Mets to soft tissue of elbow?

carcharm

Has anyone had negative nodes but than got mets in LN or soft tissue around elbow? I am going this week to find out if I do. PCP covering for my regular doctor ordered a regular xray of elbow that showed osteophytes (arthritis). I don't think it can show sot tissue/LN mets can it? Unless it's a huge hard mass I think the gamma rays shoot right through it to visualize bone. I've had this ache for many months and is now going up my arm making it feel heavy. My fingers aren't swollen so if it is lymphedema it is early stage. I hate cancer.

bak94

Never heard of it. I hope someone can help you out!

sushanna1

If it is lymphedema and it might be, you should see a physical therapist who specializes in lymphedema as soon as possible.  Many medical professionals do not recognize lymphedema so you should make an appointment in addition to having the xray.  Lymphedema is a funny condition, you can have it in your arm and not in your hand (or vice versa as I do.)

 Some of the wonderful women who post at breastcancer.org started http://www.stepup-speakout.org/ to answer questions about lymphedema.  It has all sorts of helpful information including how to recognize lymphedema and how to find a physical therapist.

Good luck.   

kathleen1966

It sounds like lymphedema to me, it would be highly, highly unusual for this to be a met here?  ...especially if your arm feels heavy....

sushanna1

Carcharm- You may want to post a question on the lymphedema thread asking about your swollen elbow.  Heaviness and a kind of a dull ache are symptoms of lymphedema.  

Sue 

carcharm

tks for responding and I will check out the lymphedema thread.

kathleen1966

Yes, I have lymphedema and your symptoms sound like lymphedema

MicheleS

BTDT-- I have heaviness but no swelling... My elbow is involved as well.  I've been scanned and the verdict is "impaired lymphatic drainage"... and axillary webbing.  They won't call it LE because the arm isn't swollen.  Go figure..

 Anywhoo, what you have sounds similar. 

I stilll worry lots abt mets but everyone (including the radiologist who read my PET!!!!!!) says that I'm good.

{{hugs}}

Binney4

Michele, so many of us have had problems with doctors and nurses who know little about lymphedema. It isn't adequately covered in medical schools and nurses training programs.

PLEASE, insist on a referral to a well-trained lymphedema therapist right away. Here's why:

There can be as much as 30% more fluid than normal in your tissues BEFORE ANY SWELLING IS VISIBLE OR MEASURABLE. This is what's called Preclinical Lymphedema, or Stage 0 Lymphedema. Like Stage 0 breast cancer, it calls for prompt treatment. Recent research shows that women who are treated for it at this early stage can avoid progression and will have much less trouble managing it long-term. 

And another reason to treat it now: that stagnant lymph fulid in your tissues puts you at very high risk for cellulitis (infection) from any skin break -- mosquito bite, hang nail, paper cut. With the lymphatics impaired it also sets you up for a very rapid systemic spread of the infection that can put you in the hospital for IV antibiotics (or in the ICU with sepsis). Treating it now lowers this risk considerably.

Please don't let them put you off. You have lymphedema, and it needs professional treatment. (Usually at this stage that means learning a gentle lymph self-massage and specific exercises, and wearing a well-fitting compression sleeve and glove for a few weeks, then only for exercise, travel, or whenever you feel the heaviness or fullness). Any agreeable member of your team can give you a referral. Here's how to find a qualified lymphedema therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Be well!
Binney

kad22

Carcharm did you ever figure out what this was? I am having pain in my elbow - the bones hurt really bad and then when I pick up things it causes a shooting pain up my arm. It is the opposite arm of where I had lymph nodes taken so could it still be lymphedema?

Thanks,

Kelli

Binney4

Kelli, unless you had bilateral surgeries the pain in your elbow is not likely to be lymphedema. Tennis elbow is one possibility, especially if you're taking an AI. But there are other possible isssues too, so be sure to get it checked out and get some relief!

Be well,
Binney