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FREE INFORMATION: |
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2nd Cancer Opinion
provides opinions regarding Breast, lung, colon,
prostate and ovarian cancers, lymphomas, melanomas, and other solid
tumors. |
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*1st 1/2 hour
session is at no additional charge. |
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Symptom Management: |
Symptom Management
Side Effects of
Treatment
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Pain
Fatigue
Appetite Loss
Bladder Disturbances
Incontinence - Urinary
Bleeding
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dryness of the Mouth
Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
Hypercalcemia
Flu-like Syndrome
Hair Loss
Infection
Anemia
Itching
Lymphedema
Menopausal Symptoms
Nausea & Vomiting
Neurological Disturbances
Spinal Cord Compression
Peritoneal Effusions
Shortness of Breath
Skin Conditions
Sleep Problems (Insomnia/Oversleeping)
Sore Mouth
Swallowing
Bone Metastases
Coping
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Sexuality Issues
Sexual Dysfunction
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Prevention of Lymphedema
Symptom and Description You may
develop arm or leg swelling, sometimes called lymphedema. The
swelling may never occur, but it is possible after lymph node
surgery. Because you have had lymph nodes removed, your body’s
ability to move lymph fluid has been changed. You may notice
some swelling right after surgery. This is normal and will
decrease as the tissues heal. Infection and stress (e.g.,
lifting heavy items) can cause swelling to occur.
Learning Needs You will learn to notice and report (even
if small) any signs of infection. They are as follows:
- redness or warmth
- red streaks going up or down the limb
- pain or soreness that is in one area or that came on
suddenly
- swelling in your hand/arm or foot/leg (on the side where
you had surgery)
Prevention Getting back to normal use of your arm or leg
is important after lymph node surgery.
- Gentle exercises that stretch your limb are important, as
is strengthening your arm with small weights. Exercises
should be done gently and gradually to allow the body to
develop new pathways to drain the lymph fluid without
creating more trauma. Once the muscles and tissues feel
stretched and movable again, you should plan daily
exercises. Staying in shape is the best advice, as it keeps
joints and muscles in good working order. Please review your
exercise sheet with your nurse to develop an exercise plan
for you.
- In addition to daily stretching exercises, avoid heavy
lifting on the side on which you had surgery (suitcases,
heavy grocery bags).
- Skin: Keep skin moisturized and free of cuts and cracks.
- Report any signs of infection (redness, warmth, red
streaks, inflamed areas) to your healthcare provider.
- Report any changes in your hand/arm or foot/leg (such as
tightness of clothing or rings, numbness, pain, etc.)
Follow-up After surgery you should expect to regain the
movement that you had before surgery. The time needed to get
this differs from person to person. Please talk about your
progress with your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider.
A good time to plan for this talk is at your post-op visit.
There you can discuss how you are healing, how your range of
motion is moving along, and whether you need a referral to a
physical therapist. |
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