A NOVEL APPROACH TO LYMPHEDEMA SELF MANAGEMENT

Background: The medical management of breast cancer has changed considerably with the advancement of technology in radiology and breast sparing surgeries. Many breast cancer survivors that underwent procedures decades ago are... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
The medical management of breast cancer has changed considerably with the advancement of technology in radiology and breast sparing surgeries. Many breast cancer survivors that underwent procedures decades ago are encountering side effects of their cancer treatments such as brachial plexopathies, decreased sensation, lymphedema, and musculoskeletal disorders that can greatly impact the patients’ health and quality of life.

Method:
In this case report, we present a 73-year-old woman with chronic lymphedema of the arm and trunk post voluntary trans-humeral amputation due to radiation induced brachial plexopathy. Her treatment was led by an occupational therapist (OT) certified in lymphedema and included complete decongestive therapy, analysis of function, and a critical focus on the successful development of a novel compression garment for ultimate patient self-management.

Results:
Marked reductions in circumferential measurements were achieved in the residual limb and trunk region during the treatment phase. Weekly measurements and photos were taken to measure progress and are presented. Reductions were maintained successfully with daily use of a fabricated novel compression garment of which the patients was able to don independently for increased self-management.

Conclusion:
Novel approaches such as this, should be further explored and developed for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema and secondary upper extremity amputations.

Application to Practice:
Assessment of function by an OT is imperative for best self-management of lymphedema.

References
Polo, K. & Gamble, G. (2015)’A novel approach to lymphedema management in upper extremity amputations: A case report’, The internet journal of allied health sciences and practices, 13 (3