- Krystal Anderson developed severe arm complications more than a decade after breast cancer treatment that included radiation therapy and removal of 29 lymph nodes.
- Fluid retention in her arm worsened after contracting COVID-19, making her susceptible to cellulitis infections.
- She completed 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions at Essentia Health in Fargo, combined with surgery, to treat radiation-induced tissue damage.
- The treatment significantly reduced fibrous tissue and fluid buildup while improving her range of motion and arm function.
- Anderson now serves as co-chair of F-M Breast Friends, supporting more than 460 people in the region through their breast cancer journeys.
A breast cancer survivor from the Fargo area has successfully recovered from severe radiation-related complications using hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a specialized treatment now available at Essentia Health in Fargo.
Krystal Anderson’s case demonstrates how the therapy can address long-term side effects from cancer treatment, according to WDAY News.
Complications From Cancer Treatment
Anderson underwent aggressive breast cancer treatment more than a decade ago, including radiation therapy and surgery to remove 29 lymph nodes. While the treatment successfully addressed her cancer, it left lasting effects on her arm that eventually led to serious medical complications.
The situation worsened after Anderson contracted COVID-19. Her arm continued to retain fluid and failed to return to its previous size, even during periods when inflammation typically subsided.
“It just continued to retain fluid. It really didn’t go back down in size like it did before, when I would have a little bit of a flare up. And then, as a result, when that fluid sits in your arm for a long time, you become really susceptible to cellulitis,” – Anderson told WDAY News.
Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, becomes a significant risk when fluid accumulates in tissues for extended periods. The condition can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Hyperbaric Treatment Process
Anderson was referred to Dr. Ajayi at Essentia Health’s hyperbaric medicine department for specialized treatment.
The therapy uses pure oxygen in pressurized chambers to increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream, which then reaches damaged tissues to promote healing.
Dr. Ajayi explained to WDAY News that hyperbaric medicine offers particular benefits for cancer patients dealing with radiation-induced tissue damage.
“The moment you make that connection, that mix between hyperbaric and oxygen, so the pressure and the 100% oxygen together, it’s almost like you have a medication in your hand,” Dr. Ajayi said.
Anderson completed 40 sessions in the hyperbaric chamber, which she referred to as “dives,” along with surgical intervention. The combined approach produced measurable improvements in her condition.
Recovery Results
The treatment yielded significant results for Anderson’s arm function and overall quality of life. She noticed multiple improvements throughout the therapy process.
“The fibrous tissue diminished greatly. I noticed that some of the fluid had gone out of the arm. My movement, my range of movement was really good. And so I feel like I was in such a great place going into that surgery, and it really helped me with that,” Anderson told WDAY News.
The reduction in fibrous tissue and fluid buildup, combined with improved range of motion, brought Anderson’s arm back to normal function. She described the treatment as placing her in an optimal condition for the surgical component of her care.
Supporting Other Cancer Patients
Anderson has channeled her experience into helping others facing similar challenges. She currently serves as co-chair of F-M Breast Friends, an organization that supports more than 460 people in the Fargo-Moorhead region navigating their breast cancer journeys.
Anderson emphasized to WDAY News that connecting with others going through the same experience played an important role in her own cancer journey. Her advocacy work allows her to provide that same support to others in the community dealing with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Essentia Health’s hyperbaric medicine department recently received accreditation with distinction from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, making it one of 51 facilities nationwide and the only center in the Dakotas or Montana with this recognition, according to WDAY News.
