When does post surgical swelling stop and when is it lymphedema

georgie1112

Am having fluid collect under my armpits toward my back. It will go down and then swell up. Saw LE therapist but she didn't take any measurements even though I asked her to check the fit on my sleeve. All she said is it is a common area for post surgical swelling and there is no pitting. I know I am being super careful, but I don't want it to get to the point where there is a worse problem and understand early treatment is ideal.

I am only 3.5 weeks out from surgery. But the huge fluctuations in swelling- are they normal??? One day I am flat and hard; hours later I can put my finger in about 1.5" to 2" of soft squishy lumps. Might stay like that for a few days and then go down.

I already have LE in my arm. Therapist was very nice and did MLD which made the back swelling go down. She recommended daily MLD and compression shirt. After trying on many many compression and "fitted" stretch shirts, I found a sleeveless Reebok tank which put pressure on my swollen areas. Feels good. I got an extra small. Surprised how comforting it feels even though it was a task swishing myself into the tight shirt. Was tired when I left the store. Has anyone used Spanks? Reebok tank was on sale, only $10. Sales person said fitted shirts could work the same as compression. Problem I had with the shirts was they either didn't put enough pressure on the swollen area or were so long they went down to my legs and were super tight on the hips.

So right now the compression shirt goes on first, then the bra with the poofs. Then my clothing and finally a scarf to hide the poofs which pop out and can be seen at times! They love to make an appearance and I am going to have to learn to sew. I know there are many worse problems. Am grateful that I don't need followup treatment, but am feeling kind of down with the infection, swelling and difficulty getting back to normal activities.Hope I will feel more like me soon. Best to everyone dealing with breast cancer.

georgie

Lms0139

What is MLD?

Anonymous

MLD is Manual Lymph Drainage. That's basically done by massaging the area.

corky60

Certainly swelling can be present for weeks. I am five months post-lumpectomy, four months post-rads and still have a swollen breast. Last month it was much, much more swollen and the upper arm and side were hurting too. I used the dry-brushing technique (you can search it here) and it really helped.

dogsandjogs

I had swelling for several weeks after my mastectomy in 1982. Neither doctor was concerned. The word lymphedema was not even mentioned. I hadn't hear the word either until I joined this forum.

I was back to work and jogging after 3 weeks and I think the pumping of the arms helped the swelling. You might ask if exercise would help you. I would think so.

georgie1112

corky60,

Thanks for reminding me about dry brushing! It was helpful when I was struggling with LE in 2007 and I had forgotten about it.

dogsandjogs,

Exercise is helpful, but there is a fine balance because too much makes my edema and seromas worse. Have not figured it out yet. Walking helps. Jumping up and down is good. But repetitive use of my arms for too long is not good. Still getting fluid drained but it is mostly on the side where lymph nodes were removed.

dogsandjogs

31 years ago after my mastectomy and reconstruction I had a drain for 3 weeks so was not allowed to go back to work or begin running again. Then at the 3 week mark the drain was removed and the surgeon said I could do as much as I could tolerate. Luckily, only some swelling for a few months. I don't think the docs knew about lymphedema then.

Every case is different of course. I was running 45-50 miles a week prior to surgery so he knew I could tolerate at least some jogging after 3 weeks (which I did) no fast running for quite a while, but only because I was out of shape.

dogsandjogs

I think if you are still draining you have to take it easy, I was not allowed to run or even jog until my drain was out (3 weeks after surgery)

georgie1112

Thanks, dogsandjogs. I think you are right about taking it easy. My drains are out just have fluid from seromas and edema. Slow and steady. I am wearing a compression bra which I hope keeps the swelling down. Am grateful to be healing and moving on though!

Georgie