Chest wall swelling?

dancingneedles

Does anyone else get minor chest wall swelling after wearing bilateral prostheses all day?  It happens to me whether I am wearing light poofies or silicone.

 Doctor says it is not lymphedema and suspects it should improve after more time has past.  (My surgery was in January.)  He thinks it will take time for the lymph system to sort itself out.

Erica3681

Hi Dancing Needles,

You might want to pose your question on the "Lymphedema After Surgery" board. Some of the women there are real experts about lymphedema and might have a better idea whether you should check your swelling out with a lymphedema therapist. Hopefully, your doctor is right and it's only a temporary condition.

Barbara

dancingneedles

Barbara, thank you for your quick response!  I was just wondering if others generally had this type of problem within the first year after surgery. 

By the way, your website has been very helpful!  Thank you for all of the hard work you are doing to inform others. 

I thought about posting on the "Lymphedema After Surgery" board but my radiology doctor doing the ultrasound said it was not lymphedema.  (I specifically asked.)  As I am being treated at a comprehensive cancer center, I am confident in his current assessment. 

 I do plan to ask my oncologist as I will be seeing her soon.

yellowrose

Hi,  I am two years out with mild chest swelling by the end of the day.  At first the dr. said no to LE and then later, yes.  The prothesis may not be the culprit, could be the band or strap of your bra.  Something to check out.

You might want to check here: http://www.stepup-speakout.org/

This link will take you to a site that was created by several of our sisters here.  Great info on the different "types" of LE to include chest.  You might also query Binney on the LE after surgery board.  She's awesome.

dancingneedles

Thank you, yellowrose. 

I've already pulled up the link and have read the LE info.  And, I've checked on LE specialists in my area.

And, I am planning to try some different lingerie to see if that will help.

bennetts1

I had swelling in my chest wall and under my arm.  I am wearing the American Breast Care Massage Form and love it!!!  No more swelling.  Check it out on their website! 

dancingneedles

Thanks, bennetts1.  I looked at their website--that form is new to me.  I'll ask my fitter about it when I see her next week.

2ndtimearound

If there is chest wall swelling and it continues, you need to see a lymphedema specialist.  After my breast reconstruction (TRAM), I started to notice swelling in my reconstruction site along with swelling under my arm and down my side.  Dr's agreed it was too soon to develop lymphedema.  After six months I went to the lymphedema clinic and was told it was in fact lymphedema and it can occur immediately after surgery.  Garments have an effect on chest wall edema.  Too tight of a garment can induce swelling.  I use a post op bra and if I incur swelling that becomes painful, I go to my night garments - a lymphedema pad and two two-way stretch bandages along with my manual lymphatic drainage technique that I was taught.  Lots of water, more pineapple, less salt and in a few days I am usually back to what I call "normal" or "liveable".  Go see a lymphedema specialist, preferably one trained in the Vodder technique.  Insurance pays for this.

Anonymous

What do you do if your PT is obviously just newly trained on Lymphedema and acts like there is no such thing as chest wall edema?  Anyone in the Indianapolis area with recommendations?

Erica3681

LilyLou,

It sounds as if you should seek another therapist. Have you posted your question on the Lymphedema forum here? There are many very knowledgeable women who post there and might be able to help you.

Barbara

Anonymous

Definitely need another PT and am on the hunt - not easy though because you just don't know how they will be.  Would love to hear from anyone in my general area which is around Indianapolis.  Posted my question to another group & did get a good link to try.  So that is my plan - now just need to find the time to research.

KittyDog

I have swelling in the dog ear area that was left from my MX.  My Rads Oncologist called it blood edema and it would come and go for a while.  Never thought that the wearing the foam fluff could be a culprit.  Very swollen tonight and I have been in a bra most of the week.  New thing for me still.  Will ask a second opinion tomorrow.  I finally get to go for a bra and foob fitting.