I hadn't been on an airplane since 2001. So all of the customs and rituals of airport safety were entirely new to me. I had no idea I 'd be told to remove my shoes before walking through the security contraption or that my baggage would be opened, searched, and inspected. It was a whole new world for me. Prior to 2001, none of these security measures were necessary. A compression sleeve wasn't either.

A compression sleeve -- my own personal security device -- is my new travel companion. Designed to protect my arm from swelling caused by the combination of missing lymph nodes and airplane cabin pressure, this sleeve fits my arm from wrist to armpit. It's tight like a glove and while it's not a very apparent fashion statement, it's slightly visible with its darker-than-flesh color.

I almost forgot to wear my sleeve on my flight to Tucson because I sometimes forget about breast cancer and it's effect on my life still. I sometimes forget how unsafe this world can be too. Then I see barefoot travelers passing through an airport corridor just before a jolt sparks my memory, and I rush to pull on my sleeve before it's too late.

There are four missing lymph nodes up my sleeve. And I must never forget this.

Just before my radiation therapy began, my oncologist ran through a long list of potential side effects I might experience from the treatment. The only two significant short-term possibilities were fatigue and burned, blistered skin -- I went on to encounter them both -- but there were other more long-term effects my doctor told me might one day creep up on me.

She told me the range of motion in my arm might be compromised -- it was -- and that lymphedema or swelling could occur -- not yet -- and that I could feel numbness and tingling in my arm -- I do -- and that I should forever take precautions on the left side of my body. No needle sticks, no blood pressure cuffs, no excessive lifting -- all because of radiation and the missing lymph nodes that further complicate matters.

My doctor also told me that while radiation would target one intended area -- my left breast, just where my cancer was found -- other areas would suffer some degree of exposure. My heart, my lung, and my ribs all bordered the location of my tumor and despite measures to protect these areas, they would be zapped, at least minimally.

This all seemed a bit overwhelming 18 months ago when it came barreling at me. But something fortunate happened with the passage of time -- I began to forget about most of this. And while this a blessing really -- to not be burdened by the what ifs -- I realized yesterday when my three-year-old son kicked me with all the force he could muster right in my ribcage that I really must remember the side effects of radiation -- because they could serve to haunt me at any moment.

I remember clearly now my oncologist telling me that my ribcage could be damaged by radiation in such a way that an injury to the area could easily result in broken ribs. But I don't think about this regularly. And I wasn't thinking of it when I snuggled up to my 35-pound baby boy, knowing full well he could strike at any time. But not until he struck did I recall one of the downsides of radiation.

I feel happy and healthy and strong. Like cancer never landed in my lap and threw me for a loop. But somewhere in the back of my chemo brain -- an entirely different side effect story -- I must remember the dangers of the treatments that are keeping me alive. Because the last thing I want is another complication from cancer. I just want smooth sailing -- and smooth snuggling.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes excess fluid to collect in tissue and produce swelling. In breast cancer survivors the swelling can occur in the arm or hand because the lymphatic system has been compromised by surgery or radiation. Its an unattractive and painful reminder of having breast cancer that never goes away.

Robin Miller, 23, and Rachel Levin, 36, are young breast cancer survivors that developed lymphedema after their breast cancer treatment. They were required to wear an uncomfortable, beige orthopedic-looking sleeve. They decided that there had to be a better solution for the look and feel of the sleeves they would have to wear. They approached Kristin Dudley, a Drexel fashion design graduate, with the idea of creating fashionable compression garments that would bring together form and function.

These three friends have made it their mission to help breast cancer survivors manage their lymphedema in a fashionable way, and inspire them to feel confident and attractive with their company called LympheDIVAs. The armsleeves are made of high-tech fibers and come in fashionable colors and designs.

"The look and style of the sleeves has remained the same for over 30 years" said Rachel Levin. "There is absolutely no reason it can't look stylish and still be an effective medical device"

After breast cancer surgery to remove lymph nodes under the armpit, women have a risk of developing lymphedema. This is a serious disorder that we want to avoid. Shaving under the arm where the surgery was performed can be challenging. Many women might be afraid to shave to avoid cutting themselves and developing an infection, which can lead to lymphedema.

The other day my husband came home with this amazing razor. Its called Fusion and it is made by Gillette. I was already using the Mach 3 by Gillette but this new razor is so fantastic. It actually feels like silk going across your skin. It has five blades and causes less irritation and is much more comfortable to use than any razor I have ever tried.

I did not want a hairy armpit so after my breast cancer surgery and I was healed I would very carefully shave that area. I advise to also look in the mirror since the scar tissue can make the underarm area not as smooth as it once had been. I recommend avoiding disposable razors entirely since you are much more likely to cut your skin.

The razor is a bit pricy and so are the refills but I would definitely recommend this as a way to avoid any cuts while shaving.

