Research Paper On Lymphedema

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My step-mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2013. There are 2 different forms of breast cancer, lobular carcinoma and the most common form, ductal carcinoma. My step-mom had ductal carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma is when cancer forms in the breast tissue and begins in the lining of the milk ducts, thin tubes that carry milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple. Her cancer was also invasive which means the cancer spread from where it started in the breast ducts or lobules in to the normal tissue. (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast) The first drug used for chemo did not start out as medicinal. Mustard gas was used as chemical warfare during World War I. Further studies during a World War II military operation,…show more content…
Medi-ports are placed to gain venous access and are usually placed in the chest. She had a few lymph nodes removed under her left arm and as a result of that, she can no longer have blood drawn or blood pressure taken on her left arm to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in one of your arms or legs, but sometimes both limbs can be affected. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. When the lymphatic fluid does not drain properly due to the blockage, the fluid builds up and the swelling continues. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by damage or removal of lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/basics/definition/CON-20025603). Using the Medi-port has helped her to preserve the veins in her right arm to be used for blood draws, et cetera, in the…show more content…
The ultimate goal of radiation is to damage or kill the cancer cells without hurting the healthy cells. (http://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-to-expect-from-radiation-therapy) There are two types of radiation therapy. The most common therapy is called external beam radiation and it is the type that most people are familiar with. It works by focusing a beam of radiation directed at the specific area of the body that is affected by cancer. The other type of radiation therapy is called brachytherapy. It delivers radiation to the cancer internally using an implant of radioactive pellets or seeds. There are several factors to determine which type of radiation therapy works the best for each patient. (http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-radiation-therapy-what-expect) My step-mom had a total of thirty-three radiation treatments that lasted for six and one half weeks. Her only real symptom of radiation was being tired. Her biggest complaint was having to go for treatment five days a week. Her skin held up well throughout treatment. Many women receiving radiation therapy suffer from burns and breakdown of

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