Can Lymphedema Spread?

MarieL1243

I have had breast cancer twice in the past 9 years, both times on the same side.  The first time I had a mastectomy but no other treatments and no problems with LE.  I cancer came back in all the lymph nodes 4 years ago, this time I had surgery, chemo and radiation.  I have had lymphedema in my left arm since (it got much worse after radiation).  No matter what I do, it stays about the same.  It's painful but I'm used that that. 

Recently the area way to the left of my left breast has been aching and seems swollen.  How can I tell if it's LE?  I live in a very small town and there are no LE specialists anywhere near here.  If it is LE in my breast (which I did have an implant after the original surgery 9 years ago) are there compression garmets for this area?  How do I even find someone to diagnose me and advise me on what to buy?

 Another question...about the implant, it feels like it's moved?  Is that even possible?  And it's shrunk...I now have to wear a mastectomy bra with a small prosthetic breast form to even me out.

 Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Hugs,

Marie

KS1

Hi Marie,  The short answer to your questions are, yes, LE can spread to the breast and, yes, there are special garments for when this happens.   Until one of the resident experts comes along, check out the following amazing website:

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

One the top of the website, there are links.   Check out the link to "Breast/Chest/Truncal LE" and  "Lymphedema garments."  Also, check out the link to "Finding a qualified LE therapist."  You're right that LE therapists tend to be concentrated in cities, but you never know.  KS1

kira66715

Marie, you can definitely get truncal and breast lymphedema--the whole quadrant--arm/chest/back is at risk. On the stepupspeakout site there's a link to a good article on truncal lymphedema, and there are compression garments for both day and night.

It does sound like maybe you have a contracture around the implant--not uncommon. Sounds like it's time to go back to the plastic surgeon and have them check it out.

Do you have a lymphedema therapist?

Here's the link to truncal lymphedema:

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

Here's a link to qualified therapists:

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

Let us know if that helps or we can help more.

Kira