Breast Oedema Self Management Plan

If you have any questions, telephone the Dorothy House Lymphoedema Service on 0345 0130 555.

Advice from the information sheet

Looking after your skin

Wash and dry your breast thoroughly, especially under skin folds.

Apply non-perfumed moisturiser to your chest and breasts daily, especially if you underwent radiotherapy.

Protect your skin by avoiding cuts, bites and scratches. Apply antiseptic to any areas of broken skin.

Monitor skin for signs of cellulitis (infection of the skin). Common symptoms are:

• pain,
• swelling,
• heat,
• redness,
• blistered broken skin and fevers.

If you have signs of infection, contact your GP or call 111 out of hours.

If skin becomes sore, blistered or is weeping/leaking, inform your GP practice or community nurse.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Aim to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Keep well hydrated and eat a balanced diet: maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the strain on your lymphatics.

Aim to complete 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week: walking, cycling, swimming or gardening are good ideas to consider.

If you are new to exercise you may wish to seek the advice and support of a healthcare professional (GP, lymphoedema practitioner, physiotherapist).

Complete the lymphoedema specific exercise programme daily that was given by your lymphoedema practitioner.

Build up activity and exercise levels gradually.

Wear a supportive bra when exercising.

Self-Lymphatic Drainage

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you follow a Self-Lymphatic Drainage (SLD) care plan.

SLD is a form of self massage that helps to move the lymph fluid (swelling) towards its natural pathway(s) to promote drainage with the aim of reducing the swelling.

Further information will be given on an individualised SLD care plan.

Positioning and Bra Support

If you have breast lymphoedema (swelling) wearing the correct bra
is really important.

Bra and underwear garments should be well-fitting and supportive, but not tight or restrictive.

If you have a larger cup size it is important that you always wear a bra to lift and support your breast(s), as this will promote lymph drainage.

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest you wear a soft cup or sports style bra overnight to prevent further build-up of fluid.

Following treatment, your breast size and/or shape may have changed. If possible, organise to be re-measured at your local department or underwear store. You may require a different size or style bra, or prosthesis to ensure your bra suitably fits both breasts.

Your lymphoedema practitioner may suggest that you use Kinesiotape and/or foam padding as an additional form of support to aid lymph drainage.

Further information will be given on an individualised care plan if appropriate.

Finding the correct bra

Choose a bra with full cups that cover each breast, wide side panels, wide adjustable straps and wide band across the body for full support.

Make sure the band of your bra fits firmly but comfortably around the narrowest part of your back as this band provides the main support.

You should be able to fit two fingers under the band once fastened.

Check the band of your bra is the same height all the way round – it should not ride up at the back.

Both breasts should fit neatly into the cups of the bra and be enclosed; nothing should be spilling out above or below (too small).

There should be no wrinkling of the fabric (too big).

The middle part of the bra, between the breasts, should lie flat against your body.

The straps should not dig into the shoulders (too small) or slip off the shoulders (too big).

Follow washing instructions as per garment information leaflet.