In an earlier column I told how, during breast-cancer surgery, the removal of one or more lymph nodes from under the arm can potentially lead to a condition called lymphedema.

Lymphedema is an uncomfortable swelling of the arm caused by a build-up of lymph fluid after breast-cancer surgery. This swelling occurs when the flow of lymph fluid is disrupted, either by the removal of lymph nodes or when radiation has been beamed at the armpit. Either of these treatments can disrupt the flow of lymph fluid.

Over time, the accumulating fluid starts making the arm swell up until it can only be moved or flexed with difficulty and discomfort.

I urge you, if you've had either lymph nodes removed or radiation aimed at your armpit, to work to prevent lymphedema. Prevention will mean that you can enjoy your life as a survivor and not have to be burdened daily by a swollen or unusable arm.

Decrease your risk of lymphedema

There are in fact quite a few things you yourself can do after breast-cancer treatment to help reduce your risk of developing this disorder.

• Be protective of the affected limb. Avoid straining it or moving/using it suddenly or vigorously.
• Avoid having any type of pressure applied to the arm. Don't, for instance, let anyone measure your blood pressure with a pressure cuff.
• Avoid getting an injection (shot) with a needle in the arm. Avoid any medical procedures (e.g., blood draws or vaccine injections) that require the insertion of a needle into the affected arm.
• Rest the affected arm and keep it elevated as much as possible while recovering. This is especially important when the arm feels sore or weak.
• Don't apply heat to your arm.
• Avoid getting sunburned (which can increase fluid volume).
• Don't expose the arm to bitter cold weather.
• Don't wear clothing that constricts the arm, including a tight wristwatch band or rings on the affected side.
• Be watchful for and careful of breaks in the skin in the affected arm, since an infection can be particularly dangerous. Wear gloves when gardening or working at demanding tasks with tools.
• If you get a cut, go inside immediately, wash it thoroughly, and apply antibiotic salve (over-the-counter ointments are fine).
• After surgery, be diligent about physical therapy so you can get full motion back in the limb.
• Get regular screenings for lymphedema by a breast-cancer specialist.