Can very hot weather bring on lymphedema?

Alicia70598

Can very hot weather bring on lymphedema?

Alicia70598

I'm supposed to attend an important outdoor party tomorrow, when the temps are going to be 100+ F. I'm thinking that being in the heat for long periods of time could cause lymphedema even though I don't have it now. (I do have some discomfort on the right side and have had radiation in addition to an axillary dissection.) I suppose I could wear my sleeve, but that might be pretty uncomfortable. Should I just stay home?

moogie

It is a matter of personal choice, but my philosophy is to keep living your life and work LE around it when you are able. Since you do not have LE at this time, and may never get it I hope, enjoy your planned activities.

Hydrate and see if you can get into air conditioning if it gets too hot, have a set of measurements for your arm before the event so you can see if it swells afterwards.

If you do not ordinarily wear your sleeve, wearing it in super hot weather may cause its own issues: see if Kira or Binney weigh in on this. 

I have LE and I always gain volume in the summer living in the Deep South.

mrsnjband

I'm not an expert, but it's possible.  If it is really important, I would go and dress as cool as possible & drink lots of water.  NJ

Binney4

Alicia, the business of heat triggering lymphedema has to do with raising your core body temperature. So you want to plan as many ways as possible to stay cooler. Stay really well hydrated -- don't wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which tend to dehydrate. Consider using one of those cooling bandanas on your neck; keep your wrists cool by rubbing them with your cup of ice water. Wear a sun hat (or carry a pretty parasol); stay out of the direct sun; duck indoors to the AC often. Look for any outdoor fans or misters and stick close to them. Pay attention to how you're feeling and if necessary call it quits early.

In some ways it's easier for those of us who already have lymphedema to make these judgements -- we've already dealt with the diagnosis after all, and we know how to get things back in control if we push it too far. We can also judge how much effort we're willing to make to do that, and what it's worth to us to have to spend a few days (or more) regaining control. But trying to avoid LE when you don't already have it is a one-shot deal, where if you push it too far you could go from no diagnosis to LE-for-life. So let me remind you that no matter what they do, MOST women who have been treated for breast cancer will never develop it. And that if you are unlucky enough to be one of those who do, we're here for you.

Go, enjoy, be wise!
Binney

Alicia70598

Wow, I'm wondering if it's even worth it. It will involve a good bit of walking to trains, the subway, etc. Thank you all so much for all this good information.

hymil

My LE is pretty mild and generally well controlled, the only time it has gone to swelling in the fingers was the day I was drifting round the zoo all day with a friend, it was still 35*C  in the shade at 5pm and we had  been there six hours. After a brief panic, I did all the right things and it came under control eventually but it made me feel so washed out I wished we hadn't bothered.

Biut if you don't have LE, well I would say don't waste your life worrying, just take the precautions and go enjoy the party. Gosh that sounds like something my mother would have said, and not talking about LE!!

Member_of_the_Club

I guess the party already happened, but I can't imagine this kind of heat as good for anyone.  I have to assume they moved the party indoors, no?

 If I'm going to be outside for long in the heat I wear my sleeve and glove.  Yes, its uncomfortable, and don't get me started about running with all that in this heat.  But I know I would be more uncomfortable without it. 

Suzybelle

Ditto MOTC.  An outdoor party in 100 degree heat seems kind of, uh, hellish. 

Hope you stayed home in the cool!!!!!! 

Alicia70598

Hi ladies. Thank you all for weighing in. In the end, I decided to stay home. It turns out, there was an indoor area aside from the roof garden, and I missed some good food and company, but that's OK. The commute itself would have been grueling.

I'm still confused about how wearing a sleeve for the first time in the heat could pose its own problems. I have a sleeve but hardly ever wear it.

Binney4

Alicia, if the fit is not good, compression garments can do more harm than good (like a blood pressure cuff, they could be too tight in some places and cause a constriction of the lymph vessels, for instance). When you have new compression garments you wear them the first time no more than an hour, increasing the time gradually until you know how they affect you over time.

Since you don't mention a glove or gauntlet (fingerless glove), I just wanted to comment also that wearing a sleeve without hand protection can cause any swelling to become trapped in the hand, where it's harder to deal with. Here's a brief article that explains why:

http://lymphedivas.com/lymphedema/gauntletandsleeve/

Hopefully the remainder of the summer will be less of a heat problem than these last couple of weeks have been. Stay cool!
Binney

Alicia70598

Thank you, Binney. I actually do have a gauntlet along with the sleeve, which was fitted by an OT at my cancer center. The only thing is, that was two years ago, and I've gained a bit of wait since then. Perhaps I should get refitted.

lifegoeson

Weighing in late on this...but my lymphedema is definitely activated by high heat and especially humidity.  My arms swell if I sit in the sun.

moogie

I second that: I was in 120 degree heat index and even with garments increased in volume. Heat for me is a trigger, and attempt to  avoid really hot baths or showers for this reason. Even hot water for washing dishes, with platic gloves, will puff up my digits.