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Dr. Dalliah Black (left), The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy and Maureen McBeth, MPT, CLT-LANA, The Center for Restorative Therapies at Weinberg

Breast Surgeon Dr. Dalliah Black, The Hoffberger Breast Center At Mercy, And Maureen McBeth, MPT, CLT-LANA, Discuss Best Treatments For Lymphedema After Surgery

Breast cancer surgery is often a lifesaver for many women, but it can leave some with a painful side-effect called lymphedema.

Two years ago, Ginger South was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while her cancer treatments are over, damaged lymph nodes, swelling and a backup of fluid still plague that part of her body.

"It can happen early after surgery or a couple of months, and it can be transient or it can happen five years, 10 years or 15 years after surgery," said breast cancer surgeon Dr. Dalliah Black of The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy.

Dr. Black said lymphedema can occur when lymph nodes are removed or the lymphatic channels are disrupted. If you have lymphedema, the symptoms are hard to ignore.

"Someone may notice that a ring fits tight or your watch fits tight or your bra fits a little bit tighter on that side because there's some fullness there, or that your skin just feels tight or there's a little achy sensation," Dr. Black said.

Maureen McBeth, MPT, CLT-LANA, Program Manager of Cancer Care for The Center for Restorative Therapies at Weinberg, said there are treatments available to minimize the painful symptoms.

"We're able to utilize treatments such as manual lymphatic drainage and the use of light-weight compression garments … to treat them," she said.

South uses massages to get relief from the symptoms.

"It kind of tingles and it's hot and it's very heavy, so sleeping is not comfortable. Certain activities — you find limitations," she said.

While there is no cure, South said managing her lymphedema symptoms early has kept it under control.

"There's less pressure because the fluids have moved and the heat has calmed down, so it is refreshing," she said.

According to Dr. Black, knowing what to look for early on is key, so it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about lymphedema before having breast surgery.