See the Home Page for news of Macmillan's report which shows cancer patients have less recurrence if they exercise and it can also help reduce side effects.The side effects of cancer treatments (radiotherapy, surgery) can damage lymph nodes and patients then have a lifelone risk of developing lymphoedema (a breakdown of a body's lymphatic system which causes fluid to accumulate and swelling).
I wish I had known more about my particular risk of lymphoedema and that immobility while sitting in meetings and associated travel was physically damaging me (ironically while trying to improve health services - part of my 'user involvement'!). I now have midline lymphoedema, and (lifelong) self management means I have to wear support garments (even in hot weather) and do daily simple lymphatic drainage massage for the rest of my life. I also had a year's fight to access MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) treatment, which is still not available in all parts of the UK. While many patients and heatlh professionals alike are still ignorant of the condition.
'Official' literature often refers to lymphoedema 'as a swelling of a limb', or even just 'a swelling of an arm after breast cancer', when it can affect ANY part of the body except teeth, hair and nails. It's worth mentioning here that the risk is lifelong. If you experience any swelling after cancer treatment, it needs to be checked out by those with experience of lymphoedema. Early treatment can be very successful, but it is a progressive condition which, unchecked, can lead to elephantiasis and other distressing conditions.)
