truncal LE vs breast edema

mamaof3bugs

Can someone please explain the difference between the two?  I have swelling in my 'broken' boob, it is warmer than the other, if the swelling gets really bad I get peau d'orange and there are always indention's on my breast from my bra and last but not least I get pooling of fluid.  I had a lumpectomy in Feb. 10 and have had this since.  My onc has assured me it is not IBC, which was of course the first thing I thought the first time I saw the peau d'orange.  My onc continually refers to it as edema but has also called it truncal LE on occasion...any thoughts on what the difference between the two are or are they interchangeable?  I have my 3 month check next week and will be asking her more about it then but was hoping one of you lovely ladies might be able to help me out before then.  thank you in advance, Angi

hereandnow

((((   Ange   ))) 

BoobsinaBox

Angi,

As I understand it the terms breast edema, truncal edema or truncal lymphedema are all interchangeable.  You definitely need a qualified lymphedema therapist to teach you the skills to manage your swelling and keep it from progressing and getting worse.  You will need a prescription from any of your doctors for the therapy, and you can find a well-qualified therapist in your area on Step-upSpeak-out.  I'll find the url and send it to you.  Good luck and good treatment for you.

Dawn 

BoobsinaBox

I have copied this from another thread on breast lymphedema on this board.  I hope it helps. http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htmDid you see a good LE therapist? Many are not familiar with breast LE. http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htmDawn 

kira66715

Mama, essentially they are the same--there's no real barrier between the breast and trunk. I'm going to post a link about it, and you definitely want to get some LE therapy for it, and consider the use of compression garments for the trunk/breast.

Here's the link to breast/trunk LE:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunckal_lymphedema.htm

And here's link to finding a qualified therapist:

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Breast and trunk LE are very common, can be painful and are often not recognized or treated. Hope you're getting some treatment for it--because it does respond.

Kira

swiftbird

Hey Mamaof3bugs, I have identical problem and I'm 6 months out from surgery (I did chemo first, then surgery and radiation).  On top of it, a seroma which was aspirated and now seems to be slowly resolving, but they noticed breast lymphedema during my 6 month checkup.  *heavy sigh* It's a drag, knowing now I have to DEAL with this... I too freaked out about the peau d'orange and obsessed about IBC until my checkup. UGH.

I got a script for a LE evaluation and treatment.  Not sure if my insurance will cover.  I'm getting the sense that not many do, but I dunno.  

BarbaraA

I think that is my problem as well. It started back in October and the BS said 'mastitis'. Three rounds of anti-biotics (and thrush) later, no change. Calling an LE therapist.

kira66715

Swiftbird, most insurances cover lymphedema therapy as a physical therapy benefit--before you go, talk to the therapist and make sure he/she knows how to treat breast/truncal LE.

Just came from a conference and heard two lectures on breast/trunk LE and saw all the compression products, and it is very, very real--and increasing with more lumpectomies.

Hope you and Barbara get great results from treatment---one of the lecturers recommended a "kimbe swell spot" by Solaris, under a compression bra--but this isn't a do it yourself situation, best to work with a knowledgable therapist.

Let us know how you make out.

Kira

Hindsfeet

I still have a seroma in the breast. Wearing a sport bra seems to help. Before seeing the surgeon again, I'm waiting to see if it will disappears on its own. I've read pro's and con's on remvoving the fluid in the breast. Why does it feel so hard?

Yesterday morning, while making eggs, hot butter splattered burning my left wrist. The pt said to protect the arm from injury. I was concerned yesterday about it causing more harm to that arm. The burn began blistering. Someone said to put toothpaste on the burn. I did and it stopped hurting.

Barbara, three rounds of antibiotics did me in last year. That coupled with a low immune system gave me thrust. I did somewhat recover before the lumpectomy, but the recent antibiotics given to me through an IV threw my body back into a worse yeast infection. Along with dealing with the cording problems, and bc recovery, I'm also dealing with this super yeast infection. You may need help from more than an LE therapist. I'm under a naturalpathic doctors care to put my body back in balance...especially in regard to the yeast. I'm was on diflucan, and now on nystatin along with a serious yeast free diet. My mouth hasn't quite recovered. Right now, I feel as if my body is a war zone. I can't wait to be beyond all this.