need help with pain relief from IBC

worriedaboutmyaunt

Hi. I'm new to this board and am seeking some help for my dear aunt. She has been receiving chemotherapy treatment for her inflammatory breast cancer. Unfortunately, surgery isn't an option. She has terrible swelling and hardness on and around her breast, and has very bad lymphadema. Aside from over the counter and prescription meds, does anyone have any advice or feedback on relieving the pain or anything that has helped? Thank you!

ibcmets

I had the swelling and hardness but not the pain.  Chemo seemed to soften the tissues  and some of the swelling,but I was still very red until a year later when I did the BMX.

At some point I was given vicodan for pain but did not have to use it every day.

Hope your Aunt gets well.

Terri

TigerGirl37

I found that a moist heating pack really helped. I made one by filling a big sock with rice and just putting a knot at the top. Microwaved it for a couple minutes and wrapped it around the worst areas. She can check with her doctor to see if there's any reason to not use this, but if she can I hope that it helps. I had terrible pain with mine as well and I went to bed every night with my sock.

Best wishes for your Aunt.

worriedaboutmyaunt

Thank you so much for your posts!