Colon Cancer and Preventing Lymphedema

I have colon cancer. Preventing lymphedema is now one of my goals, right up there with colon cancer recurrence prevention! I had 24 lymph nodes removed when I had surgery to remove my colon cancer. Lymph node removal was necessary to determine how far the colon cancer had spread.

The good news is that the pathologist only found colon cancer cells in seven lymph nodes. The bad news is that 24 lymph nodes were removed.

The video below gives a broad summary of lymphedema. The “lymphedema prevention plan” below that was designed by ChatGPT specifically for those lymphnodes that were removed for a colon cancer diagnosis.

Lymphedema, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

The goal here is to maintain smooth lymph drainage from your abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs while minimizing strain on healing tissues.

🩺 Lymphedema Prevention Plan After Colon Lymph Node Removal

🔹 1. Early Gentle Core and Lower Body Movement

Goal: Stimulate lymph flow through the diaphragm and abdominal collectors.

Start (once cleared by your surgeon):

Deep diaphragmatic breathing
- Lie on your back, knees bent.
- Place a hand on your belly.
- Inhale slowly through your nose, letting your abdomen rise.
- Exhale fully through your mouth, feeling your belly fall.
- Repeat 10 times, 3–5 sessions/day.
  (This motion acts like a “pump” for the cisterna chyli and thoracic duct.)

Progress to:

Pelvic tilts and ankle pumps (promote gentle core and leg circulation).
Short walks 2–3 times per day — even 5–10 minutes helps prevent stagnation.
Avoid straining during bowel movements; use a stool softener if needed.

🔹 2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Abdominal Nodes

If 7 nodes were removed from the mesocolon, lymph rerouting occurs mainly through:

Inguinal (groin) and contralateral abdominal nodes.
Thoracic duct via the diaphragm.

Technique (once incision healed):

Gentle, rhythmic circular motions around the navel and lower abdomen.
Then sweep hands diagonally upward toward the opposite upper chest.
Perform 5–10 minutes daily.
(Best learned from a certified lymphedema therapist — they can teach a self-drainage routine customized to your surgical site.)

🔹 3. Skin and Scar Management

Keep your abdominal incision and surrounding skin clean, dry, and moisturized with fragrance-free lotion.
Once cleared for touch: gently massage scar tissue in small circles to prevent adhesions that can block lymph flow.
Avoid tight waistbands, shapewear, or belts that compress the abdomen.
Treat even minor skin infections or cuts promptly to prevent lymphatic inflammation.

🔹 4. Compression (if swelling develops)

Routine compression is not needed preventively for abdominal surgery unless swelling occurs.
If you notice puffiness, heaviness, or tightness in the lower abdomen, groin, or thighs, see a lymphedema specialist promptly — they can fit you with a custom abdominal binder or thigh-high compression garmentto support lymph return.

🔹 5. Lymph- and Vessel-Supportive Nutrition

A diet that supports lymphatic and vascular health can help reduce edema risk and inflammation.

Best food groups:

🫐 Polyphenol-rich fruits: blueberries, cherries, pomegranate.
🥦 Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, kale, cauliflower — support detox and tissue repair.
🐟 Omega-3 sources: salmon, sardines, chia, flaxseed.
🌿 Herbs & spices: turmeric, ginger, parsley (mild lymphagogues).
💧 Hydration: aim for 2–2.5 L/day (unless restricted by your doctor).

Avoid: excess salt, processed meats, refined sugars — all can increase interstitial fluid retention.

🔹 6. Integrative & Nutraceutical Support

(Discuss with your oncologist before adding supplements.)

Diosmin + hesperidin (micronized flavonoids) – strengthen venous and lymphatic tone.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) – supports microcirculation and collagen repair.
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) – may reduce post-surgical swelling.
Curcumin – anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic.

🔹 7. Lifestyle & Prevention Tips

Maintain a healthy body weight – excess fat compresses lymphatic channels.
Avoid sitting or standing for >45 minutes without moving or stretching.
Elevate your legs periodically (hips slightly above heart level).
Avoid heat extremes (saunas, hot tubs) until fully healed — these can dilate vessels and worsen swelling.

🔹 8. Monitoring & Early Signs

Report right away if you notice:

A feeling of heaviness, tightness, or swelling in your abdomen, groin, or thighs.
Persistent abdominal fullness or asymmetric swelling.
Recurrent skin redness, warmth, or infection (cellulitis).

Early intervention = full reversibility.
A certified CLT (Certified Lymphedema Therapist) can measure tissue fluid changes before visible swelling appears.

Many of these lymphedema preventive therapies, such as lifestyle therapies, nutrition, and supplementation, overlap with those therapies that can reduce my risk of a colon cancer relapse.

Are you a colon cancer survivor, too? What do you do to prevent lymphedema? Please scroll down the page and send me a post. I will reply ASAP.

Thanks,

Bernie Davis
Colon Cancer Survivor

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling due to the build-up of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph nodes act like a drain in your sink. If the drain is clogged, the fluid cannot drain. It usually happens in the arms or legs, but can occur in other parts of the body. Lymph fluid is part of the lymph system that carries fluid and cells that help fight infections throughout the body. Sometimes this swelling develops quickly, or it may develop slowly over several months…

What health problems can lymphedema cause?

Lymphedema raises your risk of getting an infection in the swollen area. This happens because the cells that prevent infection can’t reach that part of your body.
Wounds may heal more slowly on the part of your body that has lymphedema.
You may feel upset, depressed, embarrassed, or angry about the lymphedema.
The joints in the part of the body with lymphedema may feel stiff or sore.

Manual lymph drainage: What to know about exercises for lymphedema relief

But which techniques are considered the best for lymphatic drainage? How often should you do them? And, are all exercises and MLD techniques safe for every cancer patient?

How do I know if I need lymphatic drainage?

Not everyone who undergoes cancer treatment or has lymph nodes removed or a biopsy will develop lymphedema. You can have a compromised lymphatic system but still have the reserve capacity to compensate for the loss. You only start seeing symptoms when your body exceeds that capacity.

Here are the early warning signs we talk to our patients about:

Feelings of heaviness in your arms or legs
Feeling like your arm or leg is swollen, even if it’s not visible
Seeing swelling while looking in a mirror
Noticing that your clothes don’t fit right (e.g., one sleeve is tighter than the other)
Noticing that your rings don’t fit anymore
Having to loosen up or add links to your watch or wristband

What are the risks and benefits of draining excess lymph?

The benefits of draining excess lymph usually far outweigh any risks. Flushing out excess fluid prevents a build-up in your arms and legs that could cause problems later on, such as a hardening of the tissues.

As long as you’ve been evaluated by a licensed physical therapist before undergoing MLD or starting any exercises designed to drain off excess lymph, the risk of harm is very low. Your physical therapist will discuss any limitations with you before starting treatment.

The most common side effect of both these tools is increased urination, especially within the first 24-48 hours. So, you might just notice you have to go to the bathroom a lot more frequently. If you have hypertension, you may also see your blood pressure rise temporarily because you’re bringing more fluid into the system.

How often should I perform my prescribed lymphedema relieving exercises?

We usually ask patients to do these once a day.

Preventing lymphedema colon cancer Preventing lymphedema colon cancer Preventing lymphedema colon cancer