Finding strength and support after breast cancer surgery

By By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

After breast cancer surgery, Lisa Keirn regained her mobility and successfully managed lymphedema risk through specialized physical therapy at IU Health West, finding comfort and encouragement in a care team.

For Lisa Keirn, recovery after breast cancer surgery has involved more than medical appointments. It has meant regaining movement, managing swelling in her left arm and leaning on a care team that supported her every step of the way.

When Keirn learned she had breast cancer and would need biopsies and possible surgery, a nurse practitioner recommended IU Health for her care. She connected with Dr. Tahereh Soleimani, a breast surgeon at IU Health West, and despite living in Terre Haute, she was willing to make the drive to Avon.

“It was a lot easier for me to get to IU Health West than downtown to University,” Keirn says. “Once I met with her, I knew my preference was to have Dr. Soleimani do the surgery.”

Before surgery, Dr. Soleimani referred Keirn to Natalie Buck, a physical therapist at IU Health West who specializes in caring for patients with breast cancer. Buck introduced exercises to help prepare Keirn for treatment and recovery.

Keirn's first surgery was April 15. After doctors found significant lymph-node involvement, she underwent a second surgery on May 19 to remove additional lymph nodes. Soon after, she developed mild swelling in her left arm and was referred back to Buck to help manage her risk of lymphedema, a condition caused by a buildup of lymph fluid.

“Signs of upper extremity or breast lymphedema are tightness of the skin, heaviness of the breast or upper extremities and clothing fitting tighter,” Buck explains. “Lisa progressed well and quickly from the start. We were able to loosen up her chest wall and axillary area quickly, so her motion returned to normal within two to three weeks.”

Once her mobility improved, Buck focused on helping Keirn manage lymphedema and maintain daily function.

“The relationship with Natalie has been very encouraging, rewarding and supportive,” Keirn says. “She was a great resource for me.”

Buck also brings a personal perspective to her work.

“I have a passion for treating all cancer patients because I am a cancer survivor,” she says. “I had my treatments and surgery at IU Health West, and I personally know the struggles and the daunting undertaking it is to face cancer and all that comes with it. I feel strongly about providing great care to these patients and doing all I can to make them feel better and ease the pain that cancer brings.”

That shared experience resonated with Keirn.

“It is very cool to find out that your care provider has been through similar things and understands the emotions and the questions,” she says.

Keirn completed an eight-session therapy program that included exercises to improve range of motion, cording massage and use of a compression machine. Although some exercises were painful and her surgical incisions remained tender, she noticed steady improvement.

About halfway through the program, she found herself reaching for items on a shelf with her left arm without even thinking about it.

“It has been wonderful. It's been so helpful,” she says.

Buck later ordered a compression sleeve and a pneumatic device for home use. After completing radiation treatment and returning for a final visit, Keirn was discharged to continue her exercises independently.

Today, Keirn is clear of any detectable spread of breast cancer and grateful for the team that helped her recover.

“I’m very happy to have the people that I have helping me with this.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about breast cancer services at IU Health, visit iuhealth.org/breast.