How do u know?

shelleym1

how do I tell if my swelling is from lumpectomy and SLNB surgery four days ago or if it's lymphedema? My arm doesn't have swelling but my armpitis burning and swollen and the area next to my breast extending to my back is tender and puffy. I'm scared

Moderators

Hi Shelleym1,

In addition to the helpful advice and suggestions you're sure to receive from the ever-helpful members here, you may be interested in checking out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Lymphedema Signs and Symptoms, with advice on what to do if you suspect you have lymphedema.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

vlnrph

So soon after surgery, it's probably hard to sort out the usual post-operative swelling & discomfort from anything else going on. LE is less common after sentinel node dissection but certainly possible. Hopefully, a set of baseline measurements were taken of the wrist and arm so comparisons can be made once you've healed a bit more.

Do call the clinic and describe your symptoms if you haven't already - should an infection be suspected, you'd want to get on an antibiotic right away, before the weekend arrives. Have you taken your temperature or seen any redness?

shelleym1

no one took any measurements or even mentioned Lymphedema. I called and they said it all sounded normal. No fever or redness just bruising and some swelling in my armpit/side area. Ugh.

glennie19

Shelley, no one measured me or told me about Lymphedema either. I do not think it is commonly done, as least from the stories I've heard.  "oh, I only took 1 or 2 or 6 nodes,,, you are very very low risk. Don't worry about it."

I cannot tell you if it is LE or not.  You are so shortly post-op, I hope that it is post op swelling,, and that's all.  The burning sensation could be due to nerves being cut during the surgery.  Keep an eye on it,,, if it looks worse, or gets red,, or you have a temp.  get medical help.   Ask for LE referral for PT at next visit, so you can get measured soon. Good to have a baseline measurement for future reference.  

And your dog is adorable!

shelleym1

thank you!

carol57

Shellym1, I second the motion for some baseline measures! I strongly suspect that you're experiencing post-surgical sensations, but it's a good reminder to think of LE and get some baseline measures so you'll have a good comparison in case you feel the classic hallmark LE sensations in your arm: a feeling of heaviness; maybe some tingling; perhaps a low-grade burning feel. Also--jewelry too tight, and you haven't gained weight. For truncal LE, look for more pronounced bra marks on your surgery side, and the same low-grade burning feeling. If you're lucky, you may find that an LE clinic in your area puts on screening-and-education sessions. That's the ideal, but if need be, ask for a referral for an evaluation by a qualified LE therapist, who should do the baseline measures and talk to you about smart strategies to minimize your risk of getting LE going forward.

Best wishes--and warm hugs, too--take care and stay hydrated as you recover from your surgery.

shelleym1

thank you Carol.