Any Way to Prevent Breast Lymphedema

corky60

I am over 1/3 of the way through rads and my breast is swollen, weighted and sore.  The RO said that rads cause inflammation and to take ibuprofen.  In passing she mentioned that she'd had one patient who'd developed breast lymphedema.  How would I know if I had this, how long should I wait before seeking help, and what can I do to prevent breast lymphedema?  Thanks in advance.

Binney4

Corky, hello! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this--uncomfortable, for sure, but scary too. It is common for breast swelling to occur during rads, and often it resolves without further problems. Best bet is to seek out an evaluation from a well-trained lymphedema therapist--a referral from any one of your doctors should do it. Here's how to find one near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

S/he can take baseline arm measurements for future reference, evaluate skin and tissue health, and give you personalized risk reduction tips. Then, when your skin has healed post-rads, s/he will be able to help you reduce the swelling and determine if this is just rads-related or if it's lymphedema (which is chronic but treatable).

You want to avoid anything that binds across the shoulder or below the breast, and take special care to avoid infection in the areas where your skin is compromised from rads. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting until treatment is over and healing is complete, and then begin very slowly to regain strength in that quadrant of your body. Air pressure changes can be a challenge, so if you can avoid flying or long car trips until you're healed that would be a help.

Things you can do to increase lymph function include pausing to take a few deep abdominal breaths throughout the day (stimulates the largest lymph vessel in your body), stay REALLY well hydrated (helps dilute the lymph fluid and keep it moving), avoid diuretics unless they're necessary for another medical condition, and do some GENTLE stretching exercises with that quadrant of your body (arm overhead, slowly open and close your fist several times). A well-qualified lymphedema therapist should be able to provide more personalized suggestions as well.

Be well!
Binney

corky60

Thank you Binney. I put on a compression bra and that seems to help, just like after surgery. I intend to ask for a referral when rads are done. I see that there is another thread on this topic too. That's what I love about this board. People are so helpful.