The purpose of the study was to demonstrate that breast cancer related lymphoedema can be
managed by means of Complete Decompression Therapy and consequently improve quality
of life. An instrumental case study design was used. The target population was all women
with breast cancer related lymphoedema living in Tshwane, the context of the study. The patient with the most severe breast cancer related lymphoedema treated by the researcher is
presented. Mixed methods were used to gather data. The expected 60% limb volume reduction
could not be achieved after 4 weeks of induction therapy. After 8.5 weeks of treatment, the limb
volume reduced from the initial 3841 mL to 1639 mL, a 57.2% reduction. Patient compliance
to compression therapy was a challenge and led to relapse extending the induction phase
of treatment. Despite the prolonged treatment, the limb volume reduction improved the
patient’s quality of life. The study demonstrated and confirmed that despite a degree of noncompliance,
breast cancer related lymphoedema can be managed with Complete Decongestive
Therapy which, in turn, improves the quality of life of women living with breast cancer.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:tut/oai:encore.tut.ac.za:d1000682 |
| Date | 17 October 2011 |
| Creators | Maree, J E |
| Publisher | Health SA Gesondheid |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | |
| Rights | Health SA Gesondheid |
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