Help with Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is swelling that develops because of a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. Lymphoedema happens when the lymphatic system is not working properly. This may be because it has been damaged by cancer, or treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy.
Lymphoedema can develop months or even years after cancer treatment, and we know it is a notable worry for breast cancer patients, particularly if they have had lymph nodes removed as part of their treatment.
Treatment
Lymphatic drainage is a specialised, gentle type of massage, which aims to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, so it can drain normally. It also helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels which helps control swelling.
There are 2 main types of lymphatic drainage:
You should only have MLD from a trained lymphatic drainage therapist. It is a short course of treatment.
SLD is something you can be shown how to do yourself. You can continue with this long term.
To find out more about both MLD and SLD please click here - Lymphatic drainage for lymphoedema | Macmillan Cancer Support
Worcestershire Lymphoedema Service
This is a countywide nurse-led service outpatient service based at the Lymphoedema Clinic at Pershore Community Hospital. Patients can be referred via their GP or Breast Care Nurse [check] as long as they have consented to the referral and are willing to engage in and continue with the agreed treatment plans and self-management.
Contact your BCN or GP to find out more [contact details link] or for more information on Lymphoedema and its symptoms please click here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/
WBUH complementary therapy referral service
You may also be eligible for a limited amount of funding to access a qualified lymphatic drainage specialist, through the WBUH charity’s complementary therapy referral service. Click here to find out more.
Upper Limb Simple Lymphatic Drainage – SLD
This very gentle massage is part of the daily treatment for your swelling. It helps move the fluid from the swollen area to an area that drains more freely. See document below.
Upper Limb Simple Lymphatic Drainage - SLD FINAL.docx