Post-surgery, radiation Lymphedema

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Marty36
Marty36 Member Posts: 84
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Has anyone had success with "draining" the lymphedema in your neck after dissection and radiation? Trying to get an appointment with a PT who specializes in lymphedema therapy, but I'm curious whether anyone has had success getting rid of that neck "waddle" after lymph removal and radiation. As my face becomes thinner due to weight loss (which I don't really mind) the swelling is more noticeable.

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  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #2
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    I went for lymphedema massage therapy
    I was not aware it could be drained nor does it sound safe/practical? First off most of it will resolve itself on it's own in about six months. The fluid is comprised of protein and not really easily drained. Are you talking with a needle?? The way it typically is drained is to start massaging the tissue near the groins and working your way up past the abdomen, following the lymphatic system up to the area of the neck affected. The technique involves almost superficial massage that moves or drains the fluid along like you would move a slinky. Hence you first make room near the groins for it to start draining then use a pulling massage motion to coax it along. It does work to some extent. The lymphatic system will make new pathways for drainage with time and that is really what works best. You will also drain to whatever side you sleep and the swelling is worse in the morning. There are compression type garments that can be worn to facilitate drainage. "Solaris" is one brand name. There is information on lymphedema on the "Superthread" , a sort of compilation of important head and neck tutorials on this site. My advice is. Wait six months, if it still bothers you, get massage therapy. There is a national lymphedema registry of massage therapist on the web. Also many wound clinics and breast cancer centers are very familiar with this issue.
  • Marty36
    Marty36 Member Posts: 84
    #3
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    ratface said:

    I went for lymphedema massage therapy
    I was not aware it could be drained nor does it sound safe/practical? First off most of it will resolve itself on it's own in about six months. The fluid is comprised of protein and not really easily drained. Are you talking with a needle?? The way it typically is drained is to start massaging the tissue near the groins and working your way up past the abdomen, following the lymphatic system up to the area of the neck affected. The technique involves almost superficial massage that moves or drains the fluid along like you would move a slinky. Hence you first make room near the groins for it to start draining then use a pulling massage motion to coax it along. It does work to some extent. The lymphatic system will make new pathways for drainage with time and that is really what works best. You will also drain to whatever side you sleep and the swelling is worse in the morning. There are compression type garments that can be worn to facilitate drainage. "Solaris" is one brand name. There is information on lymphedema on the "Superthread" , a sort of compilation of important head and neck tutorials on this site. My advice is. Wait six months, if it still bothers you, get massage therapy. There is a national lymphedema registry of massage therapist on the web. Also many wound clinics and breast cancer centers are very familiar with this issue.

    Not with a needle
    With massage and other therapy
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #4
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    Marty36 said:

    Not with a needle
    With massage and other therapy

    It makes you feel good
    Marty, the massage therapy is a positive experience and gets you out of the house. If your insurance covers it then go for it. You will learn after a couple of sessions how to do the massage yourself and then you can reassess the therapy. Don't fret too much over the swelling for the short term.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
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    Turkey Neck Club
    What, you don't wanna be the poster person for the National Turkey Neck Club....awww come on now.

    LOL, it'll get better in time....

    The lymphatic fluid pathways get hosed up during the rads sessions. Eventually new pathways will open and gravity will help the drainage also.

    But there are a few members that have tried different massage techniques, or even went to centers that helped also.

    There are a few massage techniques mentioned on the SuperThread;

    SuperThread

    MASSAGE

    Best,
    John
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #6
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    physical therapy is the way to go
    Jim loved going. It is very relaxing. But if you do not keep it yup it comes back. I watched the PT each time they did Jim's so I could do it for him at home. She also made him a strap to wear when watching TV or sitting around the house that keeps the skin up. If you cannot find a PT go to Dawn's super thread, their are exercises there that help it drain.

    Blessings,
    Debbie

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