Lymphedema

Bkanter72
Bkanter72 Member Posts: 39
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I am 7 weeks post scc tonsil cancer treatment. 38 rads and 3 cisplatin. At about 5 weeks I noticed swelling/juggling under my chin. At first I freaked out thinking c was back but it seems to make sense that it is a side effect of the lymph nodes being removed. Does anyone know if I can find some online resource to show me how to massage my neck to help the fluid find another path? Also, do any of you know if this is a long term effect or will it eventually go away?

Brian

Comments

  • mwellsg
    mwellsg Member Posts: 66
    #2
    Massage
    I've been told there are certified massage folks trained in this type of massage. I am in the same spot you are, was just told this and am looking for one.
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #3
    mwellsg said:

    Massage
    I've been told there are certified massage folks trained in this type of massage. I am in the same spot you are, was just told this and am looking for one.

    The slinky, the slinky
    POKE here

    The link is to the national lyphedema find a therapist site. You will find them at wound care centers, and heart rehab centers. Lyphedema is a real problem for breast cancer patients and that is going to be your best chance of finding one, use those folks as a resource.

    I underwent about 8 sessions of massage with very good results. It's very light massage of the skin surface as the fluid drains right below the surface. The idea is to move it along the pathway like a slinky, the wonderful world of slinky, that wonderful toy. The massage works in reverse, that is they start by making room for the fluid down around the inner thigh and progress up the midsection then the lymph glands around the chest and shoulders and the last massage is around the affected area. Place your hand on your inner thigh and massage very lightly, just a rubbing back and forth on the surface of the skin, Then same procedure in the midsection, then around the chest and shoulders , then up the affected side. The touch is very, very light.


    There are also several garments on the market which can be worn to bed at night and use compression to move the fluid along. goggle 'SOLARIS'

    It will get better but can take upwards of a year. Mine was very bad and today two years post is almost normal again. Yes it's very bothersome and can be painful but it will get better at a snails pace.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #4
    ratface said:

    The slinky, the slinky
    POKE here

    The link is to the national lyphedema find a therapist site. You will find them at wound care centers, and heart rehab centers. Lyphedema is a real problem for breast cancer patients and that is going to be your best chance of finding one, use those folks as a resource.

    I underwent about 8 sessions of massage with very good results. It's very light massage of the skin surface as the fluid drains right below the surface. The idea is to move it along the pathway like a slinky, the wonderful world of slinky, that wonderful toy. The massage works in reverse, that is they start by making room for the fluid down around the inner thigh and progress up the midsection then the lymph glands around the chest and shoulders and the last massage is around the affected area. Place your hand on your inner thigh and massage very lightly, just a rubbing back and forth on the surface of the skin, Then same procedure in the midsection, then around the chest and shoulders , then up the affected side. The touch is very, very light.


    There are also several garments on the market which can be worn to bed at night and use compression to move the fluid along. goggle 'SOLARIS'

    It will get better but can take upwards of a year. Mine was very bad and today two years post is almost normal again. Yes it's very bothersome and can be painful but it will get better at a snails pace.

    Also, on the HNC
    Also, on the HNC Superthread, there are links on Lymphadema and I believe I put Marine's massage and stretching exercises there as well.

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