Sarah’s Lymphoedema Experience

Sarah Green visits the Lymphoedema Clinic at the Bradbury Wellness Centre at the Hospice and kindly shared her experiences:

“I had a breast cancer diagnosis in January 2024 and I went on to have a double mastectomy, five months of chemotherapy and fifteen sessions of radiotherapy. The team at Addenbrookes were fantastic and the breast care nurses were always available to answer questions.

As I had had the lymph nodes in my left arm removed, I was told about lymphoedema and advised to exercise, moisturise and generally take extra care of that arm to avoid injury or infection.

In spite of this, in March 2025 I noticed swelling in my hand and arm so I contacted my breast care nurse for advice. Unfortunately, the swelling was too great to be treated at the breast clinic so I was referred to the specialist team at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.”

The Referral to the Hospice
“I have to say I was a bit uneasy about the referral being to the Hospice because, like others I am sure, I had the misconception that the Hospice was for end of life care. Having spent a lot of time avoiding thinking about that during my year of treatment, I had to set about finding out more about services provided there and reasons for being referred.

I looked at the website and asked friends who I knew had visited the Hospice and I heard nothing but praise for the patient care and support for relatives, provided in a welcoming pleasant environment.”

My visits to the Lymphoedema Clinic
“My first visit was for an assessment. I was examined, questioned about my history and given advice about massage techniques that were designed to relieve the swelling. I was measured for a compression sleeve and shown how to use it effectively.

These were ordered for me and within a couple of weeks I had a Comfiwave sleeve to sleep in and a sleeve and separate glove to wear during the day.

I was also referred for an intensive course of treatment and while I was on the waiting list I had contact details for the specialist nursing team so I could ask for advice if I needed it.

When my treatment started I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was assured it would not be painful or even uncomfortable and that there would be no side effects. During my 90 minute treatment sessions I have red light therapy, massage and then kinesis taping.”

Making a difference
“Since wearing the sleeves the swelling in my arm and hand has improved considerably but the stiffness and swelling has moved into my shoulder and chest. The nurses [at the Lymphoedema Clinic] spend time working out what treatments might help and they explain everything clearly so that I understand how to do the massage at home.

The tight feeling and the swelling began to improve immediately and I actually look forward to the relief the treatment provides. My husband is going to be shown how to apply the tape as some of it needs to be on my back.

My experience of being treated at the Lymphoedema Clinic at Arthur Rank Hospice has far exceeded my expectations.

The reception staff are warm and welcoming and they, or a volunteer, walk with you to show you where to go.

The whole place is spacious and airy and there is a lovely area in reception where you can buy gifts made by local artists. The bright, airy Bistro [open to the general public also] sells a range of hot and cold meals which are made on site and look very appetising.

The specialist nurses are wonderful. They put you at ease from the moment you walk through the door.

I know lymphoedema is a life-long condition but I consider myself very fortunate to have been referred to a team who are teaching me how to manage it, thus enabling me to live life normally with a bit of extra care.”

You can find more information about Lymphoedema, management, exercises and how to put on and off an arm or leg compression sleeve on our website.

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Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim being to provide the highest quality care, helping people to make every moment count. 

You can find out more about how we are funded here: arhc.org.uk/how-we-are-funded.