Posted by Cheryl W on May 29, 2012, 8:58 am, in reply to "Manicures after lymph node removal"
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Janine, this is a good question!
I am extremely careful when having a manicure. My gal knows that she is NOT to trim any skin very closely. The one thing we don't want is any damage to the skin. I've had several since finishing chemo/rads.
I saw a specialist in lymphedema after my tretment was over to find out what I could and could not do. She said manicures were OK, but to wait till my immune system had a chance to recover. I waited about 6 monthis, but had a pedicure pretty quick!!
Her advice to me was to not wear anything tight - watches, rings, or any jewelry, sleeves, bras, etc. In her exerience she has found that Lymphedema has occured when someone has had some type of trauma to the affected arm/hand. I began a workout program to strengthen my arm. She told me to baby that arm if I cut or scratched myself for the rest of my life. I travel quite a bit so I thouht I needed a compression sleeve, but she told me latest results showed that it didn't help. I had my Onc write me a prescription for one, but the specialist told me that if I gained even a few pounds, that the sleeve would be too tight and could even cause Lymphedema.....
I am very careful not to pick up anything too heavy with that arm, but to use both arms for carrying. In general, I really haven't changed my lifestyle.
One more note about mani/pedis.....I now avoid putting any additional chemistry in or on my body. Nail polish or hair color, etc. I get my polish from whole foods and Im sure it has to have some chemistry in it, but I hope the clear polish has less!!!
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