I am trying to understand lymphedema in the legs a little more and how it may impact a person who's life revolves around cycling.


Just before Thanksgiving I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. The surgery date is set and I will be having a full hysterectomy. They will also be taking lymph nodes in the groin area. They cannot stage the cancer until after surgery when they will do the pathology on what was removed. Until then, I do not know if I will require chemo or radiation treatment.

Obviously, my first concern is surviving. But following whatever is to happen, I am very concerned with the possibility of acquiring leg lymphedema due to the removal of the lymph nodes. This condition can't be cured, it can only be managed. Now it is not certain that this will happen to me. I have tried many searches; they typcially state generically, "lymphedema may occur in some cancer patients". Then, many of the articles focus on breast cancer patients and lymphedema that occurs in the arms. And also, most information seems to focus on managing lymphedema if you have it and there are discussion forums on this.

I don't know the finer details as to prevention or percentage of occurance. As I understand, if it doesn't happen after surgery, then it can remain as a latent condition that could possibly be triggered by certain activities.

So now to my questions.

1. What is less clear to me is the preventative aspect of this. I've read where exercise can be helpful. I am fit, thin, and toned (doctor's words). People say this is a benefit overall, but if your lymph nodes are gone your lymphatic system is compromised and it doesn't matter your fitness level. Some exercise may not be helpful.

Basically they say it's a balance between how much lymphatic fluid one removes as it accumulates. Like nutrition on the bike in reverse - we all need to manage that. Will cycling as I know it end? This past season was one of my best seasons. I was riding hard and fast in pacelines and having the time of my life. I like climbing challenging hills. I like to stand and sprint up shorter steep inclines. Will I not be able to ride like this anymore for fear it is too much for my body to handle? I just haven't found much discussion as it relates to athletic activities.

Can anyone offer any personal experience as it pertains to cycling or running?

2. I've just got a new mt bike this fall. I've read where cuts or bruises might trigger the lymphedema. To what extreme does this mean? Will I not be able to ride my mt bike for fear of falling or scraping a leg with threats of infection?

3. Can anyone offer insight as to the likelyhood of lymphedema in the legs occuring at all? I'm just wondering what level of cycling exertion I can expect to do. Am I overly-concerned about something that isn't so much of an issue? I will certainly accept any level of cycling I can do. It just may never be what I did

4. I now belong to the Dana Farber club. I truly feel like I'm with the A team on this one. I have some more pre-op appointments. I have a number to call the physicians assistant with questions before surgery. I will use their support services. The doctor said this might occur but didn't elaborate much more than that. And I didn't know enough to ask then, well, because I was a little pre-occupied with the more serious points of the discussion.

I am trying to get as much information as I can before I call the physician's assistant. This just may be a matter of wait and see and feeling my way through how my body will process. I welcome any comments or experiences regarding leg lymphedema in cancer patients and cycling/running.