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In light of one of our members recent questions in regards to lymphoedema help- one of the nurses, Moira, had a long chat with a lymphoedema specialist in Perth and with that information and her own research she has come up with some tips which I thought I would share with the rest of the Click members.
1. A new area of treatment for lymphoedema, which you could discuss with your practitioner is Low Level Laser Therapy – which anecdotally has been helpful for some clients– this research article verifies its use:
Journal of Cancer Survivorship- June 2015, Volume 9, Issue 2, pp 287-304
First online: 29 November 2014
Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain and swelling in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Betty Smoot, Laura Chiavola-Larson, Jeannette Lee, Hidelisa Manibusan, Diane D. Allen
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine literature on effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing limb volume and pain in adults with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
Methods
PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched using (lymphedema OR edema OR swelling) AND (breast cancer OR mastectomy) AND (laser OR low-level laser therapy OR LLLT OR cold laser). Intervention studies or meta-analyses reporting LLLT for BCRL were included in the search. Pooled effect sizes (ES) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for volume and pain. No limitations were placed on length of follow-up, publication year, or language. Final search was conducted on October 16, 2014.
Results
Nine studies met criteria for inclusion. Within-group pooled ES for volume (six studies) was −0.52 (−0.78, −0.25), representing a 75.7-ml reduction in limb volume after LLLT. Between-group pooled ES for volume (four studies) was −0.62 (−0.97, −0.28), representing a 90.9-ml greater reduction in volume with treatment including LLLT versus not including LLLT. Within-group pooled ES for pain reduction (three studies) was −0.62 (−1.06, −0.19), pain reduction of 13.5 mm (0–100 mm VAS). Between-group pooled ES for pain reduction (two studies) was non-significant at −1.21 (−4.51, 2.10).
Conclusion
Moderate-strength evidence supports LLLT in the management of BCRL, with clinically relevant within-group reductions in volume and pain immediately after conclusion of LLLT treatments. Greater reductions in volume were found with the use of LLLT than in treatments without it.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
LLLT confers clinically meaningful reductions in arm volume and pain in women with BCRL.
2. A good way to get help without high cost implications is to join a research study. I have looked into this on your behalf and found a Vario research project open for enrolment for all cancer survivors, which you can find here: http://www.exercisemedicine.org.au/research-activity/projects-open-for-enrolment. Vario or “Edith Cowan University's Exercise Medicine Research Institute is a cross-disciplinary alliance of research centres and expertise with extensive national and international linkages. It is the first institute of its kind at an Australian University bringing together an expert team of researchers committed to improving community health and wellbeing. In partnership with national and international networks, it enhances collaboration and promotes a holistic approach to health and lifestyle.” They have completed a number of research projects on Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema but unfortunately I can’t see any open for enrolment currently. You could call them on 6304 2329 to enquire if they have anything relevant apart from the attached study.
3. Another way to find research projects looking for participants is to register with Register4 and the National Centre of Cancer Survivorship: http://www.register4.org.au/
https://nccs.org.au/join-research-study National Centre for Cancer Survivorship The National Centre for Cancer Survivors has some online resources you could look at.
4. I can’t recommend exercise enough and the good news is that there are free programs available. Women with Early Breast Cancer can take part in the Encore program up to 4 times: here is their program http://www.ywcaencore.org.au/node/48 You could also contact the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 and ask about joining their Yoga Class in Glen Forrest. There is lots of research about the benefits of yoga and Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema.
5. There is a Lymphoedema Support Group at Crawford Lodge, flyer attached but I understand that Nedlands is a long trip in the evenings. South Australia have an active Support Association, I will forward their email to you as you may be able to access online support. Have you registered with the Australasian Lymphology Association as they have lots of online resources: https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/ This also came to my attention during my search: http://canadalymph.ca/patienteducationmaterials/
6. Finally, complementary therapies can also be useful with lymphoedema and reduce the stressful emotions associated with the pain and discomfort it causes. The Cancer Council in Midland can offer some free therapies, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
I hope some of you are able to find this information useful. If you do have any questions please let me know.
Support Services Coordinator at BCCWA
Single woman no kids, Breast Ca diagnosed 2003, lumpectomy (problematic not enough clearance around tumour so surgeon went in again after 2 weeks),auxiliary clearance, chemo, radiation, Tamoxifen for 5 yrs. at the time I went on Tamoxifen I came out in psoriasis which remains a problem.
Reconstruction 2006- Lapidimus Dorsi (back muscle used for flesh to rebuild breast) on second recon, the first recon was a big mess !!
Squamous Cell Ca on vocal chord diagnosed 2005,surgery, more surgery, radiation, more surgery, currently have lump on vocal chord being checked 6 weekly (probably damage from radiation) I am refusing further surgery on throat to preserve what is left of my voice! Long journey.
