Lymphedema of Legs, Ankles & Feet

nancyinaustin

Thought I should start a new topic on this since as far as I can tell only one other person has experienced anything like this.  In April it will be a whole year for me!!!  Even "soft socks" dig deep trenches in my legs by the end of the day!  A few days ago the area right by & behind my knee went bright pink & began itching like crazy---and of course I scratched, not thinking, it has been awhile, & ended with small bloody holes again.....and then it went away

WTH is going on????  And WHY don't breast surgeon/onc doctor & onc nurse/rad doctor & nurses/even a dermatologit have any concrete specific solutions, other than "it's probably fluid retention, due to the Taxotere" or "elevate your legs" or "keep hydrated with plenty of water".

ANYONE out there with any other suggestions, such as diet regimen?? anything at all, please.

Please note last chemo3/27/10, lumpectomy/lymphectomy 6/25/10,last rad9/15/10.

Arms/hands/fingers ok except for numbness of course of fingertips.

Numbness of toes too.

KS1

Hi Nancy, So sorry to hear that your legs are bothering you. I apologize if someone has already suggested this, but have you considered wearing compression knee highs? I wear them for DVT prevention and drug-related peripheral edema, not LE. I don't like compression hose (too confining) or compression sleeves, but I love the way compression knee highs make my legs feel.

My favorites are:

Juzo Soft 2001. 20-30 compression. I get them with a silicon band at the top so they don't slip down. With machine washing and air drying, mine last about 150 wears.

http://www.brightlifedirect.com/BRAND-Juzo-Soft-2000/c354_142_238/p98/Juzo-Soft-2001-Compression-Knee-High-20-30mmHg/product_info.html

Juzo Wool blend - Nice and toasty for winter. They do not itch. very light compression. Don't last as long as the ones above. These don't have a silicon band, but they don't slip down. With hand washing and line drying, they last for about 30 - 40 wears.

http://www.brightlifedirect.com/p107/Juzo-Cool-Wool-Knee-High-12-16mmHg/product_info.html

I don't like Juzo's cotton compression knee highs.  KS1