

⭐️ PRIORITIZE
* Prioritize tasks and activities that are most important to you and do those first.
* Postpone or eliminate any tasks that are unnecessary.
* Delegate less meaningful tasks to family members and friends.

⭐️ POSITION
* Maintain a proper sitting and standing posture, as poor posture consumes more energy.
* Sit to perform a task when you can, as sitting supports your body and helps to conserve energy.
* Too much bending and reaching can cause additional fatigue. Be sure that daily objects are within reach.
* When bending forward, bend at your knees, instead of bending forward at your waist.
* Keep your arms close to your body while carrying objects.

By implementing these 4 principles into your daily routine you can maximize your energy reserve and reduce your overall physical and mental fatigue.

⭐️ Learning to conserve your energy is all about finding a balance between rest and activity. So, listening to your body and resting when you feel like you need to, is in my opinion the most important energy conservation technique!

For any guidance or support, please don’t hesitate to DM me.

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01/19/2022

We often think about the recovery process as a straight line

But in reality, nothing in life ever really takes a straight path, from point A to point B.

Rivers wind.

Valleys dip.

Healing just like everything else comes with peaks and valleys …

& every arc in your path is simply an important part of your story and your healing journey.

So whenever you come to one of those unexpected arcs, always remember that no matter what you are moving forward …

& NOT backward likes those arcs and valleys might make you believe.

One step at a time & you’ll get there.

01/09/2022

Swelling is a normal side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. However, how do you know if your swelling is a seroma or lymphedema?

⭐️ Seroma
A seroma is characterized by a buildup of clear bodily fluids in and around your surgical area. Seromas are common after breast surgery and typically occur soon after surgery or upon the removal of your drains.

✨Signs: Swelling will be localized to your surgical site and appear as a pocket of fluid right underneath your skin. The area will feel soft, squishy, and possibly tender. You may also notice that your swelling is more pronounced in standing compared to lying down.

✨Treatment: Seromas are an acute type of swelling. So most often, they will go away on their own as the body heals and reabsorbs the fluid. In some cases, if the seroma is large, painful and/or infected, your surgeon may opt for draining your seroma using a thin needle - a procedure known as aspiration.

⭐️ Lymphedema
Lymphedema is characterized by an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid in any part of the body. Fluid builds up due to damage of your lymphatic system as a result of surgery and/or radiation. Unlike a seroma, lymphedema can develop weeks, months, or even years after surgery.

✨Signs: Swelling related to lymphedema usually extends beyond the surgical area, affecting any part of your arm and/or chest. The affected area may feel heavy and tight. In later stages, pitting edema and/or hardening of your skin may also be noted.

✨Treatment: Unlike a seroma, lymphedema is a chronic life-long condition. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment is key for preventing long-term complications and managing the condition. Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for managing lymphedema and includes compression bandaging and garments, manual lymphatic drainage, skin care principles and remedial exercises. Aspiration is NOT an appropriate treatment for lymphedema.

⭐️ If you are experiencing any type of swelling following surgery and/or radiation, always speak with your healthcare team, so that they can provide you with the best treatment plan for your swelling.

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12/22/2021

Breast Swelling After Surgery & Radiation Therapy.

I’m bringing this topic back because I get quite a bit of questions regarding it.

⭐️ Breast Swelling
Following breast surgery and radiotherapy it is very common to experience breast and/or chest wall (truncal) swelling. Both these treatments may cause your lymphatic system to become overwhelmed and/or damaged, resulting in swelling.

For many, as their body heals and recovers, their swelling usually disappears with time. However, some women do experience persistent swelling in the area.

⭐️ 5 ways to improve your breast and/or truncal swelling.

1️⃣ Compression - The best way to reduce swelling is with the use of a compression bra or tank top. The bra should have a wide side and thick straps. Avoid underwire, as this can have a tourniquet effect and worsen your swelling. Various types of bras and swell spots exist, so speak with your surgeon for their recommendations.

2️⃣ Scar Massage - By performing scar massage, you can improve the mobility of your scar, thus helping to ensure that your lymphatic pathways are less obstructed. Be sure to massage both your breast and armpit scars.

3️⃣ Manual Lymphatic Drainage - MLD is a great adjunct to compression and is performed by a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT). The therapist can also show you have to perform self-MLD. However, keep in mind that on its own, MLD is typically not enough to significantly reduce your swelling.

4️⃣ Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing - Deep diaphragmatic breathing, also known as abdominal breathing, is an essential component in the management of lymphedema/swelling and the health of your lymphatic system.

5️⃣ Physical Activity: Strengthening and movement exercises are crucial when it comes to managing your swelling, as both promote the flow of lymph fluid throughout your body. Any exercise is beneficial, so find what you enjoy most and try to move a little each and every day.

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12/19/2021

After a mastectomy, lumpectomy and any type of breast reconstructive surgery, scar management is essential.

Scar formation and maturation are ongoing processes, typically lasting for 12-18 months. During this period, your scars will continue to change as they move through the different phases of healing.

As your scars mature, there are several ways that you can support and care for scars to optimize their healing, including:
✨ scar massage
✨ scar management products

In many of my previous posts, I discussed the importance and numerous benefits of scar massage. Today, I’m sharing some great scar products that can help to soften your scars and improve their appearance in the long-term.

⭐️ Silicone-Based Products
When it comes to the use of silicone creams and gel strips, research has shown that they are both safe and effective in improving a scar’s thickness, color, and texture. Silicone-based products work by increasing the hydration and oxygen levels in your skin, thus promoting scar formation.

✨ Silicone Creams: The cream is applied directly onto your scar 1-2x per day for about 3 months.

✨ Silicone Gel Strips: The clear silicone strips are applied directly onto your scars and are typically worn 12hrs+ per day for about 6 months.

