To continue on from phase 6 blog, because of my position I lay during radiation causes numbness and tingling, I went for an evaluation today. It was determined I need physical therapy everyday for a couple weeks because 1, my Breast is so swollen and tight and 2, my arm range of motion has become less do to surgery and radiation. First we will drain my lymphatic system to ensure I keep fluid from building up in my tissue. My right arm is at risk of lymphedema because I had 14 lymphnodes removed. I'm also at high risk of getting an infection from cuts, scratches, bug bites anything like that anywhere on my right side. We're talking the whole right front from neck to belly, back from top to bottom (literally lol) and my hand/arm. Of course it's the right side and I have a big scratch on my back right where I'm being radiated, ugh. What is important to understand here is my immune system has been compromised from chemo and takes YEARS to recover if it can. Infections are an absolute NO for me. These can lead to serious issues and hospitalization.
Our lymphatic system plays such an important role in the human body. When you've jeopardized your lymphatic system, as I have, and compromised your immune system, as I have, it can lead to other serious health issues so it's something that can't be ignored. If it's been too compromised and not caught in time it can even lead to lymphona which is a type of cancer. The other issue is I'm displaying signs of heart damage which can increase risk of lymphedema as well.
Look up wiseGEEK: what is lymphatic drainage. It's a short, very educational article.
I'll keep you posted next week what happens during PT.