Finger?

CarylC

I got a scratch on my thumb on my good side (only SN removed) but my thumb is swollen and has been for a couple of days, my hand and wrist are also slightly swollen.  There's no redness or signs of infection, lymphedema is the only thing I can think of . . . I also have a very painful cord in this same arm that runs from my wrist all the way to my armpit that limits my movement and pulls my shoulder forward.  

Should I ask my doctor about this or am I over reacting?  Since this dx, it seems like I worry about every thing! 

Binney4

Caryl, it does seem like everything's a worry after bc treatment! But this one you can do something about. It's not over-reacting to get prompt help -- in fact it's really smart. If what you're dealing with is lymphedema (which it might be), then the quicker you get on top of it the easier it will be to treat and to manage on-going. And a well-trained lymphedema therapist will also be able to help you with the cording.

You need a referral for evaluation from any doctor on your team (even your PCP). Here's how to find a well-trained lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

And here's some information about the cording you're describing, which is also known as Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS):
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm

So, yes, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for help. Let us know what you discover.

Gentle hugs,
Binney

CarylC

Had an appointment with my BS today for follow up, asked her about the finger and the cording, she wants me to go for an ultrasound to rule out phlebitis and a blood clot near my port which is on the same side and is also becoming somewhat painful underneath the port.  This did pop up (the pain and the cording) after an iv infilatrated about 6 weeks ago.  She feels the whole arm is just a big bigger by looking at it than the other, is phlebitis similar to lymphedema?  Would one rule out the other?  I'm still leaning to cording - when I looked up phlebitis, it showed pictures of redness and stuff that I don't have.  Uggghhhh . . . this is all so confusing!

kira66715

Carlyl, especially with a port,your doctor has to rule out a clot, and a clot can cause swelling, but it is not lymphedema, which is a back up of lymph fluid.

Cording can cause lymphedema, and it is a risk factor for it--yet so many women get cording, and not all of them get LE.

So, before you see a qualified LE therapist (and call to make sure they know how to treat cording), you first rule out a clot.

It is confusing.

Kira