It's kind of a blur how exactly I came to receive a phone call from a volunteer at the American Cancer Society just after my breast cancer diagnosis. I must have checked a box on one of many medical forms shuffled my way during this confusing time. Or I requested assistance from someone, somewhere, at some point in time. I'm not really sure. But I am sure of this -- one very nice woman, a young breast cancer survivor herself, called me one afternoon from the Reach to Recovery program. She asked me about my situation, told me of hers, and led me to resources -- other survivors, support groups, and the fitness group Team Survivor -- and she met me one afternoon with a goodie bag full of information and comforting gifts. She was my first link to the world of breast cancer survivors.

I've come to know this woman in different circles since she first called me. She was a physical therapist at the same center where I received therapy for post-surgery and radiation concerns. She has been present at every walk and fitness event and cancer function I have attended. And she leads the local Team Survivor group -- so I receive e-mails from her about all sorts of events and gatherings and opportunities for joining a spirited group of strong women. And just today, I received an e-mail invitation from her -- intended for all young survivors she knows who might be interested in becoming Reach for Recovery volunteers. I replied instantly. Yes, I want to do it. She happily replied. So in a short time, I will receive training for this very important job.

It's not a hard job -- it just requires some phone calls and a few personal visits. And the ability to share advice. And words of wisdom. And love and care and compassion for those who may not know how to manage during a personal brush with breast cancer. Whether facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis, a new diagnosis, or a troubling time with lymphedema or reconstruction, Reach to Recovery volunteers offer a hand to anyone grasping for assistance.

I must have been grasping during my own difficult time. I just don't remember much about that time. All I know is that someone helped me at a critical time. And now it's my turn to be that someone.

I am always a bit nervous before I head out for a check-up with my oncologists. I have two of them -- a medical oncologist who delivered my chemotherapy and a radiation oncologist who delivered my radiation therapy. Today I see my radiation oncologist and she will examine my breasts and manipulate my breasts and feel my underarms and check for lymphedema -- swelling in the arm due to removed lymph nodes -- and she will ultimately determine whether or not I have anything to worry about at this time. It's been just over one year since my last radiation treatment and six months since I saw this doctor for a follow-up.

So I am a little apprehensive about what I might hear -- because it's always possible that something does not feel right, that something is questionable, that something has returned. I am mostly confident that I am okay but there is still an unknown that lies ahead of me. An unknown that in a matter of a few hours will be known. And I will either learn that I am in fact okay. Or I will begin another spiral into the what-if-it's-cancer scenario. Only time will tell.

Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania researchers report the results of a study to determine if progressive weight training increases the risk of developing lymphedema -- a buildup of lymphatic fluid under the skin that causes arm swelling for some breast cancer survivors after lymph node removal -- and found that weight-bearing exercise did not cause a higher incidence of this painful condition.

Because many women who undergo initial breast cancer diagnosis have lymph nodes removed to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the original tumor site, lymphedema is a real concern. Lymphedema can occur soon after lymph node removal, or years later. Breast cancer survivors are advised to alter some activities and to avoid undue physical strain when using the affected arm.

However, from the results of this small study, breast cancer survivors are assured that slow, light weight lifting is not a cause for concern. Personally, I use small five pound hand weights as part of my exercise routine, and like the researchers, would advise breast cancer survivors to avoid lifting weights heavier than five pounds until a study spanning several years is conducted.

In February 1996, to emphasize a belief that exercise is beneficial for breast cancer survivors and to increase breast cancer awareness, the first Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat of Vancouver, B.C., team was formed. At the time, Dr. Donald McKenzie did not agree with the common belief that women who had undergone breast cancer surgery and treatments should not do upper body exercise because it would cause lymphedema and tissue damage. He felt the opposite was true, and with a grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada, set out to prove his theory that repetitive upper body exercise had positive outcomes for breast cancer survivors. 

Paddling proved not only very healthy for the women physically, it also provided a profoundly positive mental and emotional shift in their outlook. "During most breast cancer treatment, you are passive," states Dr. McKenzie "The most active you are is swallowing a pill. You are not doing anything and you are not in control. Here was something you can do that would improve your health, and you are in control. It makes such a difference when you are able to say, 'Here's something I can control.'"

Dragon Boat Racing is an ancient Chinese ceremony that symbolizes man's struggle with nature and his fight against deadly enemies. Dragon boats are large canoe-like boats with a crew of 20-26 paddlers, a steers person, and a drummer. At the end of the modern day dragon boat race, competing breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams salute each other. The social bonds created between breast cancer dragon boat racers have proven to be as psychologically beneficial as the physical benefits in preventing lymphedema. The study article, Abreast in a boat -- a race against breast cancer, is available as a PDF document.