Experiences with lymphoedema after breast cancer

Living a full life with lymphoedema after breast cancer – Esther Beltrán shares her experiences of therapy

Esther Beltrán was 48 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. Affected lymph nodes were surgically removed from her armpit. About three months later, she developed lymphoedema in her left arm. Since then, she has been regularly attending lymphatic drainage sessions and wearing a medical compression arm sleeve.

Esther Beltrán is a medi testimonial and model. She can be seen in this year's trend colour campaign.

In the interview, the Spaniard explains how she has learned to deal with her illness and how it has made her stronger. 

Dear Ms. Beltrán,How were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

“It was pure coincidence. I had bronchitis, but despite antibiotics, I couldn't get back on my feet properly. My blood and urine tests were fine, which is why my GP referred me to a gynecologist. He discovered a lump when he felt my left breast. An ultrasound examination confirmed the suspicion of breast cancer. After that, things happened very quickly: I had an operation and the affected lymph nodes were removed from my armpit. Several chemotherapy sessions and radiation treatments followed. The treatment took a total of a year because I suffered complications after the operation and developed a serious lung and pericardial inflammation. In 2013, a mastectomy was necessary, and my left breast was completely removed. As a preventive measure, I also had the other healthy breast removed because the risk of the disease returning was too high.” 

Lymphoedema: treatment with medical compression stockings

How did you feel during this time? 

“At first I was in shock – the diagnosis came as a complete surprise! The lump was so deep in the tissue that I hadn't noticed it myself. The side effects of my chemotherapy were immense! I hardly ate anything, I felt sick, I was tired and exhausted, and I had limb and muscle pain. Physically and mentally, I was in a very bad way. Six chemotherapy sessions were planned, but I couldn't make it to the last one because I had to be readmitted to hospital with pneumonia and pleural effusion (an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity between the costal pleura and the lung pleura). In addition, I developed stage III lymphoedema – my left arm became increasingly swollen.” 

How has the lymphoedema been treated since then? 

“I have manual lymphatic drainage once a week and regularly wear a medical compression arm sleeve. Even though I initially found it difficult to accept the necessary medical compression, the treatment enables me to live my life without pain. Without it, my arm swells up again immediately. I am very happy to have had loving people around me during this time who supported me: above all my parents, my children and my husband. It was a difficult process to feel like a woman again after a mastectomy. But my partner always told me and showed me how beautiful he thought I was. He encouraged me and gave me support. I also received psychological treatment. Only because of that did I not lose my courage to face life, but tried to deal with the disease in a positive way and stay motivated. The medical and therapeutic care was also optimal – I only had good experiences.” 

Which compression stockings are you wearing? 

“It's the flat-knit medical compression arm sleeve mediven 550 Arm* from medi. It encloses my fingers and my hand and extends up my arm to the armpit. I love the many colours and eye-catching crystal motifs, and I have a colour to match every outfit. But what impresses me the most is the comfort: the compression arm sleeve is comfortable to wear and does not cut in. In addition, it stimulates lymph flow and improves blood circulation. To be honest, I love everything about it!” 

How has your lymphoedema developed since your diagnosis? 

“It's much better and my arm size has noticeably reduced. However, the extent varies depending on the weather and season. I live in Cádiz (Spain), where it can get very hot in summer – then my arm is a bit thicker. Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but as a sufferer, I can do a lot to improve it. I wear my medical compression stockings every day, often at night, I regularly go for manual lymphatic drainage, take care of my skin and get plenty of exercise. I also try to eat as healthily as possible: vegetables, a little meat and, above all, lots of fish, which is freshly caught here on the coast.”

Modeling for medi: unforgettable days and a dream come true

You are the testimonial for medi's new design campaign. How did you find the photo shoot in Calpe on the Costa Blanca? 

“It was a dream come true! It was the first time I had taken part in a professional photo shoot and posed for a photographer like a real model. I immediately clicked with the production team and the other faces of the mediven design campaign – the atmosphere on set was great and we had a wonderful time! We may all have different personalities, but we are also fighters. We have regained our courage to face life and are going our own way with self-determination. That's why my personal highlight was the exchange within the team. I am still in contact with everyone involved today. For me, it was an unforgettable time!” 

On social media, you show yourself in a good mood and colourful outfits. How important is fashion to you, especially in relation to your lymphoedema? 

“On the one hand, fashion can positively influence your mood, and on the other hand, it allows me to express my individuality and personality to the outside world. I believe in the psychological effect of colours. That's why I usually choose colourful looks – you rarely see me in black. For me, fashion is art! I like it to be cheerful, colourful and unusual. Since my lymphoedema, I've become even more daring when it comes to fashion and choose colour-coordinated clothing with my medical compression armsleeve. Sometimes tone on tone, for example with the new mediven trend colours light blue and russet red, sometimes contrasting colours – or for a grand entrance with eye-catching earrings and necklaces. I am often asked about my clothing, especially my compression stockings: many people think the medical aid is a stylish glove and are surprised when I tell them otherwise.” 

Great gratitude and happiness: Enjoying life every day after surviving breast cancer

How do you manage to stay so optimistic and cheerful?

“Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a major turning point in my life and completely threw me out of my comfort zone. I'm a very optimistic person by nature, but overnight everything that had been safe and taken for granted was called into question. It was important for me to network with other cancer patients, to understand what helped them to deal with the situation better and what the therapy was like. I have dealt with my fears intensively – however, over the years I have also learned that my thoughts must not revolve exclusively around my cancer and my lymphoedema. Yes, the spectre of cancer is still present and I regularly go for check-ups, but I have overcome it, it is in the past. Today I appreciate the little things in life very much and consciously live one day at a time. Just waking up in the morning already fills me with great gratitude and happiness.” 

What would you like to pass on to other people in a similar situation based on your experiences? 

“Seek contact with other patients, share experiences and help each other. Be patient with family and friends – they are also overwhelmed at first and have to learn to cope with the new situation. Don't let setbacks get you down and look ahead, then you will be able to manage the situation better together. Encourage healthy people to go for regular check-ups and take good care of themselves. And never forget: enjoy life, because it is wonderful!” 

Dear Ms. Beltrán, thank you very much for the interview!