Leg Lymphedema after Endometrial Cancer Treatment
I would like to hear from anyone who wears a full leg compression garment for lymphedema.
I was treatment for endometrial cancer in 2022 - full hysterectomy, chemo, radiation, brachytherapy- and I’m now hoping to learn more about managing lymphedema in one leg. I am currently seeing an OT for therapy and thus far have experienced lymph massage and the leg pump. I was just measured for my full leg compression garments (Medicare covered, thank goodness) and I do have questions for those who are living with this disease.
-Do you recommend a zippered garment for ease of getting on & off? I am considering this for my nighttime leg stocking (foot to thigh.)
-Best fabric for pants/jeans so that they don’t stick to the covered leg? (I need to shop to replace my yoga pants and skinny jeans.)
-Favorite low Ph cream with no fragrance that might be Yuka approved as well?
-How often do you wash the garment?
-Do rollers help for home care?
-Home pump recommended?
-And/or certified lymphatic drainage massage therapists once therapy ends?
-Do you ever go without the leg garment for special occasions? If so, do you wear OTC compression socks or pantyhose or???? Is it that much harder to get your compression garment on after a break from the garment?
-Helpful hints? I am trying to wrap my head around what my new normal will be like while still fighting fear of cancer recurrence.
Thank you!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.