August 2009 Archives
Weight lifting- can it control lymphedema swelling?
The August 13, 2009 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine contains an article that validates my “can-do” theory on lymphedema management. Specifically, it reports that controlled lifting of weights may help breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. This is contrary to previous thinking, including advice I received in 1997, not to lift more than three pounds with the arm affected by lymphedema.
In this latest study the women with breast cancer who worked out twice a week at their fitness centers doing progressive weight-lifting exercises while wearing compression garments fared better in controlling swelling than those who did not engage in these activities. The exercises involved upper- and lower-body resistance, stretching, a cardiovascular warm-up, and exercises for the abs and back.
In the twelve years I’ve lived with lymphedema I gradually increased the weights I lifted in the gym from three pounds to seven pounds. Given the results of this new study, I may boost that limit to ten pounds or more. I’ll be sure, however, that my weight-lifting is not excessive. The idea is to increase the weight gradually while donning a compression garment and monitoring for swelling. My affected arm and hand look better than they have in a long time, and maybe it is because I do those weight-lifting arm exercises twice a week.
As a lymphedema and breast-cancer survivor I am so glad to see studies that encourage arm exercise, just as I advise in my book, Mourning Has Broken. Enjoy the gym, guilt-free!
Cancer patients needed for clinical trials
A recent article in the New York Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/health/research/03trials.html?_r=1&em) reports a lack of participants in clinical studies designed to test cancer drugs. Patients cite many reasons for not volunteering, including a dislike of additional office visits and tests, fear of being given a placebo, and additional stress on top of their basic struggles to survive treatment.
To encourage trial participation, study experts are exploring additional options. Among their considerations are giving doctors more incentives, improving efficiency, convincing patients that placebos are rarely used in cancer trials in the U.S., and paying patients.
As a recipient myself of treatments developed through clinical trials (including Herceptin), I strongly believe such studies are worth exploring if they are available. In fact, in my book “Mourning Has Broken: Reflections on Surviving Cancer,” I encourage participation in clinical trials as a way to give back to the cancer community and help future generations. Bravo to the Italians for their early participation in chemo drug trials that paved the way for modern chemotherapy options.
