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Breast Cancer

Rehabilitation / Discharge

Karen was seen one-day post-op to initiate rehab. Jackson-Pratt drains were in place. Exercise at this point included squeezing a tennis ball with left arm elevated; flexing and extending left fingers, wrist and elbow; shoulder shrugs and shoulder girdle retraction.

Bilateral baseline circumferential measurements were taken at the following landmarks to monitor for future lymphedema (discussed under the next section):

• 2" above elbow crease
• 2" below elbow crease
• around styloid processes of wrist

On the day of discharge the Jackson-Pratts were removed. Karen was then evaluated for a home program and education.

In the event that Karen would not be able to return for outpatient therapy what specific information needs to be given regarding lymphedema?