Lymphedema and Radiation Treatment

nepenthes

Hello - I had 25 nodes removed from my right side along with a double mastectomy.  I have just completed ~6 months of chemo and am getting ready to start radiation treatment.

Does anyone know what the increased risk to getting lymphedema is with radiation?

I've read the early signs of lymphedema are discomfort, tightness, heaviness, itching - anything else I should look out for?

Are there ways to prevent lymphedema during radiation treatment?

I'm very worried about this.

Anonymous

nepenthes theres also swelling, but LE can be present before swelling but it is a pretty sure sign. Others hopefully will weigh in on the exact risk of RT but for sure the risk is there. Have you had any baseline measurements done? There is a current thread to do with this and if you havent, I would strongly recommend you get measured.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/64/topic/805266?page=1#idx_29

How long beofre your RT sessions?

purple32

nepenthes

I suggest you get measured pre and post radiation, and ask your BS or RT for a consult with a LE therapist. You are smart to stay ahead of this.

Radiation does INCR risk although I did not have rads, and I have LE so some of it is either a crap shoot or practicing good risk reduction.  (Who can be sure ?!)
Can't help the luck of the draw, but I sure wish I had known risk reduction techniques at the time of my LX.

Here are the basics:

NO BP, NO Ivs or needle pricks of any kind on your right side- ever.

Dont wear tight rings or bracelets on the right.

Keep your weight and sodium levels in check.

Avoid deep tissue massage.

Avoid manicures

Be cautious with exercise- do not overdo.No repettective arm movements ( like long periods of raking or vaccumming etc ...

For much more , visit;
www.stepup-speakout.org

Best of luck to you.