As the Practice Manager I have patients tell me all the time that our staff is wonderful. And I agree. They are compassionate and truly giving. I am lucky enough to see this everyday in how they care for our patients, but also how they care for each other. We really are a second family. 

The photo above shows a few of our staff coming out to support our patients at Relay. These people don't just do it because it is their job, they do it because that is who they are.

Happy Father's Day,

Kathy C

Practice Administrator 

FDCC and Relay for Life  

On May 14 - 15, 2011 FDCC celebrated our Survivors at Relay for Life in Kettering, Ohio.  The weather was rainy and windy but that did not stop us from coming out to support our patients and our community.  We were happy to see about 25 of our patients come out and walk the Survivor Lap and receive their free t-shirt from FDCC.  It is a thrill for us to be able to spend time with current and previous patients!

To date the event has raised $97,167 with a goal of raising $110,000 they will continue to take donations through August 31, 2011.  If you would like to contribute you can do so at Relay for Life.

From Dr. Ed's Script Pad  

Breast cancer survivors face a lifetime of stressful physical, emotional and psycho-social symptoms.  Lymphedema, perhaps minimized by health care providers, remains a distressing long term complication of breast cancer treatment.

Many of our women face, on a daily basis, body image issues, loss of functionality, and adverse effects on relationships.  "Normal" has been lost for many breast cancer survivors perhaps never to return.  But there is HOPE!

Prevention of lymphedema, especially awareness of its risk factors, remains one of our best weapons in our plan of attack. 

So what are the major risk factors?  A number of studies have implicated high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes and peripheral arterial disease.  There are medical treatments for each of these conditions.  And, for the most part, these conditions are under the direct control of the patient.

Importantly, exercise including weight lifting, is safe.  And tissue expander reconstruction is not associated with an increased risk of lymphedema.

So what about radiation?  First of all, radiation techniques with IMRT, have dramatically decreased so-called "collateral damage" from radiation.  Secondly a recent phase 3 clinical trial was called "practice changing."  Even women with as few as 1-3 positive lymph nodes had a 33% improvement in disease-free survival when these patients received whole breast and regional lymph node radiation.

The Swedish trial completed in the 1970's pre-dating chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, also showed a survival advantage in these patients.

"Armed" with this knowledge, our team at FDCC takes an aggressive approach to lymphedema prevention.  The program includes:

1.) Exercise

2.) Weight loss

3.) Smoking Cessation

4.) Controlling blood pressue

5.) Controlling diabetes

6.) See a lymphedema specialist

Lymphedema is often a reality. But it is one that can be controlled. Contact us if you suspect lymphedema.

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA?

Lymphedema-the accumulation of lymph fluid in the body.

Your lymphatic system lies just under your skin, above your muscles.  This system has tiny vessels (thin tubes) that carry a nutrient rich fluid (lymph) through a web of nodes (small round masses) that filter bacteria and waste.  The fluid which is important in fighting infections, then drains to other parts of the body.  The lymph system also drains away fluid that normally leaks out of the blood vessels and returns it to the vascular system. 

When lymph nodes are damaged or removed during surgery, radiation and chemotherapy scar tissue can form and the fluids can not drain. As the fluid backs up swelling and inflammation set in.  If not drained, an infection can occur.

Approximately 20% of all women treated for breast cancer develop lymphedema and are at risk for its development for up to 20 years after surgery and / or treatment.

Those at greatest risk for lymphedema have had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation with lymph node involvement.
Trauma to the involved side of the body can increase this risk. Weight gain after treatment also increases risk along with continued smoking.

10 Common Signs of Lymphedema

Contact us if these symptoms occur in your arm, back, chest, breast, hand, fingers, elbow or elsewhere on the side(s) where you had surgery with lymph node removal or radiation.

1. Heavy or full feeling.

2. Ache, soreness or pain in area.

3. Pulling sensation.

4. Swelling (may come and go).

5. Your bra feels tigher or leave an indentation. A ring, bracelet, watch or shirt-sleeve feels suddenly tighter.

6. When you press the skin near the treatment site, it leaves an indented spot.

7. Redness from infection or swelling.

8. Skin feels warm or tight.

9. Numbness or tingling (beyond what you experienced post-surgery).

10. Decreasing flexibility at the shoulder, elbow, wrist or fingers.

Know your body and watch for signs of change. Notify your health care provider should you notice any of them.  Early intervention does make a difference!