What if my compression sleeve or stocking is making my pain worse in the advanced stages of cancer?
It is likely that as cancer progresses to more advanced stages, there will be changes in the lymphedematous extremity. Typically the extremity becomes engorged with lymphedema, causing changes to the size of the limb as well as to tissue texture and skin integrity. While patients may have advanced to phase II of CDT, where they are using compression garments, exercise, and bandaging to maintain lymphedema, changes in the edematous extremity may negate the typical phase II protocol. It may be prudent to discontinue the use of the compression garment to afford greater comfort. Sacrificing garment use and reverting to bandaging techniques to control edema may contribute to improved pain control and greater sensitivity to compromised skin. While compression garments are less cumbersome, they frequently prove difficult to don and doff and could pose as a source of unnecessary frustration for the patient already dealing with immense daily challenges. In addition, if an edematous extremity pr