⭐️ Natural Oils
While there isn’t much supporting evidence for the use of natural oils, like Bio-Oil, patient reports strongly support their use for improving a scar’s appearance. The natural oil can be applied directly onto your scar 1-2x per day for about 3 months.

❓When can I use these products?
It’s crucial to wait until your incisions have completely closed before using any of these products - usually that means waiting about 4-6 weeks after surgery.

However, before using any of these products, always speak with your surgeon to ensure that they are right for you and your stage of healing post-surgery.

❓What exact products do you recommend?
There are tons of “scar management” products on the market. It is best to speak with your surgeon to find out exactly which products they prefer and recommend.

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12/10/2021

For many, cancer-related fatigue is one of the most challenging and distressing side-effects experienced during and after cancer treatments.

Luckily, research has identified many non-drug interventions that are effective in reducing this type of fatigue, including:

⭐️ Exercise: Exercise is proven to be one of the BEST ways to improve cancer-related fatigue. Any type of physical activity is beneficial, so move in a way that is most enjoyable to you.

⭐️ Eating well: Nutritional deficits can exacerbate fatigue. So be sure that you are eating smart and well-balanced meals throughout the day. For additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team.

⭐️ Easing your mind: Many mindfulness-based activities such as yoga, acupuncture, and breathwork can help to calm your body and mind. Managing stress and anxiety plays an important role in reducing fatigue.

⭐️ Practicing good sleep hygiene: Good sleep habits will ensure that you get a better night’s sleep and have more energy during the day. Take simple steps to improve your sleep habits, such as avoiding bluelight exposure at least an hour before bed and limiting naps to an hour during the day.

⭐️ Taking time to rest: Finding a balance between rest and movement is key. Tasks that are both physically and mentally demanding will deplete your energy reserves. So, schedule some rest during your day, so that you can replenish your energy. Bottom line - listen to your body and rest when you need to.

⭐️ Consult in PT or OT: Both a physical and occupational therapist can work with you to help you manage your fatigue with the use of a variety of interventions. In addition, the therapist can also help you to address any other cancer-related side effects that may be contributing to your fatigue.

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12/08/2021

Cancer-Related Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced side effects of cancer and its treatments. For many, it is described as a distressing or persistent sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness. Unlike every day fatigue, cancer-related fatigue is not proportional to physical activity nor is it completely relieved by rest.

⭐️ What causes it?
The exact cause is often hard to determine, as most often it is caused by numerous factors, including pain, lack of sleep, anemia, diet, immobility, medications, emotional distress, hormone imbalance, etc. As such, fatigue can differ from one day to the next.

Fatigue can occur during and after …
✨ Surgery: pronounced after surgery, but usually decreases as one recovers.
✨ Chemotherapy, targeted therapy & immunotherapy: peaks in the days following treatment and then improves until the next cycle, upon which the pattern repeats again.
✨ Radiation: increases with each treatment and usually persists/worsens after the completion of radiation.

⭐️ How long does it last?
Unfortunately, cancer-related fatigue can last for weeks, months or even years after the completion of cancer treatments. As such, fatigue is very debilitating, as it interferes with one’s daily activities, work, leisure and social life.

⭐️ How can it be improved?
Due to its distressing nature, a lot of research has been done on the subject … and over and over again, research has shown that exercise, both during and after cancer, is the most effective intervention for improving cancer-related fatigue.

In fact, when exercise is combined with psychological/mental health interventions, it is significantly more effective than medications alone when it comes to reducing fatigue.

⭐️ Bottom line …
Cancer-related fatigue it is often under-reported, under-diagnosed and under-treated due to its complexity. So, if you’re experiencing any fatigue during and after your treatments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a physical therapist trained in cancer rehab.

The therapist will be able to provide you with an individualized exercise program that is safe and effective in reducing your fatigue.

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ℹ️ Disclaimer: This page provides general education only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare team for an individualized treatment plan.

12/02/2021

& you ARE strong each and every day 🧡

11/23/2021

Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), also commonly known as cording, is a common side effect that occurs after breast surgery and/or the removal of lymph nodes from your armpit.

✨ What causes AWS?
Research shows that up to 86% of breast cancer patients develop cording after breast surgery. However, despite the high occurrence of cording, the exact cause is still not well understood. We currently believe that cording results from inflammation and damage to the lymphatic vessels during surgery and/or radiation. As a result of inflammation and damage, the lymphatic vessels and connective tissue harden in the area, resulting in visible “cords”.

✨ When does AWS happen after breast surgery?
While cording can develop at any point after surgery, it typically occurs between 2-8 weeks post-op. However, keep in mind that in some cases, cording may only develop months later. Thus, more often than not, AWS is unfortunately missed in many women complaining of pain and limited arm movement following surgery.

✨ So, what are the signs & symptoms of AWS?
➖Visible rope-like structures in your armpit, arm, elbow, wrist and/or your chest.
➖A sensation of pulling and pain in your arm when reaching forward and overhead.
➖Difficulty lifting your arm beyond shoulder height or fully straightening your elbow.

✨ How is Cording Treated?
Luckily, with proper therapy and daily home stretches, cording usually resolves fairly quick.

A physical therapist trained in cancer rehabilitation will use a variety of different therapeutic techniques to release your taut cords, improve your arm movement and reduce your pain.
Interventions for AWS typically include a combination of:
➖Stretching exercises
➖Nerve gliding
➖Soft-tissue mobilization & myofascial release
➖Scar mobilization

Even after just one physical therapy treatment, my patients experience a significant relief in their pain and an improvement in their arm movement.

So, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please do not hesitate to seek help and guidance from a physical therapist trained in cancer rehab. Your cording can be resolved!

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The Pink Pros